Fundamental meanings of the concept "fear" in R. Musil's novel "The confusions of young Torless"

In German-speaking cultures the concept "fear" is a basic notion, which reflects features of mentality and cultural and historical experience of the nation. In the article traditional and new meanings of the concept on material of the R. Musil's novel «The Confusions of Young Torless» are analyzed: fear of misunderstanding, loneliness, shame, fear of the unfamiliar. In each of heroes of the novel sensation of fear finds new qualities which are hidden from eyes: weakness, cowardice, special sensuality, cruelty and desire of the power. In sphere of concepts of the work the notion holds sign position.