Werner Krauss (academic)

Werner Krauss (born October 8, 1900, Augsburg, Germany; died August 28, 1976, East Berlin, East Germany) was a prominent German Romanist, literary theorist, and Marxist intellectual. He is best known for his work on Spanish Golden Age literature, particularly focusing on its social and political contexts.

Krauss initially studied law before turning to Romance languages. He was a member of the German Communist Party (KPD) and, after a period of exile in France during the Nazi regime, became a leading figure in East German academia after World War II.

Krauss significantly contributed to the development of Marxist literary criticism, emphasizing the importance of analyzing literature within its historical and social framework. He examined the relationship between literary works and the prevailing social and economic conditions of their time, focusing on class struggles and ideological conflicts.

His major works include studies on Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Calderón. He also wrote extensively on the theory and methodology of literary scholarship. His work sought to uncover the revolutionary potential within seemingly conventional literary forms.

Krauss held prominent positions at Humboldt University in East Berlin and was a member of the Academy of Sciences of the GDR. His research and teaching had a significant impact on generations of literary scholars in East Germany and beyond. His emphasis on the social and political dimensions of literature continues to be influential in contemporary literary studies.