Estrangement Effect [Verfremdungseffekt]

Literary/ Cultural Context Essay

Gerhard P. Knapp (University of Utah)

Ed. by Gerhard P. Knapp, University of Utah
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.4.1: German-language Writing and Culture: Germany, 500-present.
Vol. editors: Gerhard P. Knapp (University of Utah), Jennifer Marston William (Purdue University), Herbert Rowland (Purdue University), Jill E. Twark (East Carolina University)

Domains

Literary Concept

Dates

Date of occurrence 1934

Places

Germany (Location)

Verfremdungseffekt (German Verfremdung = making strange something that is known or familiar) is commonly, if not very accurately, translated as “alienation effect”. Perhaps more appropriate, although less frequently encountered, are the translations “distancing” or “estrangement effect”. Verfremdungseffekt applies to the function of any theatrical device or technique designed to dispel the audience's notion that “reality” is directly represented or enacted on stage. Verfremdung creates an “estranged”, i.e. detached, and potentially rational, reception of a play, and thus counteracts the spectators' e…

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3228 words

Citation: Knapp, Gerhard P.. "Estrangement Effect [Verfremdungseffekt]". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 18 December 2006 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=355, accessed 19 April 2024.]

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Estrangement Effect [Verfremdungseffekt]

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