Transformations of the Faust Myth Cover Image

Proměny faustovského mýtu
Transformations of the Faust Myth

Author(s): Svatava Urbanová
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: Petr Stančík; the Faust myth; genre uncertainty; stylistic mode and modality; narrative commentary

Summary/Abstract: An analysis and interpretation of a collection of five short prose pieces by Petr Stančík, referred to as legends, are linked by the story of Faust, and his house in Prague, standing in the Prague New Town. It contains many mysteries, secrets and surprising aspects. This material has been spread by an oral tradition similarly as with tales, myths and legends and has been adapted many times as novels, plays and films depending on when it came about and from which perspectives the characters and plot details were perceived. Stančík decided to retell the Faust myth for young people, connecting up entertainment with both teaching and even moralizing. The study makes reference to the genre variability, which is connected not only with its frequent inclination toward sub-genres, but also to the intertwining of history with fantastic moments and the visuality of fictional narratives. The terms modus and so-called modality, which underline in the wider cultural contexts the tragic character and fatality of the Faust intercourse with the diabolic temptation, is also applied in it. Also of importance is the authorial poetics of the narrative commentaries, which lead to considerations about the presence of the authorial subject in the literary work.

  • Issue Year: XXII/2022
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 594-610
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Czech
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