460
TIIE AMERIG-IN HEBREI‘
Tebruary 20, 1924
Arthur Schnitzler Foretells Jewish Renaissance
An Exclusive Interview With the Eminent Littérateur
By J. L. BENVENISTI
FI. strikes one
litterateur Schnitzler has drawn with such mas¬
asa man wllo
trig and dispussienate acchracy a certain type of
H
k pecds all the
ARTITUR SCHNITZLER, perhaps best
central European Jew that I have always main¬
force of his personal¬
knoten to Euglich readerg through his
tained no sturg of the Jewish question could be
ity to keep his over¬
*.Inalol“ epele.che Road to ihe Open.
comn idered complete withont a perusal of this
whelming brains quiet.
Casanona's, Homecoming“ and Dr. Groes¬
work.
That is the dominant
ler. Klands in the forefront, not only of
Behrmann is hy no means a perfect being. He
impression I had of
Jeteish crcative artists, but of ihe creative
is oversensitive, self-analytical, and, I am very
Arthur Schnitzler
artiste of the tcorld as zcell. His foith,
much afraid, inclined to be tactless; yet he is a
after twenty minntes
herefore, in ine coming of a great Jereish
man of real abilitg and many virtucs. Circum¬
Jfthe most inspiring
artistie renaissance is a faith zellich must
stances have, I think, made Behrmann what he is,
talk I have enjoped
hide priche and hobe to ererg member 0f
and though i ould not get him to make a definite
with ang man in
lhe Jezeish communitz. Arthur Schniteler
prononncemet“ an the subject, I am inclined to
montlis.
here geis forth bis zetes on Zionism, anti¬
believe that Schnitzler thinks so, too. For I dis¬
In a way this im¬
Jemitiem and kindred zubsects
cussed Behrmann with Schnitzler just as I would
pression comes as a
AFTHUR SCHNITZLER
discuss a living person. There was nothing in¬
HIhltint
Plapeeright, Poct, Phtlosopher
congruous about this, because Behrmann happens
are in Schnitzler's
Physician and Peycholopiel
something to say he waves yon off, so to speak,
writings certain quali¬
to be alive. Von will mect his like all over,
for a couple of sentences, and then gives you a
ties of suaritg which, like the ontward reserve
Vienna, or, for that matter, with a slightly differ¬
Traction of à sccond to leap into the breach. 11
of a well-mannered person, arc onlz the outcome
ent accent, all over Germany.
is like an obliging bus driver slowing dewn
of geod artistie breeding, but ihich to superhein!
tween prescribed stopping piaces.
people belie the real temperament botl. ol the
4•HE solution of the Jewish Problem,“ said
As one speaks to him and becomes conscions of
artist and the man. Lven a sympathetic and
Schnitzier, “is one which cach individual
bis terrihe depth and intensity of feeling, of the
imaginative studg of Schnitzler's works will not
must lind for himself. There is no general solu¬
ccascless mental rush within the man, one forms
alwags correct the error, and that is why I, as
tion. Zionism docs not secm to me to be a solu¬
some conception of the degree of unrelenting dis¬
deubtless mang others have done before me, came
tion at all. It sccms to me too much actuated by
cipline it must cost Schnitzler to be what he is,
to him expecting to find a personality cold, pol¬
suoden impulses, br resentment, by a mere desire
namely, one of the most polished and urbane
ished and courteous; à man of urbane skepticism
to escape from onc’s environment and scarcely
writers in contemporary Europe. How zasily that
and gentie disillusionments, à temperamental ag¬
ever to spring from a well-reasoned decision.
quick sensitivity, that overready response of the
nostic, chastened of both anger and enthusiasm.
This does not prevent me from admiring Zionism.
heart, might heve swamped his judgment and
Of course, all these things are preciscly what
dimmed his taste! If Schnitzler had not been
admire people who can reach out so high and
Schnitzler is nes. The first thing that strikes enc
Schmitzler, he would, one Teels (not without a
dream so splendicly, but they will never con¬
about him is à most lovable warmth and impetu¬
silent thanksgiving to heaven for a calamity so
vince me.
