Dream Story · Historical Context
Written by Arthur C. Rauscher · Ovid Publishing Group
Arthur Schnitzler, a prominent Austrian author and dramatist, was no stranger to controversy and censorship. His works, often exploring taboo subjects such as sexuality, antisemitism, and the decadence of Viennese society, frequently pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in his time.
One of Schnitzler's most controversial works, Reigen (also known as La Ronde), written in 1897 but not performed until 1920, consists of ten interlocking scenes each depicting a sexual encounter between two characters. When it was finally staged, it led to protests and legal action against the performers and producers. The play was banned in numerous countries and remained a subject of controversy for decades.
Schnitzler's novella Fräulein Else (1924) challenged societal norms with its stream-of-consciousness narrative of a young woman grappling with a moral and sexual dilemma — a critique of patriarchal society's commodification of women. His play Professor Bernhardi (1912), which deals with antisemitism in the medical profession, was banned in Austria until after World War I.
The censorship surrounding Schnitzler's works was not limited to his lifetime. Even after his death in 1931, his books were among those burned by the Nazis. Schnitzler's works were called "Jewish filth" by Adolf Hitler and were banned in Austria and Germany. In 1933, when Joseph Goebbels organized book burnings in Berlin and other cities, Schnitzler's works were thrown into flames along with those of Einstein, Marx, Kafka, Freud, and Stefan Zweig. The regime's attempt to suppress his writings ironically underscored their enduring power and relevance.
Arthur Schnitzler's legacy is inextricably linked to the controversy and censorship surrounding his works. His willingness to confront societal taboos, explore complex psychological states, and challenge the hypocrisy of Viennese society made him a target for censors — but also ensured his lasting impact on literature. The themes of sexuality, antisemitism, and social criticism in his works continue to resonate with modern audiences, demonstrating that the very elements that once made his writing controversial have secured its place in the canon of world literature.