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Bernhard KellermannGerman writer and poet.
Date of Birth: 04.03.1879
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Literary Career
- Activism and Social Commentary
- Resistance During the Nazi Regime
- Post-War Reconstruction and Recognition
- Final Works and Legacy
Early Life and Education
- Known for his writing and poetry, Bernhard Kellermann was born on March 4, 1879, in Fürth, Germany, to a civil servant.
- In 1899, he enrolled at the Munich Technical University, but later found his passion in German literature and painting.
Literary Career
- Kellermann's early novels, such as "Yester und Li" (1904), "Ingeborg" (1906), and "Der Tor" (1909), were influenced by neoromanticism and other modernist trends.
- "Der Tunnel" (1913) marked a shift towards critical realism, featuring a fantastical plot about a tunnel connecting America and Europe beneath the Atlantic Ocean.
- As a war correspondent during World War I, Kellermann recorded his experiences in "Der Krieg im Westen" (1915) and "Der Krieg im Argonnerwald" (1916), showcasing a complex view of war.
Activism and Social Commentary
- Kellermann's later works addressed social and political issues, including the November Revolution of 1918 and its impact on Germany.
- In "Der 9. November" (1920), he criticized the war, militarism, and the failures of the ruling class.
- His writings explored themes of economic inequality, capitalist contradictions, and the desire for social justice.
Resistance During the Nazi Regime
- During the oppressive Nazi regime, Kellermann remained in Germany, refusing to compromise his principles.
- His novel "9. November" was burned by the Nazis, and he faced pressure to conform.
- Despite the threats, Kellermann maintained a stance of "inner emigration," avoiding direct collaboration with the Third Reich.
Post-War Reconstruction and Recognition
- After 1945, Kellermann became actively involved in rebuilding Germany.
- He co-founded and led the "Kulturbund," an organization dedicated to promoting democratic and cultural renewal.
- As a member of the German Peace Council and the committee awarding the "For Strengthening Peace" prize, he advocated for peace and reconciliation.
Final Works and Legacy
- Kellermann's final novel, "Totentanz" (1948), portrayed the horrors of Nazi Germany and the complicity of certain intellectuals.
- He received the National Prize of the GDR in 1949, recognizing his contributions to German writing and his commitment to social issues.
- Bernhard Kellermann passed away on October 17, 1951, in Klein Glienicke, Germany, and was laid to rest in Potsdam.