ousness. He is both mentally and physically a
nearly averted), have made onc of those prolitic
young man despite his gears. His eyc is clear, bis
# need hardlg point out that the Zionist plays
emotional writers who. despite the presence of
complexion rosy, and his gray hair and beard are
activelg into the hands of the anti-Semite. He
real talent, never rise abese the sccond rate in
shot with streaks of blond. In his mental atti¬
confesses to a weakness in our position which, to
the artistic hierarchy.
tude Schnitzler is cqually vouthful. Whatever
ing mind, docs not exist. My parents, for in¬
sübject he touches, he is immedliately on hre. Mis
stance, come Trom Hungary, but my desire takes
THIE truth is that there are two Schnitzlers.
whole heart is in bis talk, and he spends himself
me buck neither to Hungary nor Palestine. Tam
There is the cmotional Schnitzler with the
in it as recklessig as à boy of eighteen.
rooted here in Vienna, my home and the homelof
irresistible crcative inner urge; then there is his
mg vouth. I have grown up identifying myself
mentor-warder and familiar spirit, the critical
FIOI’ND Schnitzler in his little house in the
with its highlg individual culture. I am part of it,
Schnitzler, and it is by a collaboration of the two
4 ##burbs of Vienna, in itself no mean achieve¬
and it is part of mc. Why should I leave this
separate individuals that Schnitzler's works come
ment Cünding him, I mean), for Schnitzler is one
conntrg because a few ignorant and ill-bred fools
into being. This critical Schnitzler, 1 don't mind
of ihe most songht-after „scople in Europe and
of anti-Semites tell me I do not belong here?“
telling von, is a devil of a fellow. Me is per¬
has morcer less to barricace himself against in¬
sistent, wakeful and utterly unreienting. Even in
Do 1 believe that there is a basic individual
truders. Schnitzler had broken off some dictation
his own domain, having no other ohject for his
to come down to me, and had to rub his eyer a
ewish character apart Trom certain traits which
fury, he turns and lacerates him. If.
little, so to speak, before he could launch out on
chvironment has forced upon it? That is a diffi¬
the new topic. Also he secmed at first disinclined
When I attempt ang sort of crt cal or reflee¬
cult question and yet I should, if anything, be in¬
to grant the interview.
tive writing, raid Schnitzler, “1 am half strangled
clined to a negative answer. I do not believe that
brr mg own parentheses.“
PI never give interviews,“ he said."All have
ihe Jew is essentially spiritually different or that
to say on the Jewish question is in my book, Der
P remember thinking at the time that God had
there is a difference of spiritual rhythm between
1e Jn's Freic'“ (The Road to the Open).
originally intended Schnitzler for a sort of an
him and the Gentile. The attitude of the world
Upton Sinclair, and then at the last minnte
*Herr Doctor,? I said,“I have not read Der
towards him has produced certain psychological
changed his mind. In other words, Schnitzler is
Teg In'e Freie’ once hut ihree times, and it is to
moditications. Take away this attitude, and those
one of those not altogether enviable individuals
discuss that bock 1 have come to von.' Where¬
moditications will vanish. I believe that if achild
whose judgments and critical fachlty never have
upon an extraordinarilg weet smile illuminated
uf Jewish parentage, even of the humblest sort,
a holiday. It is a heavy price to pay, but in
Schnitzler's face.
were to be taken to another country, kept in
Schnitzler's casc ihe game is worth the candle.
*Von are very Hattering,“ he said, and motioned
ignorance of its origin Cthough I am far from
That Schnitzler should have had plenty to say
me #t###a seat. And quite sudlenly we were chat¬
recommending such a coursc as a ’sclution' of the
on the Jewish question was ouly to be expectedl.
ling at ninetr miles an hour.
Jewish question), and it that origin were also
He has written abont it enough.Professor
Talking to Schnitzler is a delightful business.
kept from its associates, this child would grow up
Hernhardi“ touches it. The immortal ineffable
The sehsc of grace and form so perceptible in bis
absolutely unconscions of a difference between
Leutnant Gustl' is full of it. But, above all,
benks is evident in his talk and bearing, despite
itself and its playmates, except perhaps that it
Der 1eg in'e Preie“ is remarkable for its bril¬
his rehemence and ready enthnsiasm. He has
might develop and become awarc of a keener and
liant, I might almost say its brutal, treatment of
among other things a perfect genius for letting
(Concluded on hage 474)
this subject. In Heinrich Behrmann the Jewisl:
himself be interrupted. If he sees von have
TIIE AMERIG-IN HEBREI‘
Tebruary 20, 1924
Arthur Schnitzler Foretells Jewish Renaissance
An Exclusive Interview With the Eminent Littérateur
By J. L. BENVENISTI
FI. strikes one
litterateur Schnitzler has drawn with such mas¬
asa man wllo
trig and dispussienate acchracy a certain type of
H
k pecds all the
ARTITUR SCHNITZLER, perhaps best
central European Jew that I have always main¬
force of his personal¬
knoten to Euglich readerg through his
tained no sturg of the Jewish question could be
ity to keep his over¬
*.Inalol“ epele.che Road to ihe Open.
