Was Dinge über ihren Besitzer sagen. Karl-Markus Gauß’ Abenteuerliche Reise durch mein Zimmer
What Things Say about Their Owner. Karl-Markus Gauß’ “Adventurous Journey through My Room”

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the meanings of the things “bookcase”, “books”, “shower cap” and “cup” in the book Abenteuerliche Reise durch mein Zimmer especially with regard to the author Karl-Markus Gauß’ understanding and criticism of Europe. It turns out that the bookcase and its books symbolize a hybrid Europe, in which the most diverse cultures are intermixed. Furthermore, the author’s shower cap collection clarifies Gauß’ preoccupation with the minorities of Europe. Another aspect of this work is focused on the collection of souvenir cups. In the book, the cup functions as a medium of remembrance, which leads to Gauß’ narration of his journey to the Gagauz people. Supplementary, the collection of cups, like the collection of shower caps, attests to Gauß’ preoccupation with the minorities of Europe. However, with the help of the cup from Comrat, the author also discusses the issues of the European wealth gap and the situation in the peripheries of Europe.

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