Njegos in the memoir prose of Matija Ban

Abstract

This paper analyzes the character of Petar Petrovic Njegos in the memoir prose of Matija Ban, composed on the basis of diplomatic meetings between Petar Petrovic Njegos and Matija Ban in Cetinje, during the period 1849-1851. At the same time it presents the basic biographical data about Matija Ban. It gives the overview of the features of Serbian memoirs of 19th century whose roots are often in the socio-historical background and an overview of the circumstances in which the meeting of Matija Ban and Njegos takes place as well, and the notes about it. It analyzes the Njegos's psychological, moral and intellectual profile, revealing his national ideals and political views. It highlights the Njegos's views on artistic and poetic creativity. It follows the recognition of Njegos's personal tragism, but it also reveals the ability of Njegos to fascinate the contemporaries and the descendants. The paper highlights the importance of memoirs and autobiographical prose for the development of Serbian literature and culture.

Keywords

• memoirs
• njegos
• portrait
• ideas
• national ideals
• tragism