Transformace folklorní látky v umělecké literatuře
The transformation of folklore material into high literature

The case of the demonological tale and the work of K. V. Rais

Summary/Abstract: The introductory section of this study describes the differing conceptions of literature in literary studies and ethnography, distinguishing three ways in which folklore material changes as it enters standard literary communication: ideal and practically impossible literal adoption, imitation and inspiration. The latter is described in considerable detail while its motivation is also examined (the literary potential of folklore usable in authored literature). The main section of the study focuses on one specific case of the inspired adoption of folklore material (i.e. a demonological tale) in an authored text of high literature (a novella by K. V. Rais entitled Konec života — Life’s End). The method of adoption is described in detail, with its two opposing energies („extensive“ and „intensive“), and its function, while the mechanism is described in terms of intertextuality theory (with the emphasis placed on the axiological aspect), when the transfer of one text into another is generalized as a case of the intrusion of popular culture in general into high literature as a whole.

• Details
• Contents