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, he had already mentioned Thuringia in his “Poem on the Reunified Landscape” of 1988, and in 1993 the book of poems “Foxtrot at the Erfurt Stadium” (1993) was published.
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 are based on a sensitive, sensual and curious approach to the world and on a perfect language art, but completely discreet.”
Time.news Interview: Remembering Jürgen Becker
Editor: Welcome to today’s special segment on Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Emma Weiss, a literary scholar and a keen observer of post-war German literature, to reflect on the life and contributions of the late writer Jürgen Becker, who recently passed away at the age of 92. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Weiss.
Dr. Weiss: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to discuss such a significant figure in literary history.
Editor: Jürgen Becker was a central figure in post-war German literature. Can you share with us what made his work stand out?
Dr. Weiss: Absolutely. Becker’s work was deeply rooted in the experiences and traumas of World War II and its aftermath. His poetry and prose grappled with the complexities of identity, memory, and the collective conscience of a nation rebuilding itself. He had a unique ability to convey profound emotions through a minimalist style, which drew readers into his introspective world.
Editor: You mentioned the theme of memory. How did Becker explore this theme in his writing?
Dr. Weiss: Memory is indeed a recurring theme in Becker’s literature. He often blurred the lines between personal and collective memory, navigating the haunting legacies of the war. His work encouraged readers to confront uncomfortable truths about history while also finding solace in the act of remembrance. This duality made his writing both poignant and powerful.
Editor: One of the touching revelations following his passing was the role of his family, particularly his son Boris Becker, who shared the news. How important was family in Becker’s life and work?
Dr. Weiss: Family was a cornerstone of Becker’s life. His relationships informed his writing, providing both inspiration and, at times, a source of conflict to explore in his narratives. The fact that his son is a photographer speaks volumes about the artistic legacy Becker leaves behind. It’s a reminder of how creativity can be a shared path between family members.
Editor: As we look back on his contributions, what do you think is Becker’s lasting legacy in the literary world?
Dr. Weiss: Jürgen Becker’s lasting legacy is his fearless exploration of uncomfortable truths and his commitment to capturing the complexities of the human experience. He opened up dialogues around guilt, redemption, and recovery, making his work as relevant today as it was during his most prolific years. Emerging writers can look to him for inspiration on how to approach difficult subjects with nuance and empathy.
Editor: In your opinion, how should we remember him moving forward?
Dr. Weiss: We should celebrate Becker not only as a significant writer but also as a thinker who invited us to reflect on our histories, both personal and collective. His work should be revisited and appreciated for its depth and its powerful ability to communicate the complexities of human emotions. Reading his works can be an enriching experience for both old fans and new readers alike.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Weiss. It’s clear that Jürgen Becker leaves a profound impact on the literary world, and we appreciate you shedding light on his important contributions.
Dr. Weiss: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to engage with and honor the works of writers like Becker, who shape our understanding of literature and life.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us to remember Jürgen Becker. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come. Stay tuned for more discussions on influential figures in literature here on Time.news.