Miroslav Krleža Criticism
Miroslav Krleža, born in 1893 in Zagreb, is widely regarded as the most significant Croatian literary figure of the twentieth century. Despite his prolific output of over five dozen books, his work is largely unrecognized in the West, with only a few translated into English. Krleža's writing, characterized by a commitment to radical humanism and artistic integrity, often explores the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its transition into modern socialist states. As Miroslav Krleza notes, Krleža's narratives convey strong materialist convictions and defend personal freedom, making him a controversial figure both politically and literarily.
Krleža's career began with the anti-religious drama Legenda in 1914, reflecting his early experiences as a soldier during World War I, which influenced his recurring themes of war and peasant struggles. His works often depict historical and legendary figures grappling with self-doubt and visionary ambitions, as seen in plays like Legenda and Kristofor Kolombo. His poetry, such as Balade Petrice Kremepuha, incorporates Croatian dialect and folk poetry to protest against the oppression of peasants. His prose work, including The Return of Philip Latinovicz, examines the psychological and moral decline amid social upheavals, as discussed in The Return of Philip Latinovicz and Pawel's review.
Critics have often debated Krleža's political and thematic duality, recognizing his work as both a critique of the middle class and a testament to humanist ideals. His contentious relationship with Yugoslav politics, including clashes with socialist theoreticians, underscores his dedication to cultural autonomy. Despite his contentious reputation, he remains a pivotal figure in Croatian and South Slavic literature, as highlighted in evaluations by Ante Kadic and others. Krleža’s legacy is enshrined as a luminary of contemporary world literature, with his works offering profound insights into the socio-political landscapes of his time.
Contents
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Principal Works
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The essay provides a comprehensive list of works by Miroslav Krleža, highlighting the prolific nature of his literary contributions across various genres from 1917 to 1988, showcasing his lasting influence on Croatian literature.
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Krleža, Miroslav (Vol. 114)
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Miroslav Krleza
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In the following essay, Kadic provides a thematic and generic overview of Krleza's writings.
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Krleza's Tormented Visionaries
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In the essay below, Kadic establishes a biographical context for an examination of Krleza's early works, tracing his preoccupation with 'tormented' protagonists.
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The Return of Philip Latinovicz
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In the following review, Mihailovich discusses the themes in The Return of Philip Latinovicz, lamenting Krleza's lack of recognition by readers in the West.
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The Return of Philip Latinovicz
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In the following review, Pawel praises Krleza's 'demythification' of evil and commitment to moral and artistic integrity in The Return of Philip Latinovicz.
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A Critical Literary Approach to Miroslav Krleza's The Return of Filip Latinovicz
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In the essay below, Ferguson assesses the meaning of The Return of Filip Latinovicz, distinguishing between Krleza's viewpoint and Filip's to suggest the novel's tragic intent.
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The Cricket beneath the Waterfall and Other Stories
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In the following review of The Cricket beneath the Waterfall, the critic comments on Krleza's narrative style.
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Krleza's Culinary Flemishness
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In the following essay, Flaker examines the role and various function of food in some of Krleza's works, particularly Balade Petrice Kerempuha and Zastave.
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Miroslav Krleza
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- Krleža, Miroslav (Vol. 8)
- Further Reading