Homosexuelle Affären als Bereicherung heterosexueller Partnerschaft in Hubert Fichtes Roman Explosion.

Looking at Hubert Fichte's novel Explosion against the backdrop of Queer Studies, this paper proposes that Fichte develops a new kind of queer literature which shows non-heterosexual practices in more detail than in other forms of fiction. By narrating not only a homosexual life, but also bisexual practices Fichte transcends a mere homosexual poetics. Besides, his work can be understood as being in a dialogue with its time, i.e. the ongoing coming to terms with the Nazi past, but also the decisive break with the restrictive sexual politics of the Nazis. Fichte's use of typical methods of documentary literature can be directly traced back to these historical circumstances. His style was especially popular among gay communities for they preferred Fichte's direct representation of sexual material over for example Thomas Mann's covert remarks on the topic. Nonetheless, Fichte's novel can be clearly characterised as being literary. Drawing on Judith Butler's concept of performativity, this paper argues that Fichte's narration of sexual identities also stresses a constant development rather than fixed and inborn traits. It is the manifestation of sexuality in all its varied forms rather than dualistic labels that shapes real lives. In the course of his relationship with Irma, Fichte's protagonist reflects how his changing homosexual interactions influence his heterosexual partnership. Recognising that his bisexual activity is a source of potential distress but also one of enrichment, Fichte's protagonist raises a voice for all those of his readers who do not subject themselves to the ›rules‹ of heteronormativity. This paper will therefore investigate the relevant passages and propose a queer reading of Fichte's novel Explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]