Kognitivisitčna ! interpretacija družbene funkcije empatije v drami Kasandra Borisa A. Novaka

slovenian

2020

volume 43, issue 2

Slovensko društvo za primerjalno književnost
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Boris A. Novak's Cassandra was created after the author's experience of the Balkan wars, so it is not surprising that it has a socio-critical perspective. Beyond the parallels between the author's biography and his attitude to war, the emergence of war trauma and its resolution in a post-socialist mental context is highlighted. The solution proves interesting, on the one hand because of its unexpectedness and exceptionality, and on the other hand with its focus on the subjective aspect of reconciliation. In this paper, based on the theoretical underpinnings of cognitive literary science, in particular the distinction between cognitive and emotional empathy, I analyze the circumstances, cognitive mechanisms and social function of Cassandra's decision to forgive Agamemnon. From an evolutionary point of view, it has at first an irritating effect, but from a personal point of view it enables individual self-fulfillment through love. The fundamental dilemma of Novak's drama is the following: is it possible, at the level of cognitive analysis, to justify either individual or collective overcoming of trauma in Cassandra's way?

12.10.2021