The Nobel Prize in Literature Announcements on October 10, 2019
On October 10, 2019, the Swedish Academy made a significant decision in the history of the Nobel Prize in Literature, announcing the winners for both 2018 and 2019. This unique announcement covered two years due to the postponement of the 2018 prize amid some turbulence within the academy.
Nobel Prize in Literature 2018:
- Awarded to: Olga Tokarczuk
- Nationality: Polish
- Reason for Award: The Nobel Prize was conferred upon Olga Tokarczuk “for a narrative imagination that with encyclopedic passion represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life.”
- Significance: Tokarczuk is known for her deep psychological insights and engagement with the human experience, exploring themes such as history, identity, and transcendence in her work. Her novel “Flights” might be one of the most recognized works, which deals with the metaphysical impact of travel and the fragmented nature of contemporary life.
Nobel Prize in Literature 2019:
- Awarded to: Peter Handke
- Nationality: Austrian
- Reason for Award: Peter Handke was honored “for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and the specificity of human experience.”
- Controversy: Handke’s award drew significant criticism due to his controversial political views, notably his perceived support for Slobodan Milošević during the Yugoslav Wars. Despite the controversy, his literary contribution, characterized by its exploration of language and existential themes, is widely respected.
Context:
- The dual announcement followed a year of controversy and reform at the Swedish Academy, which awarded the prizes. The 2018 award was postponed amid a scandal and calls for greater transparency within the institution.
- The decision to announce two prizes at once was unprecedented and marked a moment of transition for the Nobel literature award process.
Broader Impact:
The awarding of these prizes highlights both the enduring power of literature to cross cultural and ideological boundaries and the complexities involved in recognizing literary achievements amidst personal and political controversies. The inclusion of both authors into the Nobel laureates underscores a commitment to diverse literary exploration and the power of narrative that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
