Norwegian playwright, poet, novelist, essayist, and translator Jon Fosse has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature for his remarkable contributions to the world of literature. Fosse’s work is characterized by its profound exploration of the subterranean realms that connect the personal with the universal, often giving voice to the unsayable.
In his own words, Fosse describes the place from which he writes as both a sanctuary and a dare—an inner sanctuary for listening and movement, a safe place to stay, but also a daunting passage to venture into the unknown. He believes that what he writes is already written and exists somewhere in the ether, and his task is to capture it before it disappears. Fosse’s writing process is a delicate dance on the borders of his mind, an act of crossing these borders, which can be intimidating when one feels fragile.
The Nobel committee commended Fosse for his innovative plays and prose that navigate the profound and ineffable aspects of human existence. His immense body of work encompasses a wide range of genres, including plays, novels, poetry collections, essays, children’s books, and translations, all written in Norwegian Nynorsk.
While Fosse is widely recognized as one of the most performed playwrights globally, his literary prowess extends beyond the realm of theater into the world of prose. The committee acknowledged his significant impact on contemporary literature, both for the stage and the page.
In his acceptance statement, Fosse expressed feeling overwhelmed and somewhat frightened by the honor. He sees it as a recognition of literature that is driven by the sole purpose of being literature, free from external considerations.
Fosse’s literary journey began with the publication of his novel, “Red Black,” in 1983. He went on to write influential novels such as “Melancholy I” and “Melancholy II,” delving into the life and death of 19th-century Norwegian landscape artist Lars Hertervig. Over time, he transitioned to playwriting, creating notable works like “Someone is Going to Come,” “And Never Shall We Part,” “The Name,” “Winter,” and “A Summer’s Day.” His three-part novel series, “Septology,” earned a place on the shortlist for the International Booker Prize.
Fosse is celebrated as a proponent of “slow prose,” drawing comparisons to literary giants like Henrik Ibsen for his modernist themes and Jacques Derrida for his ability to tap into the unspoken. His unique style and dedication to exploring the human condition have solidified his place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary literature.
As a Nobel laureate, Jon Fosse’s work continues to inspire readers and writers alike, offering a glimpse into the depths of human experience and the power of language to give voice to the ineffable.
