The powerlessness of family traditions (Thomas Manns "Buddenbrooks" an Reşat Nuri Güntekins "Yaprak Dökümü" in the light of comparative literature)

In this study, the work Buddenbrooks, by one of the leading modern German writers Thomas Mann and Yaprak Dökümü by Turkish Cumhuriyet Dönemi Edebiyatı author Reşat Nuri Güntekin will be comparatively examined in the context of the family theme. Especially the concept of family suffers from the emerging renewals of the modern century, family members are powerless to the upcoming results of the modern century. Families take their first steps from tradition to modernity based on turning away from the bourgeoisie and false westernization and encounter the same problems regardless of cultural differences. As a result of these problems, especially with the beginning of the 20th century, it becomes apparent that the individual displays behaviors that contradict both moral values and social norms. Capitalism, materialism, and with it the rapidly developing pace of work, cause the disintegration of families, the external circumstances changed because of this thus cause individuals to be driven into a crisis of values by the loss of power and the traditions to which they cling are nothing more than mechanical fulfillments of duty. The fact that strict rules contradict innovation is one of the most important reasons for this and thus prevents the individual from developing an independent personality as well as self-actualization. While Thomas Mann sees this end as a new beginning, Reşat Nuri Güntekin informs about possible misunderstandings on the axis of false westernization and emphasizes the importance of women's education.