Author: Jakob van Hoddis

Year of origin: 1911

Theme: Threat, catastrophe, decay of the civilized world

Stylistic devices: Irony, hyperbole, parallelism, cipher

The poem depicts an apocalyptic catastrophe in an exaggerated manner. Its modernity is expressed through the use of irony (“Most people are missing the roof”) and hyperboles (“The trains fall off the bridges”). Forms such as parallelism increase the dramatic effect. Everyday situations are contrasted with an impending world catastrophe, making the poem reflect the general uncertainties and anxieties of the modern age.