Between Objectivity and Fantasy

Alfred Döblin’s Theoretical Inquiries into the Novel

Abstract

With an intense theoretical engagement in the early 20th century, Alfred Döblin was a prolific author who dedicated himself extensively to reflections on the novel. This article builds upon three concepts presented in “Construction of the Epic Work” (1928) to explore Döblin’s conception of the novel and the dialogues his work later establishes with the artistic debates of that period. To this end, we will initially introduce two key concepts from the essay: report and fantasy. Next, we will illustrate how Döblin’s utilization of the report concept stems from his early writings and his dialogue with Futurism. We will also examine the concept of fantasy and its connection to objectivity and report. Finally, we will discuss how the shift in emphasis on the relationship between report and fantasy in 1928 should be understood in the context of the ongoing debate surrounding the New Objectivity reportage novel.