'Der Reine darf Alles': Fontanes literarische Kritik am Kulturprotestantismus

Drawing on an analysis of three of Theodor Fontane's major novels - 'Irrungen, Wirrungen', 'Vor dem Sturm' and 'Der Stechlin', this article argues that Fontane's mature fiction embodies a literary critique - not, as has often been assumed, an endorsement - of the ideology of inwardness associated with late nineteenth-century German Protestantism. Book synopsis: Fontane’s canonical status is based on his unique narrative style, already recognized by his contemporaries as a hallmark of his work. This volume explores new linguistic, text-genetic, and comparative approaches to Fontane’s work, and critically examines the key notion of Fontane unique “sound” and “style.” The essays lend insight to how Fontane’s style was forged and suggest material and non-material factors that underlie his style