Journal of Austrian Studies

Abstract:

This article analyzes Robert Menasse's acclaimed novel Die Hauptstadt (The Capital, 2017) in which he probes the state of the European Union and shows the relevance of bureaucracy as a literary topic. The author uncovers the highly discussed origins of thought that Menasse presents about the idea of a capital, about Auschwitz, and about the EU and contemplates about the memory culture, referring to positions taken by Zygmunt Bauman, Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Avishai Margalit, and Peter Sloterdijk. Connections to other publications by Menasse, including Der europäische Landbote, are laid bare.