Kriegsheimkehr und Anerkennung in Leonhard Franks Erzählung Karl undAnna (1926)

Abstract

The returning soldier has become a paradigmatic figure in 20th century literature, following the real mass phenomenon of the First World War. In this regard, many texts of the 1920s adopt classic motifs and patterns such as references to Homer's "Odyssey" or to the story of Martin Guerre—for instance "Karl and Anna" (1926), a novella by German author Leonhard Frank (1882–1961). Here, after his arrival from Russian war captivity, the veteran Karl grabs the spot of his fellow soldier Richard. With Richard's wife Anna he 'continues' a relationship as 'Richard.' Frank's novella, turned into several movies, is a tale of mistaken identities and betrayal and broaches the issue of recognition with regard to the returning soldier and his love relationship.