comn idered complete withont a perusal of this
whelming brains quiet.
Casanona's, Homecoming“ and Dr. Groes¬
work.
That is the dominant
ler. Klands in the forefront, not only of
Behrmann is hy no means a perfect being. He
impression I had of
Jeteish crcative artists, but of ihe creative
is oversensitive, self-analytical, and, I am very
Arthur Schnitzler
artiste of the tcorld as zcell. His foith,
much afraid, inclined to be tactless; yet he is a
after twenty minntes
herefore, in ine coming of a great Jereish
man of real abilitg and many virtucs. Circum¬
Jfthe most inspiring
artistie renaissance is a faith zellich must
stances have, I think, made Behrmann what he is,
talk I have enjoped
hide priche and hobe to ererg member 0f
and though i ould not get him to make a definite
with ang man in
lhe Jezeish communitz. Arthur Schniteler
prononncemet“ an the subject, I am inclined to
montlis.
here geis forth bis zetes on Zionism, anti¬
believe that Schnitzler thinks so, too. For I dis¬
In a way this im¬
Jemitiem and kindred zubsects
cussed Behrmann with Schnitzler just as I would
pression comes as a
AFTHUR SCHNITZLER
discuss a living person. There was nothing in¬
HIhltint
Plapeeright, Poct, Phtlosopher
congruous about this, because Behrmann happens
are in Schnitzler's
Physician and Peycholopiel
something to say he waves yon off, so to speak,
writings certain quali¬
to be alive. Von will mect his like all over,
for a couple of sentences, and then gives you a
ties of suaritg which, like the ontward reserve
Vienna, or, for that matter, with a slightly differ¬
Traction of à sccond to leap into the breach. 11
of a well-mannered person, arc onlz the outcome
ent accent, all over Germany.
is like an obliging bus driver slowing dewn
of geod artistie breeding, but ihich to superhein!
tween prescribed stopping piaces.
people belie the real temperament botl. ol the
4•HE solution of the Jewish Problem,“ said
As one speaks to him and becomes conscions of
artist and the man. Lven a sympathetic and
Schnitzier, “is one which cach individual
bis terrihe depth and intensity of feeling, of the
imaginative studg of Schnitzler's works will not
must lind for himself. There is no general solu¬
ccascless mental rush within the man, one forms
alwags correct the error, and that is why I, as
tion. Zionism docs not secm to me to be a solu¬
some conception of the degree of unrelenting dis¬
deubtless mang others have done before me, came
tion at all. It sccms to me too much actuated by
cipline it must cost Schnitzler to be what he is,
to him expecting to find a personality cold, pol¬
suoden impulses, br resentment, by a mere desire
namely, one of the most polished and urbane
ished and courteous; à man of urbane skepticism
to escape from onc’s environment and scarcely
writers in contemporary Europe. How zasily that
and gentie disillusionments, à temperamental ag¬
ever to spring from a well-reasoned decision.
quick sensitivity, that overready response of the
nostic, chastened of both anger and enthusiasm.
This does not prevent me from admiring Zionism.
heart, might heve swamped his judgment and
Of course, all these things are preciscly what
dimmed his taste! If Schnitzler had not been
admire people who can reach out so high and
Schnitzler is nes. The first thing that strikes enc
Schmitzler, he would, one Teels (not without a
dream so splendicly, but they will never con¬
about him is à most lovable warmth and impetu¬
silent thanksgiving to heaven for a calamity so
vince me.
