Die Theorie des Romans : Ein geschichtsphilosophischer Versuch über die Formen der großen Epik

This work offers a sweeping philosophical survey of the novel’s place within the larger tradition of epic narrative. Beginning with an exploration of how ancient Greek and Christian cultures shaped a “closed” worldview, it moves toward a discussion of how the novel emerged as a distinct, open‑ended form that balances interior consciousness with external action. The author examines the novel’s structural traits—its use of prose and verse, the role of the heroic type, and the way irony functions as a guiding principle.

The second part turns to a typology of novelistic styles, tracing the evolution from the abstract idealism of early works like Don Quixote to the later, more disillusioned romantic experiments. It also looks at how authors such as Balzac, Goethe and Tolstoy negotiated societal norms and personal freedom through their narratives. Throughout, the text treats the novel not merely as entertainment but as a reflection of historical consciousness, inviting listeners to consider how literary form both shapes and is shaped by the cultural moment.