Vom rechten Handeln in rechtloser Zeit - Ernst Wiecherts Novelle Der Richter

Abstract

The novella The Judge by Ernst Wiechert gives testimony to the poet’s critical analysis and examination  of the immediate National Socialist past and, at the same time, tries to provide some  forward-looking re-orientation in terms of a comprehensive humanism based on Christian ideals.  Wiechert’s narrative follows a dramatic structure in accordance with the tragedies of Classical  Greek Antiquity. Faced with an existential crisis, the title character has to prove his moral integrity  and steadfastness. Deluded by the pervasive Nazi ideology, the judge’s son goes astray by killing  a former friend but finally, thanks to his father’s cautious, gentle guidance, finds his way back. At the  end of the novella the son even atones for his wrongs while his father, an unfaltering representative  and unswerving advocate of law and justice, resigns from his office in the face of the lawlessness he  has experienced under the Nazi terror regime.  Apart from analysing the plot of Wiechert’s novella, this study also examines the clearly outlined  characters as well as the complex theme of guilt, repentance and forgiveness. Finally, the article  focuses on the author’s intention of taking part in the social and political discourse of post-war  Germany by conveying his message of humanity and moral integrity