ousness. He is both mentally and physically a
nearly averted), have made onc of those prolitic
young man despite his gears. His eyc is clear, bis
# need hardlg point out that the Zionist plays
emotional writers who. despite the presence of
complexion rosy, and his gray hair and beard are
activelg into the hands of the anti-Semite. He
real talent, never rise abese the sccond rate in
shot with streaks of blond. In his mental atti¬
confesses to a weakness in our position which, to
the artistic hierarchy.
tude Schnitzler is cqually vouthful. Whatever
ing mind, docs not exist. My parents, for in¬
sübject he touches, he is immedliately on hre. Mis
stance, come Trom Hungary, but my desire takes
THIE truth is that there are two Schnitzlers.
whole heart is in bis talk, and he spends himself
me buck neither to Hungary nor Palestine. Tam
There is the cmotional Schnitzler with the
in it as recklessig as à boy of eighteen.
rooted here in Vienna, my home and the homelof
irresistible crcative inner urge; then there is his
mg vouth. I have grown up identifying myself
mentor-warder and familiar spirit, the critical
FIOI’ND Schnitzler in his little house in the
with its highlg individual culture. I am part of it,
Schnitzler, and it is by a collaboration of the two
4 ##burbs of Vienna, in itself no mean achieve¬
and it is part of mc. Why should I leave this
separate individuals that Schnitzler's works come
ment Cünding him, I mean), for Schnitzler is one
conntrg because a few ignorant and ill-bred fools
into being. This critical Schnitzler, 1 don't mind
of ihe most songht-after „scople in Europe and
of anti-Semites tell me I do not belong here?“
telling von, is a devil of a fellow. Me is per¬
has morcer less to barricace himself against in¬
sistent, wakeful and utterly unreienting. Even in
Do 1 believe that there is a basic individual
truders. Schnitzler had broken off some dictation
his own domain, having no other ohject for his
to come down to me, and had to rub his eyer a
ewish character apart Trom certain traits which
fury, he turns and lacerates him. If.
little, so to speak, before he could launch out on
chvironment has forced upon it? That is a diffi¬
the new topic. Also he secmed at first disinclined
When I attempt ang sort of crt cal or reflee¬
cult question and yet I should, if anything, be in¬
to grant the interview.
tive writing, raid Schnitzler, “1 am half strangled
clined to a negative answer. I do not believe that
brr mg own parentheses.“
PI never give interviews,“ he said."All have
ihe Jew is essentially spiritually different or that
to say on the Jewish question is in my book, Der
P remember thinking at the time that God had
there is a difference of spiritual rhythm between
1e Jn's Freic'“ (The Road to the Open).
originally intended Schnitzler for a sort of an
him and the Gentile. The attitude of the world
Upton Sinclair, and then at the last minnte
*Herr Doctor,? I said,“I have not read Der
towards him has produced certain psychological
changed his mind. In other words, Schnitzler is
Teg In'e Freie’ once hut ihree times, and it is to
moditications. Take away this attitude, and those
one of those not altogether enviable individuals
discuss that bock 1 have come to von.' Where¬
moditications will vanish. I believe that if achild
whose judgments and critical fachlty never have
upon an extraordinarilg weet smile illuminated
uf Jewish parentage, even of the humblest sort,
a holiday. It is a heavy price to pay, but in
Schnitzler's face.
were to be taken to another country, kept in
Schnitzler's casc ihe game is worth the candle.
*Von are very Hattering,“ he said, and motioned
ignorance of its origin Cthough I am far from
That Schnitzler should have had plenty to say
me #t###a seat. And quite sudlenly we were chat¬
recommending such a coursc as a ’sclution' of the
on the Jewish question was ouly to be expectedl.
ling at ninetr miles an hour.
Jewish question), and it that origin were also
He has written abont it enough.Professor
Talking to Schnitzler is a delightful business.
kept from its associates, this child would grow up
Hernhardi“ touches it. The immortal ineffable
The sehsc of grace and form so perceptible in bis
absolutely unconscions of a difference between
Leutnant Gustl' is full of it. But, above all,
benks is evident in his talk and bearing, despite
itself and its playmates, except perhaps that it
Der 1eg in'e Preie“ is remarkable for its bril¬
his rehemence and ready enthnsiasm. He has
might develop and become awarc of a keener and
liant, I might almost say its brutal, treatment of
among other things a perfect genius for letting
(Concluded on hage 474)
this subject. In Heinrich Behrmann the Jewisl:
himself be interrupted. If he sees von have