Slovenska Literatura (Sep 2000)
Zechenter-Laskomerský in Dobšinský´s magazine Sokol
Abstract
The paper maps in detail texts by G. K. Zechenter-Laskomerský (1824-1908) published in two volumes of literary journal Sokol, published and edited by P. Dobšinský from 1860 till 1861. Social and literary context of 50’s-60’s of 19Ih century is characterised with emphasis on the role of the journal in preserving the continuity with literary activities from the period of Romanticism. It deals with all Zechenter’s contributions, from short satirical dialogues reflecting contemporary society and essays on theatre to two short stories First Dance and Holliday Travelling which are of great importance in the evolution of author’s prosaic texts. Interpretation of the humoristic short stories emphasizes the entertaining function achieved through specific use of detailed descriptions and lack of plot in the narration. Zechenter’s method, even in his early works, foreshadowed not only his future literary activities but also possibilities of regrouping exhausted literaryaesthetic techniques of Romanticist period into a new configuration pointing to the realistic mode of writitng.
