Männergestalten in Martin Walsers Ein fliehendes Pferd
Male figures in Martin Walser's Runaway Horse

Summary/Abstract: Martin Walser’s short story called Ein fliehendes Pferd is simultaneously a psychogram and analysis of the society depicted; discrepancy and sterility of life, performed roles and reality, loss of the self, search for identity, relational poverty, construction of fake identities and the lack of real communication are themes projected into the novella through the characters. The constellation of the four figures reveals a strong polarity between the male characters, being deeply marked by the compulsion to flee. The main aim of the present paper is the analysis of various aspects of the character constellation so that the focus is directed on Helmut and Klaus’ chess-like relationship.

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