The Novels of Zsigmond Moricz in the Context of European Realism: A Thematic Approach

The Novels of Zsigmond Móricz in the Context of European Realism is the first English-language monograph on one of Hungary's most important modern authors. It investigates Móricz's thematization of individual agency in seven realist novels and showcases the research results of Hungarian scholars. Virginia L. Lewis also brings new perspectives to the author, making his oeuvre accessible to a global audience. The study reveals Móricz's critique of commodification and greed on human agency in modern society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

The Novels of Zsigmond Móricz in the Context of European Realism is a groundbreaking English-language monograph that delves into the life and works of one of Hungary's most celebrated modern authors, Zsigmond Móricz. Authored by Virginia L. Lewis, this comprehensive study employs a thematic approach that sees literary characters as stand-ins for real human beings, allowing for a profound exploration of Móricz's thematization of individual agency in seven realist novels that form the cornerstone of his reputation as a significant twentieth-century novelist.

Lewis accomplishes an exceptional feat by showcasing the extensive research conducted by numerous Hungarian scholars who have dedicated their efforts to studying Móricz's narrative output over the past century. At the same time, she brings fresh and innovative perspectives to the table, introducing the author to an English-speaking audience. Drawing upon the theoretical insights of scholars such as Horst and Ingrid Daemmrich, Margaret Archer, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Ibrahim Taha, among others, Lewis charts a new and fruitful path in Móricz scholarship, while also making his oeuvre accessible to a global readership.

For readers with an interest in Hungarian and Central European narrative, this study offers invaluable insights into Móricz's poignant and brilliant critique of the corrosive influence of commodification and greed on human agency in modern society. Lewis's work is informed by theory and rooted in a deep understanding of Hungarian social history in the first half of the twentieth century, providing a critical backdrop for her analysis of Móricz's novels.

Skillfully structured around a series of themes, Lewis's study compels readers to think in new and thought-provoking ways about questions of human agency among Hungary's lower and middle classes as they navigated the tumultuous period of capitalist transformation, marked by pronounced social conflicts and injustices, leading up to World War II. Through her meticulous examination of Móricz's characters and their struggles, Lewis sheds light on the complex interplay between individual agency, social structures, and historical forces, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of the human condition in a period of profound change.

In conclusion, The Novels of Zsigmond Móricz in the Context of European Realism is a seminal work that establishes itself as a crucial contribution to the study of modern literature and Central European history. Through its innovative approach, comprehensive research, and insightful analysis, Lewis provides readers with a deep appreciation for the works of Móricz and his profound contribution to the literary landscape. This monograph is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human agency, social transformation, and the enduring power of literature to capture the essence of human experience.

Weight: 317g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433167683
Edition number: New ed