Expressionism in German Literature

Expressionism in German literature emerged in the early 20th century, particularly around World War I. It sought to express emotional experience rather than depict reality directly. Writers used vivid imagery, fragmented structures, and intense emotions to convey feelings of alienation, anxiety, and a chaotic world. Influenced by modernist ideas, expressionist works often reflected societal changes and a reaction against traditional norms. Key figures include Franz Kafka and Georg Trakl, whose writings evoke deep psychological experiences and existential themes, highlighting the struggles of the individual in an increasingly industrialized and disorienting society.