Subversiveness of Novels "Dervish and Death", "Fortress", and "Circle"

Abstract

Subversiveness of Selimović’s novels is reflected in criticism, irony and demystification of authorities and power centers (with emphasis on government), and all ideological and canonical systems, their promoters and protectors. The aim is to break the illusion of unquestionableness and infallibleness of all ossified system, revisit any dogma and ideology and any stereotyped thinking that stands in the way of humanity and freedom of opinion.

Elements of demystification and irony are the strongest in Circle (Krug) with respect to their provocation, directness and actuality. There is a clear parallel between religion and the Party in this novel, and along with irony it is the beginning of the destruction of inviolable,”sacred” concepts such as Party and ideology. Specifically, the subversive elements presented through characters of Vladimir’s uncle Janko and Čizmić emphasize closemindedness and dogmatic basis of the Party that is just a modified religion. Novel Circle, especially in view of its subversiveness, creates a parabolic relation to modern times – the time of communist Yugoslavia (Selimović had announced such a novel saying that he would write a novel about “this time”). Of course, Circle is not just a story about that time – as well as two other novels it reveals universal meanings and patterns of behavior, actions and governance.

Novels Fortress (Tvrđava) and Dervish and the Death (Derviš i smrt) are specific to polarization we-they, which is an extremely important sociolinguistic element in the concept of subversiveness. The usage of pronouns in the third person plural means that subordinate groups label the dominant ones – in order to express their differentiation, resistance and negative attitude. The ultimate aim is to enhance aggression towards the opposite, elitist group.

Displaying abuse (manipulation) and profanity of positive ideas, events and characters, belongs to subversive elements of Selimović’s novels (in Circle, for instance, there is manipulation with the fallen partisans – festivities are organized in the “name of their glory” to promote the Party and its leaders; former exemplary revolutionaries are now treading on pure ideas of the revolution for which they fought – Pudar, Nina’s father). Criticism of governance is manifested in alienated authority – i.e. in the large gap, distance and hostility of the ruling structures towards citizens, and emphasizing the lack of civil rights (religious festivities are masked by Nina’s parents, Vladimir’s uncle only on his deathbed may express his religiosity). Discredit of the Party and its leaders is made clear in storytelling about the great social inequality, privilege of party members and their children, the persecution of those who point out the negative aspects of the ruling elite, and the decline of morality of Party ideologues. The parallel of moral depravity of guards of ideology in Circle is presented in Dervish and Death – kadi Ajni-efendi organized execution of an innocent man in order to preserve his position of a kadi. Fortress reveals negatively displayed power holders – the vali, the kadi, kadi’s scribe, and respectable persons in the society (very close to the government). Negative presenting of the main pillars of government, therefore ideologues and leaders of the legal system, symbolizes the utter moral deformity of socio-political system.

One of the universal features of all structures of domination is their self-destruction. Thus, the members of elite society – in Circle – general Petrović and Nina (high official’s daughter), and hafez Abdulah Delalija in Fortress, clearly talk about the negative elements present in the system of government.

Ideological preparation, as an element of the homogenization of social groups in order to organize fall of a government, is the main precondition for the commencement of significant social changes. Ideological statements in the function of rebellion are presented in Nurudin’s performances, a reference to The Qur’an in order to mobilize and encourage to act his sympathizers, and in Ramiz’s appearances where he speaks against the idea of government and calls for rebellion. Rebellion is the ultimate form of subversive activities.