The Role of the Writer and the Press in the Unification of Germany, 1989-1990

This work explores the misconception that literary writers from East and West Germany opposed the unification of the two states from 1989 to 1990. It examines the contributions of nine writers, including names synonymous with opposition such as Stefan Heym and Walter Jens and argues that their opposition is in fact a myth. While focusing on the strategies of legitimatizing writers and their authority to speak on unification, this study also reflects on the relationship between the reception of literary and journalistic texts. Finally, the work explores the reasons for this mythologization and thus provides a contribution to debates on the future role of writers in the unified German state.