Why did Paul Celan change his last name?
To obfuscate his identity
He disliked his original name
He wanted a more German name
His fans suggested a new name
Answer
Paul Celan altered his last name as a deliberate measure to mask his identity. This decision stemmed from both his desire for personal privacy and the need to dissociate himself from his Jewish heritage during a period marked by rising anti-Semitism and the horrors of the Holocaust. By adopting a new name, Celan aimed to mitigate potential discrimination and persecution while forging a distinct literary identity amidst challenging circumstances.
Unraveling the Enigma of Paul Celan: A Quiz on the Life and Works of the Esteemed Poet
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