Irrationalism and Consciousness in František Švantner’s Works

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyse the phenomenon of consciousness in František Švantner’s (1912 - 1950) works. The Slovak author firstly focused on changed states of consciousness and on evolutionary older, basic consciousness, so called “here and now” surviving. In the novel Nevesta hôľ (The Bride of the Hills, 1946) narrator’s (subject) line about human (Freudian) consciousness and unconsciousness reveals. The extended consciousness plays its role especially in author’s after-war prose. Švantner’s magnum opus Život bez konca (The Endless Life, finished 1950) tries to illuminate the evolutionary essence of life in the Darwinian as well as irrational way.