Anafora

An Anthropocentric Comparison of Han Kang’s The Vegetarian and Renato Baretić’s Osmi povjerenik (The Eighth Commissioner)

Gianna Brahović — 2025-03-25

A geological era may be marked by a crucial agent of change whose influence on other species is incontestable. The current era, referred to by some as the Anthropocene, views humans as the main geological agents of change. Therefore, the relationship between humans and nature has been placed, more strikingly than ever before, at the centre of literary studies. In this paper, the inevitability of the Anthropocene will be shown in two novels with extremely diverse cultural backgrounds: Renato Baretić’s Osmi povjerenik (The Eighth Commissioner) and Han Kang’s The Vegetarian. Despite both novels being products of different literary traditions that are seemingly unrelated to the current era, their stories are nonetheless anthropocentric at their core, displaying a new way of looking at the humananimal relationships, through the point of view of observers who are powerless to form these relationships themselves.

Deconstruction of semi-Orientalism and Balkanism in the Autobiographical Prose of Enzo Bettiza and Grytzko Mascioni

Katarina Dalmatin — 2025-03-25

The paper analyses the ways of deconstructing some dominant elements of semi-Orientalist and Balkanist discourse (as defined by Nino Raspudić and Maria Todorova) in the autobiographical prose of Enzo Bettiza and Grytzko Mascioni of the late 20th century. In the context of Bettiza’s deconstruction of Balkan myths about the causes and nature of the war in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s in Esilio (Eng. The Exile), the paper focuses on his analysis of the role of the negative perception of elements of the Ottoman heritage in the creation of the ideological framework of the Greater Serbian ideology, as well as on the different functions of depicting Dalmatian hill people (Vlaji) in Esilio compared to those that motivated the depictions of Morlachs in the Italian semi-Orientalist tradition of the late 20th century. In the novel Puck by Grytzko Mascioni, the distancing from the Adriatic semi-Orientalist discourse is manifested in the refusal to attribute the cultural achievements of Dalmatia exclusively to Venetian and Italian influence, and in the privileged position of Dubrovnik in the representation of Croatian and Dalmatian
identity. The detachment from semi-Orientalism in Puck takes the form of a strong intertextual dialogue with the birthplace of this discourse – Alberto Fortis’s Travels into Dalmatia.

Mediterranean identity of Miljenko Smoje’s and Enzo Betizza’s Split and Dalmatia Depicted by the Grotesque Coloring of Their Characters

Ivana Dizdar — 2025-03-25

The paper analyzes two Dalmatian chronicles titled Kronika o našem Malom mistu [The Chronicle of Our Little Place] (1971) by Miljenko Smoje and Egzil [Exile/Esilio] (1996) by Enzo Bettiza, in which Split and Dalmatia are presented as an integral part of the Mediterranean. Applying the methods of analysis, explication, and comparison, the paper will attempt to show that the Mediterranean identity is manifested in personality traits and behavior of peculiar characters, their relationship with space and fellow citizens, and their wry and bitter humor. In terms of themes, ideas, and style, Mediterranean elements are seen in the merging of opposites. Various opposed elements are inscribed in the real and fictional narratives of the Mediterranean, which, due to its position and socio-historical circumstances, absorbed various influences. As the analysis will show, the opposites are shown in grotesque presentations and the use of irony as a polyphonic figure of discourse.

Textual Allusions in the Cairo Trilogy of Naguib Mahfouz: A Stylistic Perspective

