Slovo 10, 2021
ARTICLES
Ana-Maria SANDU
Abstract. The present article deals with the theme of prostitution in Chekhov’s story A Nervous Breakdown. But before turning to the story, it is imperative to understand the evolution of this theme within the Russian literary tradition. Therefore, we will trace the evolution of this theme in the Russian canon and then we will observe how Chekhov represents prostitution by rejecting to idealize this phenomenon. The article touches upon the meaning of the theme under discussion in Chekhov’s story by focusing on how the main character reacts to this phenomenon, considering the following concepts: the mechanism of rationalization, individual and collective responsibility, literary fantasy and reality.
Keywords: Anton Chekhov; A Nervous Breakdown; literary tradition; social responsibility.
Mihaela MUNTEANU
Abstract. The present paper aims to analyze the issue of identity as it unfolds in some of the best-known works of N.V. Gogol: Diary of a Madman, The Nose and The Overcoat. The protagonists of Gogol’s stories desire external validation and create their identity based on human interactions. Each of them experiences a dramatic identity crisis, resulting in a brush with death, yet the author emphasizes their roles in society’s machinery.
Keywords: identity; petty civil servant; Gogol; objects; society.
Anca BĂCNEANU
Abstract. Through a careful analysis of the narrative events and, more importantly, of the relationships, motivations, and conflicts between characters, we seek to understand the devices that allowed Guzel Iakhina to construct a convincing female protagonist in her novel Zuleikha opens her eyes. The author’s screenwriter abilities are on display as she develops a full cast of complex characters whose main purpose is to mark the stages of the protagonist’s evolution.
Keywords: fiction; female protagonist; supporting characters; conflict; development.
Lavinia LIȚĂ
Abstract. This article analyzes the concept of Übermensch as it can be observed in the works of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and the Russian writer F. M. Dostoevsky. The introduction presents the historical, religious and political backgrounds of the two writers in connection with the concept of the Übermensch. The article focuses on the undeniable connection between Nietzsche’s theorized ideas and Dostoevsky’s well-known characters, while simultaneously underlining the resemblances and differences between their visions of the same concept.
Keywords: Übermensch; Nietzsche; Dostoevsky; Raskolnikov; Zarathustra.
Diana-Elena FIRFIRICĂ
Abstract. The article presents a short analysis of the Soviet slogans. The aim of our article resides in compiling a thematic classification of the most commonly used Soviet slogans from the 1920s to the 1980s.The Soviet slogans included in the article can be divided into different thematic groups, such as: slogans about education, work, war, economics, life and death. Moreover, in this article we delve deeper into the analysis of the grammatical means employed for propaganda. Soviet slogans are simple phrases which help draw people’s attention and which are used to enforce political propaganda. They conveyed to the Soviet community certain ideas, mainly related to life under communism, they pledged the country’s economic growth, a better life for citizens and a prosperous future, devoid of worries. The slogans were based on the moral principles of the ideal Soviet citizen who must do anything to protect his country and his compatriots.
Keywords: Soviet slogans; propaganda; communism; Lenin; Stalin; thematic classification.
Daniel-Mihai IOSUB
Abstract. Vsevolod Garshin is one of the most prominent prose writers of the second half of the 19th century. He is characterized through pessimism, which permeates his work and reflects the social malice, indicative of those times. The article presents an analysis of the translation process of one of his most meaningful stories The Red Flower into Romanian, revealing the hardships the translators had to face. The novelty of the work derives from the fact that the selected story has not been previously translated into Romanian, which enables readers to get acquainted with the unrenowned work of the Russian writer. Moreover, one of the goals of this work is to draw attention to the wonderful artistic heritage of Vsevolod Mikhailovich Garshin, which may contribute in the future to the surfacing in print of a collection of his works translated into Romanian.
Keywords: Vsevolod Garshin; The Red Flower; analysis; the hardships of translating.
BOOK REVIEWS
Book review by Gabriela HURMUZ
Book review by Bianca Alexandra COJOCARU
Book review by Roxana-Alexandra ALIONTE