Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of spatio-temporal perception in the intellectual history of the travelers to center the work analysis of Schubert, Winterreise (1827). Recent research indicates that more importance should be attached to the understanding of Wilhelm Müller’s poem in literary terms. So, what does it all mean regarding human nature? Examining the motifs of Schubert, Winterreise, step by step, we arrive at the following points. First, it is reality to assume that Müller was deeply affected by the vocabulary of the Old Testament, including the curse formula described in the Book of Job. No wonder, therefore, that we attempt to classify Schubert, Winterreise into the type of gothic horror. Second, we can find that two temporal elements (Zeit and Stunde) are blended in the spatial perception (ein Weg→Wege→eine Straße), which is often seen in the context of Schubert, Winterreise. Based on Heidegger, Sein und Zeit (1927) §70, such an idea reflects the double structure of Müller’s dramaturgy, and it reminds us of the case of the Book of Kohelet. Now that this paper is only able to set up a hypothesis due to space constraints, it is hoped that there will be a future opportunity to discuss other examples in detail.