Haithm Zinhom Morsy — 2025-03-25

The issue of intertextuality is discussed M. Bakhtin’s work, particularly in Problems of Dostoevsky’s Poetics and The Dialogic Imagination. Bakhtin claimed that “the functional text is a hybrid entity, not a single whole; it is a composite amalgamation of a variety of formulae” (76). The theory of intertextuality attained various dimensions and wider interfaces in the works of poststructuralist theorists such as Roland Barthes and Julia Kristeva. These scholars viewed texts as networks of other texts stating that a writer’s strength lies in the ability to blend existing writings and emulate previously read and written gestures. Incorporating intertextuality theories into critical research on literary works provides a deeper comprehension of both intentional and hidden intertextual chains and allusions within the texts. This paper, utilizing critical and analytical frameworks, meticulously examines the intertextual references in Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo Trilogy (Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, and Sugar Street), exploring their function and significance. The paper argues that the author’s use of intertextuality and allusions from multiple sources in the trilogy broadens the narrative horizons and generates new interpretations. Additionally, the paper points out that the author utilizes intertextuality as a stylistic tool, infusing the texts with references to the Quran, local folklore, and popular culture for aesthetic and thematic purposes. The integration of a diversity of intertextual references and citations from other texts enhances the portrayal of the socio-cultural dynamics underpinning the patriarchal Egyptian society, criticized in the trilogy.

Space and Place in the Contemporary Italian Crime Fiction: The Case of Imma Tataranni and Lolita Lobosco

Antonela Marić — 2025-03-25

The aim of this paper is to examine the role of space in contemporary Italian crime fiction, focusing in particular on works by Gabriella Genisi and Mariolina Venezia, and their two protagonists, deputy prosecutor Imma Tataranni and deputy chief Lolita Lobosco. The paper argues that space and its features are pivotal to the narrative. Space goes beyond serving as a mere backdrop; it actively mirrors and shapes social and cultural dynamics within crime fiction (Gabellieri). Drawing on theorists such as Gaston Bachelard, this study highlights how spaces infused with human values can evoke “topophilia,” a profound sense of belonging, which in turn supports cultural identity and connection to a place. The selected novels show a strong belonging to place and show how serious social issues, such as corruption, land speculations, the ecomafia, profit, and the like, can influence engagement with space. The cities of Bari and Matera, each with their distinct characters, illustrate this impact: Matera is regarded for its historical and cultural richness, while Bari reveals a complex modernity. Yet, both cities are marred by crime and social challenges. This duality is explored as both picturesque and unsettling, influencing the identity of the region. This paper demonstrates how these spaces engage readers emotionally, becoming central to plot and character development. By integrating geographical and cultural elements, we underscore how spatial settings are as vital as characters in shaping the depth and resonance of Italian crime fiction.

Political Rituals of Socialist Yugoslavia in Goran Tribuson’s Novels

Marijana Dragičević — 2025-03-25

In analyzing three novels by Goran Tribuson—Povijest pornografije (1988), Ne dao Bog većeg zla (2002), and Vrijeme ljubavi (2017), all of which focus on the coming of age, the 1960s pop-culture, and the disintegration of generational ideals—this paper aims to interpret political rituals of socialist Yugoslavia. A special emphasis is placed on the portrayal of the Pioneer organization, which prepared children from the first grade of elementary school for participation in the socialist life of the so-called “new socialist man.” This complex phenomenon is examined by linking romantic movements (wherein ritual foundations can be observed) and by analysing literature as a source, all supported by current historiographical research. In seeking excerpts essential for the reception of political rituals, this paper points to symbolic actions, ceremonies, and behaviours conducted within the political context to establish, strengthen, and legitimize the state at a time when the author himself was a child and a member of the Pioneer Union. The temporal congruence provides an authentic historiographical basis with the political imagery of socialist Yugoslavia. The author’s critical distance is evident in the discourse of the dominant order through irony, mockery, and the transformation of everyday life into literary prose.

In Search of the “Bright Side of Life“. Adolescence, Love and Emancipation in Eduard von Keyserling’s Novel Fräulein Rosa Herz

Anja Orozović — 2025-03-25

Eduard von Keyserling’s first novel, Fraulein Rosa Herz (1887), was not a bestseller. The researcher’s negligent attitude towards Keyserling’s early work is unsurprising, given that he later distanced himself from it. However, the novel provides a significant insight into Keyserling’s poetics as it addresses a variety of time-specific topics, including adolescence. Notably, Keyserling’s writing generally pays more attention to the female experience of adolescence. This paper addresses the individual problem points related to this topic. The publication of Fraulein Rosa Herz in the 1980s makes it difficult to categorize it as an adolescent novel; nonetheless, it can be viewed as an interesting and valuable contribution to modernist literature for adolescents.

