Self-portrayal of Günter Grass in “The Tin Drum”

Abstract

This study examines German postmodern writer Günter Grass’s The Tin Drum as an autobiography in which the writer blends history with personal narrative, merging the boundaries of fiction and history. The main purpose of the study is to bring out the use of autobiographical elements to portray truth, fantasy, realism, memory and historical discourse as seen through the eyes of the protagonist Oskar Matzerath. This research paper is based on textual analysis using a qualitative approach, drawing on postmodern literary theories. Gunter Grass uses narration as a memoir and critique of the Second World War, suggesting how historical events are remembered. This research has implications for ESL, EFL students and teachers.