Summary of 4. György Fogarasi: The Attention of the People: Mein Kampf and Thurber's Owl

Presentation Overview

In the presentation titled "The Attention of the People: Mein Kampf and Thurber's Owl," Dr. György Fogarasi explores the intersection of literary theory, political rhetoric, and the concept of attention. The talk begins with an introduction by Agnes Matushka, highlighting the series' focus on various perspectives regarding attention.

Key Concepts and Artistic Techniques:

Literary Analysis: The presentation centers on James Thurber's fable "The Owl Who Was God," discussing its themes of perception, authority, and the folly of blind following.
Political Rhetoric: Fogarasi connects the fable to political manipulation, particularly through the lens of Hitler's "Mein Kampf," emphasizing the role of propaganda in shaping public perception and maintaining attention.
Use of Fables: Thurber's fable serves as a narrative device to illustrate how leaders can mislead followers, drawing parallels to political leaders who create a singular focus or enemy to unify and control the masses.
Psychological Discourse: The discussion touches on the psychological aspects of attention, including concentration and distraction, referencing historical theories from figures like William James.
Cultural Commentary: The talk also reflects on how language and imagery in propaganda shape societal beliefs and behaviors, using visual examples from wartime propaganda.

Steps and Advice Presented:

Understanding Propaganda:
- Recognize the importance of focusing attention on a single enemy or concept to unify followers.
- Analyze how language and imagery can polarize ideas (good vs. bad) to influence public opinion.
Literary Techniques:
- Examine the use of personification and rhetorical devices in fables to convey deeper meanings about leadership and society.
- Consider the implications of translation and language play in the dissemination of ideas.

Contributors:

Dr. György Fogarasi, Associate Professor and Department Head of Comparative Literature at the University of Szeged.
Agnes Matushka, host of the presentation.

This lecture serves as a multidisciplinary exploration of attention, merging insights from literature, politics, and psychology, while also encouraging critical reflection on the nature of following and leadership in contemporary society.

Notable Quotes

— 13:32 — « You can fool too many of the people too much of the time. »