Hermann Broch

Overview

Hermann Broch's "The Sleepwalkers" is a monumental and intricate novel that delves into the disintegration of European society, culture, and values during the years leading up to and during World War I. Originally published in German in the 1930s, the book is divided into three parts, each representing a different facet of this disintegration. Broch's work is widely regarded as an important contribution to modernist literature, exploring themes of decay, irrationality, and the collapse of traditional social structures.

Key Points / Ideas

1. The intellectual decline of society: Broch argues that the decline of European society can be traced back to the erosion of reason, rationality, and intellectual values. He highlights the growing influence of irrationality, mysticism, and pseudo-intellectualism on the cultural landscape.

2. The disintegration of traditional social structures: The book explores the breakdown of traditional family structures, social hierarchies, and ethical values. Broch presents a world in which individuals and societies are lost and adrift, lacking a guiding moral compass.

3. The destructive power of technological progress: Broch explores how the rapid advancements in technology during this era have led to a dangerous worship of progress, ultimately resulting in the destruction of human relationships and the devaluation of human life.

4. The psychology of sleepwalkers: The characters in the novel are portrayed as "sleepwalkers," symbolizing their detachment from reality and their aimless existence. Broch delves into the psychological and emotional state of these characters, who are caught between dreams and reality.

5. The collapse of moral values: Broch provides a scathing critique of the moral bankruptcy prevalent in European society during this time. He exposes the hypocrisy, moral relativism, and lack of personal accountability that were major factors contributing to societal disintegration.

Throughout the book, Broch presents a vivid and damning portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse. He uses exquisite prose and intricate character development to paint a picture of a world spiraling into chaos and destruction.

Evidence and Examples

Broch supports his arguments with a wealth of evidence and examples, drawing from history, philosophy, and psychology:

    - He references the rise of ideologies such as nationalism, spiritualism, and nihilism, which contributed to the decline of reason and the disintegration of social structures.

    - Broch highlights the impact of World War I on European society, demonstrating how the violence and trauma of the war shattered any semblance of stability and moral order.

    - He explores the psychological and emotional state of sleepwalkers through introspective passages and stream-of-consciousness narrative techniques.

    - Broch emphasizes the role of technology and industrialization in dehumanizing individuals and creating a sense of alienation, especially in urban environments.

These examples and evidence serve to reinforce Broch's main arguments about the decay of society and the collapse of traditional values during this tumultuous period in European history.

Conclusion

"The Sleepwalkers" by Hermann Broch stands as a masterful exploration of the disintegration of European society before and during World War I. Through its examination of intellectual decline, the collapse of social structures, and the destructive power of technological progress, Broch portrays a world in chaos. His vivid prose and multifaceted characters provide an incisive critique of the moral bankruptcy and lack of personal accountability that contributed to this collapse. Readers seeking a thought-provoking and intense dive into the inner workings of a society on the brink of destruction will find "The Sleepwalkers" a compelling and profound read.

For those intrigued by Broch's exploration of societal disintegration, other notable works to consider include Thomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain" and Robert Musil's "The Man Without Qualities." These novels similarly delve into the psychological and philosophical aspects of a world on the verge of collapse.