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"Dirty Candelabrum of the Body" - Antique Heterodoxy in the Work of Otokar Březina

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2015

Abstract

The end of the19th century is characterized by a significant return to antiquity. Nevertheless, this antiquity is often "heterodox", manneristic (in terms of Hocke's theory of the Great Mannerism), as we know it from decadence.

This antiquity can be understood as a new gnosis, although specifically perceived. The aim of the paper is an attempt of neomanneristic interpretation of Březina's poetry, especially in its early period.

Březina can be understood as a spiritual and esoteric (not exactly Catholic) author, expressing "a distaste for the matter" (Krejčí). This heterodoxy will be compared to the model of gnostic antiquity of Karásek ze Lvovic and Hlaváček.