Dysfunktionale Anachronismen in Valerij Brûsovs Roman Oгненный ангелъ. Das Scheitern Einer Symbolistischen Minne Im Deutschland Des 16. Jahrhunderts

Abstract

In his Fiery Angel, published 1907–1909, Brûsov shows fictional-factual late Middle Ages in western Germany on the threshold to the times of Reformation, with their wars, riots, social changes – but still working (German) medieval discourses and their own significant cultural artifacts, especially those of mysticism or courtly love (‘Minne’). Embedded in this frame is the story of Ruprecht and Renata, which is used in the novel to exemplify the (now) failing mechanisms of courtly love among other things, regarding a multi-level ‘Stoffzwang’. Because of the anachronistic substance in the topoi used, their combination is unable to work as a staging of ‘Minne’. By means of the protagonists’ new social localization, which is no longer medieval, and also by means of (Russian) symbolism’s discourses and fashions, next to Brûsov’s own failed relationship with Nina Petrovskaâ woven into his pseudo-authentic 16^th century novel, the collapse of a belated courtly love is demonstrated.