BERLIN STORIES

Berlin Stories



Introduction:

The most renowned novelist, Christopher Isherwood is famously known for his master piece work The Berlin Stories 1946 which consists of two short fiction collections; Goodbye to Berlin (1939) and the novel Mr. Norris changes the train (1935). These two stories accentuate the decline of Berlin before the happening of World War II and the dictatorship of the famous Nazi regime. The master piece of Isherwood gained marvelous popularity and several theaters were set with the Berlin Stories. Some of the successful plays and movies were I Am a Camera (1951) and Cabaret (1966 & 72).

Before the World War II, the Berlin was considered as a symbol of innovation in all important fields of arts which is clearly reflected in the Expressionist films and Political Theater. In 1920, Berlin enjoyed the reputation of most metropolises in all Europe. Also Berlin was famous for its sexual freedom and social experimentation that is more reflected in Isherwood personal life and in his Berlin stories (Charliecochrane, 2010).

The below research will discuss the different aspects of Berlin Stories which contributed for the overall success of the novel.

Discussion:

As the Berlin Stories are the collection of two set as mentioned earlier, therefore the two parts are discussed separately.

Mr. Norris Changes Trains 1935:

The novel published in USA in 1935 by all time greatest writers Christopher Isherwood as The last of Mr. Norris. The novel is part of the most famous Berlin stories which were written from the inspiration drawn from his experiences during his stay in Berlin as an expatriate where the character of Mr. Norris is based on Gerald Hamilton.

The story revolves around the movement of young British observer of Berlin life, William Bradshaw who is just the self portrait of Isherwood and its narrators who met on a train with the person named Arthur Norris, very nervous and panicky going to Germany from Holland. Mr. Norris who was wearing the wig totally unfit to him and bearing the bogus passport, as they moved toward the frontier, William was the first who broke the ice and started conversation with the Norris and that is how they crossed the frontier while talking to each other.

The two became friends and Norris invited William at dinner. They had good get to gather and sometimes had a chance to meet at some restaurants. Mr. Norris in discussion with William revealed various facts about himself and like he is masochist and communist which were considered very dangerous in the Hitler era in Germany. He also revealed the bizarre and weird world of prostitution, corrupt German millionaires and other statement.

The story does not reveal the other aspects of Norris personal life. He had a business which he ran with the assistance of Schmidt, who deceived him that put Norris in a great trouble and consequences went so worst for him so that he had to leave Berlin.

After sometimes conditions and circumstances got well for Norris and story tells that he when he was communicating to some unknown ...