Counterfactual Narrative in the Novel The Invisible by Aleksandar Gatalica

Abstract

Starting from the theories on conceptual integration (linguistics argumentation of Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner and narrato­logical theory Hilary Dannenberg) and possible worlds theory by Lubomir Doležel, this paper investigates the interpretation of the official history in the novel The Invisible by Aleksandar Gatalica. Reality structures incorporated into the content of the novel The Invisible , include historical figures and events, literary works, studies, declarations, canvas art, musical compositions, magazines, artistic and scientific societies and events. Our engagement in the intertextual context of the novel is based on the textual material listed here: 1. Tito's letter to Milovan Đilas; 2. The Embattled Mountain by William Deakin; 3. The testimony of Mihajlo Petrovic about Kun’s attitude towards the property of Branko Popovic; 4. Theatre in occupied Ser­bia: Theatre policies in Serbia 1941-1944 by Boro Majdanac; 5. Entry ”Decadence, Decadence” in the Dictionary of Literary Terms edited by Dragisa Zivkovic; 6. Chess game of world champions, Robert James Fischer and Lhamsuren Myagmarsuren, played in 1967, known as ”A Night in Vegas”; 7. Excerpt from John Russell’s article, published in Obituary section of the New York Times .