Else Lasker-Schüler, German poet and playwright (b. 1869)

Else Lasker-Schüler, born Elisabeth Schüler (German: [ˈɛl.zə ˈlas.kɐ ˈʃyː.lɐ]), was an extraordinary German-Jewish poet and playwright whose life and work profoundly shaped and reflected the tumultuous early 20th century. Born on February 11, 1869, in Elberfeld (now part of Wuppertal, Germany), and passing away on January 22, 1945, in Jerusalem, she is remembered not only for her groundbreaking poetry but also for her distinctive bohemian lifestyle in Berlin and her unique position within the Expressionist movement.

A Life of Art and Identity

Lasker-Schüler's biography is as captivating as her verses. She developed an early interest in literature and art, moving to Berlin, the pulsating cultural heart of the Weimar Republic, in the late 19th century. It was here that she fully embraced a bohemian existence, becoming a central figure in the city's vibrant avant-garde circles. Her unconventional behavior, flamboyant attire, and the adoption of various alter egos, such as "Prince Jussuf of Thebes" and "Tino of Baghdad," were integral to her artistic persona and challenged societal norms of the time.

Her identity as a German-Jewish woman profoundly influenced her work, intertwining themes of spirituality, ancient myths, and a deep connection to her heritage with intensely personal and often melancholic reflections. She stood out in a predominantly male-dominated literary landscape, distinguishing herself as one of the few prominent female voices associated with German Expressionism.

Expressionism and the Berlin Avant-Garde

As a key figure in the Expressionist movement, Else Lasker-Schüler contributed significantly to its literary expression. Her work was characterized by its departure from traditional forms, embracing an emotional intensity, vibrant imagery, and a subjective reality that mirrored the anxieties and transformations of modern life. She was closely associated with the influential Expressionist journal Der Sturm, founded by her first husband, Herwarth Walden, which served as a vital platform for the new artistic currents of the era. Through her contributions to this and other publications, she helped define the aesthetic and thematic concerns of Expressionist poetry.

Her poetic output, including seminal collections like Stimmen der Nacht (Voices of the Night, 1911), Meine Wunder (My Miracles, 1911), and Hebräische Balladen (Hebrew Ballads, 1913), showcases her lyrical mastery and innovative use of language. Her poems often explored complex relationships, existential questions, and a profound longing for a spiritual homeland, particularly evident in her later works reflecting her Jewish identity and the political turmoil of her time. As a playwright, her most notable work, Die Wupper (The Wupper, 1909), explored social themes and psychological depth, set in her native region.

Exile and Legacy

The rise of Nazism in Germany marked a tragic turning point in Lasker-Schüler's life. As a prominent Jewish intellectual and artist, she faced increasing persecution. In 1933, following a physical attack by Nazi thugs, she was compelled to flee her beloved Berlin, joining the ranks of countless artists and thinkers forced into exile. Her journey took her first to Zurich, Switzerland, and eventually, in 1939, to Jerusalem in the British Mandate of Palestine, fulfilling a long-held spiritual yearning for the Holy Land, a recurring motif in her poetry.

Despite the immense challenges of exile and the loss of her cultural milieu, Lasker-Schüler continued to write, though her later years were marked by hardship and isolation. She passed away in Jerusalem in 1945, just weeks before the end of World War II, leaving behind a profound and influential body of work. Her legacy endures as a groundbreaking figure in German literature, a pioneer of Expressionism, and a powerful voice for Jewish identity and the human spirit in the face of adversity. In 1932, she was awarded the prestigious Kleist Prize, one of Germany's highest literary honors, acknowledging her significant contributions to German letters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Else Lasker-Schüler

Who was Else Lasker-Schüler?

Else Lasker-Schüler was a highly influential German-Jewish poet and playwright, celebrated for her unique Expressionist poetry, bohemian lifestyle in Berlin, and her powerful voice amidst the political turmoil of the early 20th century. She is considered one of the most important female figures in modern German literature.

What literary movement was Else Lasker-Schüler associated with?

She was primarily associated with the Expressionist movement, a modernist artistic and literary movement that originated in Germany in the early 20th century. Her work contributed significantly to Expressionism's lyrical and thematic characteristics.

Why did Else Lasker-Schüler flee Germany?

As a Jewish artist, Else Lasker-Schüler was a target of the Nazi regime. She was forced to flee Germany in 1933 after being physically assaulted, seeking refuge first in Switzerland and later in Jerusalem to escape persecution.

What is Else Lasker-Schüler known for?

She is renowned for her innovative poetry, which is rich in symbolism, personal emotion, and spiritual depth, as well as her pioneering role as a female Expressionist writer. Her unconventional public persona and her significant contributions to journals like Der Sturm also define her legacy.