The 1912 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to the German dramatist and novelist Gerhart Hauptmann (1862–1949) "primarily in recognition of his fruitful, varied and outstanding production in the realm of dramatic art."[1] He is the fourth German author to become a recipient of the prize after Paul Heyse in 1910.[2]
Gerhart Hauptmann achieved prominence as one of the pioneers of German Naturalism. Naturalism emphasizes observation and determinism as key concepts. Vor Sonnenaufgang ("Before Sunrise"), a drama he wrote in 1889, launched his career and received critical acclaim at the same time and was followed by other successful plays such as Die Weber ("The Weaver", 1892), Hanneles Himmelfahrt ("The Assumption of Hannele", 1893), and Die versunkene Glocke ("The Sunken Bell", 1896). Hauptmann was inspired by the discussion and quickly produced a series of works with realistic themes. He released Der Narr in Christo Emanuel Quint ("The Fool in Christ, Emanuel Quint)", his debut book, in 1910.[3][2]
Gerhart Huaptmann was nominated in 5 occasions (three in 1902 and one nomination in 1906). His nomination in 1912 was made Erich Schmidt (1853–1913), historian of literature and member of the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, which eventually led him to being awarded the prize.[4]
In 1911 and 1912, the committee's shortlists included Henry James, Maurice Maeterlinck, George Bernard Shaw and Gerhart Hauptmann.[citation needed] During the deliberations, James was commended for his "fine style and conversational and situation novels" but was dismissed due to the "lack of concentration, and his recent work The Wings of the Dove was too improbable and odious in subject";[citation needed] Maeterlinck was praised as "a poet of admirable power and versatility... surprisingly great" and that "his choice will be like in most quarters, because this poet enjoys a world reputation and his writings are widely read and accepted";[citation needed] Shaw was seen with "works lacking the ideal direction";[citation needed] and Hauptmann was praised as being one of the finest naturalists in Europe with his The Weavers playing a vital role for his Nobel triumph.[citation needed] Hence for 1911 and 1912, Maeterlinck and Hauptmann were selected respectively.[6][page needed]
Notes
^ abThe nomination was made by several scientists and other individuals, among those F. Mistral and Count M. Maeterlinck.
^The nomination was made by more than 700 members of various literary societies in Spain, divided in 4 nominations.
1912 Nobel Prize in Literature
