Avatars of the limit-situation in post-totalitarian witness literature
Avatars of the limit-situation in post-totalitarian witness literature

Summary/Abstract: The present paper aims at providing several interpretation patterns necessary for an applicative analysis of the concept of limit-situation, as it is revealed by testimonial literature produced by surviving witnesses of totalitarian oppression policies applied in the twentieth century. Approaching the limit-situation from the perspective of literary theory and criticism and relying on the heuristic value of the concept, generates a wide range of associations, from the theory and aesthetics of limit-situations, to the relationship between expression means and the factual nature of experiences, thus configuring a possible topography of limit-situations. Starting with the psychological description coined by Karl Jaspers and further discussing several other philosophical perspectives on the limit-situation the underlying analysis harbours the more precise definition of this type of experience and its relevance to any field of anthropological interest.

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