Biopolitik in skandinavischer Literatur - Einführende Betrachtungen und eine exemplarische Lektüre von Strindbergs I havsbandet ("Am offenen Meer", 1890)

Abstract

The contribution delves into the history of the term "biopolitics" and explains main features of the concept, focusing on the 'government of life#. An exemplary reading of August Strindberg’s I havsbandet ("By the Open Sea", 1890) illuminates the potentials of biopolitical perspectives on literary texts. Strindberg’s novel negotiates the possibilities and boundaries of the government of life in particular, including the government of individuals as well as the government of collectives. In this context, sex or sexuality plays an important role.

Keywords

• biopolitics
• scandinavian literature