| Abstract [eng] |
Mythic Dimension in Contemporary Lithuanian Fiction. The master’s degree thesis entitled “Mythic Dimension in Contemporary Lithuanian Fiction” aims to analyse the different possibilities of using mythical elements in the modern prose. To reveal mythic dimension the mythologems of archaic societies will be interpreted in this work. Research object is transformed pagan myths in the novels of R. Granauskas, S. T. Kondrotas ir R. Aškinytė. These authors are referred as creators of contemporary Lithuanian fiction. Another aim for this work is to describe the new meanings of old myths in modern literature. This thesis will also examine how the transformation and application of mythical symbols is influenced by the political, social and cultural context of Lithuania. The research questions are: why the modern authors use and recreate archaic myths in their works? What new meanings appear in fictional texts by including transformations of mythical signs in them? The study investigates how mythology contributes to the creations of meanings in today’s world. The authors adapt the mythical plots to the current actualities of our time. In this way, the archaic worldview prolongs its existence in literary works. However, pagan symbols merge with the signs of the modern world and lose their original meanings. The dimensions of both mythical and contemporary culture are intertwined in one work. Literature that contains mythical elements seems to turn into a modern version of myth. The main purpose of mythical stories was to reflect on the philosophical, ideological, existential issues of the human community. With the help of figurative language mythical signs consolidated patterns of behaviour, social and cultural norms, and moral values in society. Also, the transformed mythical dimension in contemporary literature gives new meanings to symbols of archaic culture. Transformed pagan worldview in fictional texts contribute to the creation of new meanings that the reader can adapt to a different evaluation of their living environment. The mythical dimension gives a new point of view to the same aspects of reality and human existence. The most important conclusions of the master thesis are explanation why modern authors use the pagan worldview and its mythologems in their works. Writers use the mythic dimension as a figurative language. R. Granauskas transferred topical issues of Soviet Lithuania to the period of archaic tribes. The rituals of sacrifices described in the Aesopian language can be understood as resistance against the occupier. The second reason for the use of mythical symbols in fictional texts is the different opportunities to consider questions of the meaning of human being. The transformed mythical dimension in the works of S.T. Kondrotas and R. Aškinytė speaks about the existence of the modern individual in the world of our culture. In the future research, using the methods of literary anthropology, it will be possible to examine common mythopoetic processes in modern literature. |
