»Fictional Journeys Becoming True« – Narrative Functions of the Motivating Figure in Gerd Schneider´s Youth Novel »Kafkas Puppe«

Abstract

This article explores the different narrative and motive functions of the doll Mira in Gerd Schneider’s young-adult novel „Kafkas Puppe” (2008/9). It was found that Mira helps the protagonists Kafka and Lena to cope with their difficult ives by distracting them from illness, loneliness, professional failure and even death. Additionally, the doll opens perspectives for the self-actualization of both characters, serving as literary inspiration for Kafka and a life-giving force for Lena.