How Funder Uses Symbols to Explore Key Themes in Stasiland
Topic: "People here talk of the Mauer im Kopf or the Wall in the Head.” Discuss how Funder uses symbols to explore key themes in Stasiland.
‘Stasiland’ is a non-fiction text written by Anna Funder and follows the personal recounts and experiences of those who lived throughout the GDR prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. While the book primarily revolves around the conversations and reflections which Funder holds in relation to these stories, it is the authors remarkable use of symbolism which enables her to go beyond mere conversation delve into the complexities of not just other’s but her own experience in Stasiland. The use of physical motifs such as Hagen Koch’s Stasi plate are representative of the unrelenting oppression and control used by the Stasi and featured throughout Stasiland, as well as the courage of many of those who attempted to defy the SED. Funder’s more abstract use of light and dark is symbolic of her vulnerability, at times, as she delves deeper and deeper into the former GDR, and faces an increasingly uncomfortable reality as a character in Stasiland. Lastly, Funder’s developing description of the architectural and social characteristics of East Berlin over the structure of the text symbolizes the progression of many characters in having dealt with their past, another key theme of the book.
The inclusion of Hagen Koch’s plate as a trophy of his defiance and triumph over the Stasi stands as one of the most potent uses of physical symbolism within Stasiland, to which Funder devotes an entire chapter titled ‘The Plate’. Koch’s plate, stolen from the Stasi head office, manifests a final success for Koch against a regime which essentially dismantled his entire livelihood, despite his dedication to the regime. To Hagen Koch, it was worth ‘...all the courage...’ he had in defying the GDR regime. In this sense, Koch’s plate becomes a symbol of the bravery and resilience shown by many characters who suffered at the hands of the ruthless Stasi
‘Stasiland’ is a non-fiction text written by Anna Funder and follows the personal recounts and experiences of those who lived throughout the GDR prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. While the book primarily revolves around the conversations and reflections which Funder holds in relation to these stories, it is the authors remarkable use of symbolism which enables her to go beyond mere conversation delve into the complexities of not just other’s but her own experience in Stasiland. The use of physical motifs such as Hagen Koch’s Stasi plate are representative of the unrelenting oppression and control used by the Stasi and featured throughout Stasiland, as well as the courage of many of those who attempted to defy the SED. Funder’s more abstract use of light and dark is symbolic of her vulnerability, at times, as she delves deeper and deeper into the former GDR, and faces an increasingly uncomfortable reality as a character in Stasiland. Lastly, Funder’s developing description of the architectural and social characteristics of East Berlin over the structure of the text symbolizes the progression of many characters in having dealt with their past, another key theme of the book.
The inclusion of Hagen Koch’s plate as a trophy of his defiance and triumph over the Stasi stands as one of the most potent uses of physical symbolism within Stasiland, to which Funder devotes an entire chapter titled ‘The Plate’. Koch’s plate, stolen from the Stasi head office, manifests a final success for Koch against a regime which essentially dismantled his entire livelihood, despite his dedication to the regime. To Hagen Koch, it was worth ‘...all the courage...’ he had in defying the GDR regime. In this sense, Koch’s plate becomes a symbol of the bravery and resilience shown by many characters who suffered at the hands of the ruthless Stasi