The Lost Hero in Potrč’s Novel »Na kmetih«

Abstract

Potrč introduced certain specific peculiarities into the thema of the socialization of the Village: a passionale/sensual craving for women and, in no less manner, passion and hunger for land. Namely, Južek Piedi, the hero of the novel Na kmetih (In the country), 1954) is plagued by traumas. Between him and society, which is given only in outlines, life swarms with all of its snares and new (postwar) challenges which he fails to comprehend and understand, living as he does in a world of spiritual emptiness, hopelessness and primitivism. This world shines with only two lights: woman and earth, the basic levers of life and its only sense. Within this restricted space, the hero's disintegration is underlined by all-pervading fear and greed.Plunging into apart of life’s challenges, he in reality loses all: ancestral property, T'unika's pure love, the earth beneath him and his freedom. 'Hie sacrifice is great, the loss irretrievable but the future is nevertheless still there.