(Polyvalence as a Model of Ján Motulko’s Poetic Testimonies)

Abstract: Jan Motulko’s poetic oeuvre is characterized by specific themes which the author used repeatedly during his life and which reflected major insights of his lyrical subject. The themes were internalized so deeply that they endured in his work contrary to the social-political changes, and thus became his testimony of the constant resonance of his experience. They became profoundly significant despite the time which passed and memories which faded away. Metaphysical constraints, physical transience, ever-present understanding of the politically determined empirical world and tragic historical events contributed to the poet’s theological-philosophical realization which faced all those aspects of life with a literal and imaginative framework. This realization is based on several simultaneous layers which result in a model (construct) that the poet has used in his collections written after 2000. The model integrates the pessimism of old age which motivated him to initiate a self-questioning process and consider the questions of the plausibility of one’s attitudes in a social and literary context. Even though the issue of physical transience is theologically comprehended and understood, there is some concern, fear and uncertainty which still can be felt. The poet tries to hide them behind the reminiscent glosses of his past (childhood and youth of his native region). The places are connected with the category of home and with his relatives who made those places meaningful.

Authors: Brunclík, Jozef

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2014.7.1.97-117

Publication order reference: PhDr. Jozef Brunclík, PhD.; Katedra slovenskej literatúry, Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre, Filozofická fakulta; Štefánikova 67, 949 74 Nitra; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: Konštatínove listy, 2014, vol. 7, number: 1, pages: 97-117 (PDF file)

Key words: POLYVALENCE, SELF-REFLECTION, RELIABILITY OF POETIC EXPRESSION, INTROVERSION, CATHARSIS, METAPHYSICS, SPIRITUALITY

Language: SLOVAK