Suvremena teorija grotesknog: rezultati i perspektive
Contemporary Theory of Grotesque: Results and Perspectives

Summary/Abstract: A survey of the most important discussions on the theory of the grotesque in the aftermath of Kayser's singular contribution shows that for an adequate definition of this phenomenon one ought to concentrate on the following aspects of the problem: (I) the nature of the conflict manifested in the grotesque, (II) the consequences of this conflict for the individual within the limits of his literary existence, (III) the nature of literary reality in which the grotesque appears and, finally (IV) the literary form in which this reality is presented. On this basis it is possible to define the grotesque in literature as a fusion of such elements of literary reality which, according to the basic rules of this reality, should not be associated. The basic rules, which are neither replaced nor altogether cancelled, but distorted in the grotesque, are as follows: (I) a clear demarkation of the different kinds of beings and their spheres of existence, (II) a clear differenciation between the animate and inanimate matter, (III) the acceptance of fixed and unchangeable relationship between the whole and the parts of the human body. To distort any of these rules questions the entire position of a human being within his literary reality. Therefore such literary presentation has a twofold aim - to point out the comical illogic of the position and to create a feeling of unease resulting from the distortion of the reality. It can be stated that contemporary study of the grotesque has so far concentrated successfully on several aspects of the problem. Besides the description of the phenomenon in accordance with characteristics evident in the text itself and the historical examination of the word 'grotesque', important attempts have been made to define the grotesque in the association with kindred phenomena of the tragicomic and the absurd. However, contemporary study of the grotesque also shows a serious weakness. The phenomenon is studied within preconceived historical boundaries and the important segments of European literary traditions suffer as a result. Cited examples from classical Latin literature show how damaging this practice could be for an adequate understanding of the development of this phenomenon in literature.

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