WLIT 017 Lecture 13: The Reader
20 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
In 1935 removed from teaching position bc of public criticism of nazis. In 1946 he became very influential professor of dogmatic and ecumenical theology at heidelberg university, where he served until retiring in 1971. Studied law at free university at west, grad 1968. Became a judge at constitutional court of the federal state of north. In 2004, published on list of 100 fav books of german readers, 2nd highest for any german contemporary novel. 2 million sold in us (featured on oprah 1999), 200,000 in the uk, Content: relationship b/t 15 year old michael berg w/ 36 year old woman. It is an intensely sexual relationship that includes the ritual of michael reading aloud to hanna from classic works of literature. Hanna remains distant and mysterious, her sexual attentions are mixed with shocking undercurrents of violence. At the end of part 1, she disappears, leaving michael stunned and feeling guilty.
