Transformation of identity in Ballek's novel Pomocník

Abstract

The authors L. Ballek and P.

Hunčík in their novels Pomocník and Hraniční prípad study the problem of identity transformation in multiethnic and multicultural area of south Slovakia. Focusing on the conflict between two cultures (rural and urban) and two languages (Slovak and Hungarian) the authors overcome official and primitive description of historical events in this area.

In my lecture I try to isolate various kinds of identity, e.g., by analysing characters speech and the narrator's words.

Keywords

• Slovak literature
• novel
• identity
• cultural identity
• historical identity
• national identity