National Idea and National Rift in the Light of Contemporary Slovene Novel from 1909 to 1997

Abstract

The national idea has been an effective impetus to the Slovene novel, particularly in the 20th century. A survey of fiften novels published between 1909 and 1997 shows, among other things, that the national idea in them is neither romantic enthusiasm nor aggression, but, rather defensive and/or democratic Slovenism, resolutely perserving in its ethnic territory of a thousand and several hunderd years. These novels are the artistic testament of a resilient people, about which Ivan Cankar said: "A weaking nation would have given up the ghost, ... but you, injured a thousand times, hardened by suffering, ... you say: 'Come on! This farce is already a thousand year old!'" - However, a few novels on the th=opic of war cannot get past the national rift, ignited and upheld by the occupying forces. It was carried out by the traditional Slovene polarization of genius, which edcaleted in the 1930s and was physically brought gace to face in 1941-1945 as radical Catholicism and historical mariarilism.