Körper – Identität – Sprache. Überlegungen zur Lyrik Else Lasker-Schülers und Mascha Kalékos

The texts by both authors discussed here are read as lyrical reflections of self-designs. Both writers subvert the prevailing (discourse) order with their very own styles. Kaléko's reflections on the present examine identity formation in the field of class as well as gender and race, whereby Kaléko puts a strong focus on social differences. All three areas converge in the body and are expressed in poetry. As well as in Else Lasker-Schüler's texts the question of identity is one that is reflected upon as an interweaving and overlapping of various factors of exclusion as described in the intersectionality research. Above all, the connection between cultural gender narratives and female sexuality are mentioned many times. The body, as will be discussed in this essay, is the place where – if you want – conflict and constitution of identity will happen in the lyrical texts of both writers.