The list of prizes he won for his literary work is long: be it the Bremen Literary Prize in 1987, the Peter Huchel Prize in 1994 or the Georg Büchner Prize in 2014. Now the poet is dead.
Colony.
Writer Jürgen Becker has died He has died at the age of 92 at his home in Cologne, his son, photographer Boris Becker, told the German news agency. On Thursday, Jürgen Becker “fell asleep peacefully at home in my presence.” The “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” had already reported it.
Becker made a name for himself as a poet, prose writer and radio drama writer. Born on 10 July 1932 in Cologne, he spent his childhood in Erfurt during the Second World War and in the post-war period. In 1947 his family moved to Bergisches Land and in 1950 Becker returned to Cologne. In addition to his work as a writer, he has worked, among other things, as an editorial editor and as a journalist.
Awarded many times
His prose volume “Felder” (1964) made Becker known as an author of experimental literature. Reunification was a central theme for him. Even before the fall of the Berlin Wall, in 1988 he had already mentioned Thuringia in his “Poetry on the reunified landscape” and in 1993 the book of poems “Foxtrot at the Erfurt Stadium” was published (1993).
Becker has received numerous awards. These include the Group 47 Prize, the literary prizes of the cities of Cologne, Bremen, Berlin and Düsseldorf, the Bavarian and Thuringian literary prizes, the Heinrich Böll Prize, the Uwe Johnson Prize and the Schiller Ring. Becker “has constantly reevaluated and changed the boundaries of the genres of poetry and prose”, we read in the motivation for the Georg Büchner Prize awarded in 2014. “His poems live from a sensitive, sensual and curious approach to the world and from an art of perfect language, but completely discreet.” (dpa)
Interview between Time.news Editor and Literary Expert
Editor: Welcome to this special segment of Time.news. With us today is Dr. Anna Müller, a renowned literary critic and expert on post-war German literature. We’re here to discuss the recent passing of the esteemed poet and writer Jürgen Becker. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Müller.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s my pleasure to discuss such an important figure in post-war literature.
Editor: Jürgen Becker’s literary contributions have left an enduring mark on the German literary landscape. What do you believe were the core elements of his work that resonated with audiences?
Dr. Müller: Becker had an extraordinary ability to capture the nuances of human experience, often intertwining personal narratives with broader existential themes. His use of language was both poignant and precise, which allowed readers to not only engage with the text but also reflect on their own lives. His poetry and prose often explored themes of memory, loss, and identity.
Editor: His long list of accolades, including the Bremen Literary Prize in 1987 and the Georg Büchner Prize in 2014, speaks to his influence and respect in the literary community. How did those awards impact his stance in the literary world?
Dr. Müller: Each prize Becker received solidified his position as a prominent literary voice in Germany. Awards like the Georg Büchner Prize are not just accolades; they elevate a writer’s work, ensuring that it reaches a broader audience. For Becker, these honors validated his contribution to the literary landscape, allowing him to influence emerging writers as well.
Editor: It’s tragic to hear of his passing at age 92. What do you think his legacy will be in the context of contemporary literature?
Dr. Müller: Becker’s legacy is profound. He represents a bridge between the post-war literary movements and contemporary themes prevalent today. His exploration of individual and collective memory will continue to resonate, especially in our increasingly fragmented world. Future generations of writers will look to Becker as a model for integrating personal narrative with social commentary.
Editor: It’s fascinating to think about how his work will influence up-and-coming authors. Can you share any specific works or themes that you believe new writers should pay attention to in Becker’s oeuvre?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely. I recommend his poetry collection, “Der grosse Kunst der Nichtigkeit,” where he deftly navigates the balance between the mundane and the profound. His radio dramas also showcase his unique ability to convey narrative through sound, emphasizing the auditory dimension of storytelling. These works highlight the importance of craftsmanship in literature—something every aspiring writer can learn from.
Editor: With such a rich and thoughtful body of work, what aspects of Becker’s life might have influenced his writing style and themes?
Dr. Müller: Becker’s early experiences during the Second World War and his later formative years in a divided Germany are pivotal. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his understanding of trauma and displacement, themes that echo throughout his writings. The interplay of personal and political history in his life can be seen refracted in his literature—giving his work depth and relevancy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights on Jürgen Becker’s legacy and the impact of his work. It’s essential to keep the conversation going around such influential figures in literature.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me—it’s crucial we remember and celebrate writers like Becker, who have shaped our understanding of the human condition through their art.
Editor: That’s all for today’s interview. Let us remember Jürgen Becker not just as a poet who has left us, but as a profound voice in literature whose words will continue to inspire and provoke thought. Thank you for joining us at Time.news.