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Ivan GollGerman-French poet, one of the representatives of expressionism.
Date of Birth: 29.03.1891
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Pacifism and Exile
- Post-War Years and Return to France
- Literary Contributions
- Major Works
Early Life and Education
Yvan Goll was born on March 29, 1891, in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, Lorraine, which was part of the German Empire at the time. Despite the annexation, the region's inhabitants still largely identified as French. Goll studied law at the University of Strasbourg, earning a doctorate in philosophy in 1912.
Pacifism and Exile
As a pacifist, Goll emigrated to Switzerland at the outbreak of World War I. He lived in Zurich, Lausanne, and Ascona, writing and engaging with the artistic and intellectual communities there.
Post-War Years and Return to France
After the war, Goll moved to Paris, becoming a prominent figure in the literary scene. However, the outbreak of World War II forced him to seek refuge in the United States, where he remained until 1947. Throughout his life, Goll's sense of national identity was complex and evolving. He described himself as "Jewish by fate, French by chance, German by possession of a stamped paper."
Literary Contributions
Goll was a significant figure in the German Expressionist movement. His work as a poet, playwright, and essayist reflected the themes of alienation, loss, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world. He incorporated elements of French surrealism into his German writings, bridging the two literary traditions.
Major Works
Among Goll's notable works are:"Panamakanal" (1919): A poem included in the influential anthology "Twilight of Humanity."
"Methusalem oder Der ewige B?rger" (1924): A satirical drama with elements of absurdist theater.
"Johann Ohneland" (1930): A cycle of poems exploring themes of homelessness and exile, with autobiographical undertones.
Goll's writings played a significant role in the development of Expressionism and his multilingualism allowed him to reach a wide audience. His work continues to be studied and admired for its insights into the human condition and its exploration of the complexities of national identity.
