Between Emptiness and Enslavement: The Role of Interpersonal Relationships in the Work of Ernst Weiß, Hermann Ungar, and Ludwig Winder

This article explores the complex struggle for identity in the works of three prominent Moravia-born Prague German writers of the early twentieth century: Ernst Weiß, Hermann Ungar, and Ludwig Winder. It delves into the recurring motif of fear of intimacy and the paradoxical actions of their characters, who often view affection as a threat to their autonomy. Drawing on the psychoanalytic theories of Ronald Fairbairn and Harry Guntrip, the study examines how these authors depict this schizoid dilemma—the wish for interpersonal relationships, contrasting with the fear that love will lead to the destruction of the self. By analyzing selected works, the article identifies various coping mechanisms employed by the characters, such as emotional detachment, withdrawal into fantasies, and the creation of safe but ultimately hollow relationships. Through a comparative analysis, the paper reveals how these literary figures navigate their need for interpersonal connections while grappling with the terror of their own desires.