Playwright and Novelist Jelinek Awarded Nobel Prize

Elfriede Jelinek, known best for her autobiographical novel turned movie, The Piano Teacher, won the Nobel Prize for Literature this Thursday for her in-depth plays and novels covering subjects on violence on women, sexuality and European politics.

Jelinek, 57, is the first Austrian and the ninth woman to be honored with this prestigious literary award. Upon receiving the prize, she was caught by surprise.

"Of course I am also happy. There is no point in being hypocritical, but I am actually feeling more desperation than happiness," Jelinek said. "I am not made to be pulled into the public as a person. I feel threatened there."

Recipients of the various Nobel Prizes are given a check for 1.3 million U.S. dollars, a gold medal and a diploma. The presentations of the awards are held on Dec. 10, which marks the anniversary of the 1896 death of Alfred Nobel, the creator of the prize.

Jelinek's first work was a collection of poems called Lisas Schatten, which debuted in 1967. She also received acclaim for her 1975 novel, Women as Lovers and her 1980 Wonderful, Wonderful Times.