Biblical allusion as a means of investigating communication in Gerhart Hauptmann's drama Vor Sonnenaufgang

Abstract

In accordance with its title, this study seeks to investigate the concept of communication in Gerhart Hauptmann's Vor Sonnenaufgang by means of the Biblical allusion so prevalent in the drama. Consideration is given in particular to the relevance of the Parable of the Sower, which inspired Hauptmann's original title: Der Säemann. The study is devoted predominantly to an exploration of the characters in Vor Sonnenaufgang in search of a "Sower", that is, a figure who represents most accurately the message Hauptmann is endeavouring to communicate in his drama. Despite the overwhelmingly contradictory views as to the calibre of Alfred Loth, the protagonist, he has traditionally been regarded as the Sower in the drama. This study, however, proposes Helene Krause to be the figure who encapsulates most effectively the role of Sower, or mouthpiece for Gerhart Hauptmann. In contrast to Loth, Helene clearly understands the message of selfless love which is at the centre of the drama. The common link binding the two major Biblical allusions in the drama, the Old Testament story of Lot and the New Testament Parable of the Sower, with Vor Sonnenaufgang, is the sun. The sun occupies the role of judge of good and evil in all three and it is significant that it is also the central motif of this drama. The Gospel of Matthew links the rising of the sun with the New Testament commandment of love for one another. The message at the centre of Vor Sonnenaufgang, that of selfless love, is unmistakable, then, when recourse is made to the Biblical allusion pervading the text.