Hum (Jan 2012)
ANDRIC’S HOMO BALCANICUS IN THE NOTEBOOKS AND SIGNS NEAR THE TRAVEL ROAD
Abstract
Analysis of the fragmented writings from The Notebooks and Signs near the Travel Road reveals Andric’s notion of the Balkans and the typical Balkan man – in the words of Andric – homo balcanicus. Knowledgeable in the mentality and customs of many nationalities, Andric writes about homo balcanicus from two perspectives. The first is perspective of the West, often viewing the Balkans as the Other as compared to the (enlightened) West, and the Balkan people as primitive, unsophisticated and uncivilized. The second is a domicile perspective which emphasizes positive traits of the Balkans people and does not shy away from openly criticizing the West.