Editorial Introduction: Mediterranean Literary Studies

Brian Willems — 2025-03-25

The essays in this special section, while still taking globalization seriously, also focus on the differences that are essential to the Mediterranean Sea.

Christian Themes and Motifs of Muslim Poets in Croatian Literature from Modern Times to the Present Day

Vladimir Lončarević — 2025-03-25

In observing the development of Croatian literature from a religious and confessional point of view, one can recognize three sets of Christian intentions and tendencies: the Catholic, as substantial and supportive, the Protestant, and the Orthodox. In addition to them, Muslim or Islamic literature is also relevant. This paper aims to research the contact between Islamic and Christian faiths and cultures based on the poetry by Muslim poets in Croatian literature. After determining its scientific relevance and defining the methodological-hermeneutic approach to research, this topic was considered from the poets’ standpoint, by exploring their poetry collections, as well as relevant periodicals. The research included seventeen poets, all of whom are, with one exception, late writers. Works cited included only the works of Muslim writers. Based on examples, the research revealed the specifics of the poets’ use of Christian names and concepts as themes or motives in their respective poetries and some common features, mainly the Muslim poets’ familiarity with the Christian faith (names, terminology, doctrine, tradition, etc.) and the predominance of their affirmative use, whether the Islamic worldview is noticeable or not. In summary, it was concluded that Muslim poets in Croatian literature reach for Christian themes and motifs as accessible and familiar content. At the same time, they retain the religious and cultural contents and traditions from the Islamic spiritual circle, which sometimes results in the intertwining of Islamic views and Christian content. Granted, this is only an introduction to the subject, which, naturally, requires further research.

Introducing the Concept of Autotheory in Literary Practices

Emanuela Herceg — 2025-03-25

Autotheory is a new term in literary theory, which has gained popularity in literary and artistic circles within the English-speaking world in the first half of the twenty-first century. It is especially popular among feminist authors examining, through literary practices and art performances, personal experiences in relation to social concepts and theories (Lauren Fournier, Maggie Nelson, Paul B. Preciado). Autotheoretical writing denotes a philosophical examination of personal experiences by integrating autobiographical elements, memoirs, and critical theory to enable, through bodily experience, the formation of new theories and knowledge. Although the application of the concept of autotheory in literary practices is relatively recent, tendencies toward autoteorethical writing date back to ancient times (such as Plato’s writings about Socrates and Saint Augustine’s Confessions). This paper aims to introduce this concept, which has been relatively unknown in literary science, into literary theory to establish a methodology for researching literary practices, as well as for retroactively analyzing literary works that are traditionally considered to be autobiographical.

Graphic Novels as Parts of the Literary Field

Ana Klopotan — 2025-03-25

Graphic novels is a term often used in the global literary field, from the publishing context to the distribution and reception among a wider audience, but also academia and experts. Although it is widely used, the meaning of the term often varies and the limits between comics, graphic novels and literature do not seem to be very clear. The aim of this paper is to establish definitions and limits of these terms by using relevant academic literature, although these definitions and limits will not be clear-cut. The aim is also to demonstrate that graphic novels are undoubtedly an important part of the contemporary global literary field and it should, therefore, as such, be discussed in the Croatian academic community as well.

Boško Pešić, Uvođenje u filozofije egzistencije

Davorin Ćuti — 2025-03-25

Prikaz znanstvene monografije Boška Pešića - Uvođenje u filozofije egzistencije

Kristina Peternai Andrić i Ivana Žužul, Neposlušne. Književne prakse prikazivanja roda

Ana Rajković Perić — 2025-03-25

Peer Reviewers in 2024

Ružica Pšihistal — 2025-03-25