Unsuccessful escape from the "mug" : reading Kundera through Gombrowicz
Vol.21,No.1(2018)
Abstract
Keywords:
identity; Milan Kundera; Witold Gombrowicz; comparative studies; Life is elsewhere; Ferdydurke
Pages:
63–72
The article offers a new analysis and interpretation of the novel Life is Elsewhere by Milan Kundera using the now classic concepts from Witold Gombrowicz's Ferdydurke – "mug", "arse" and "calf". Issues related to human dependence on form and manipulation techniques that prevent the main protagonist from maturing are also touched upon. Finally, Milan Kundera's attitude toward the work of Witold Gombrowicz also plays an important role. Kundera astutely illustrates that identity is not something constant and unchanging. He shows how people can change, often against of their own will and under the influence of others' eyes.
identity; Milan Kundera; Witold Gombrowicz; comparative studies; Life is elsewhere; Ferdydurke
63–72
