| Abstract [eng] |
In this article, the novel “Chameleono spalvos” (Lith. Colours of a Chameleon) (1979) by Jonas Avyžius is dealt with on the ground of the historical cultural and interpretational methods, “read” in the paradigm of the popular literature, singling out the canons of time and space: a city, cafes, restaurants, studios – these are the spaces in the novel revealing the life style of artists in the 1960s–1970s. A café is the main place for characters to meet; its environment is simpler and more democratic. Here they meet, talk, socialise. Food and drinks reflect the particular time, however, eating and drinking are not the most important purpose for the meetings. An artist’s studio is also a place for such meetings, discussions, secret rendezvouz, bohemian get-togethers until early morning, usually substituting public spaces. It is obvious that the city in the novel is not only a background for events but also an object being depicted. On the ground of spaces being mentioned, i.e. street names, architectural monuments, geographical references, we recognise Vilnius and its life in the 1960s–1970s. Limited space and time, ironic assessment, mixture of various styles of narration, caricatured portraits of characters could be treated as features of popular literature in the novel. This fi ction piece displays active writer’s relation to the reality being depicted. A reader is also actively involved into the city life picture being created by the author. |
