Myth, science fiction and rock 'n' roll: A reflection of Ursula Le Guin's novel The Left Hand of Darkness in the lyrics of 'Ekatarina Velika'

Abstract

This paper sheds light on the relationship between myth, science fiction and rock and roll in Ursula Le Guin's novel The Left Hand of Darkness and the rock and roll lyrics of 'Ekatarina Velika'. The mythical structuring of time, space and hero are recognized as a common feature of Le Guin's novel and rock and roll. Furthermore, we observe that the science fiction and rock and roll motifs are based on constructivist philosophy. We conclude that the mythical archetypes (light - darkness, life - death, summer - winter, sun - earth, air - water), having undergone certain semantic modifications, enable the function of the basic philosophical principles and values: repetition as repetition of difference, eternal recurrence of the non-the-same, constant redefining of identity, new development of the human body by discovering new ground, releasing codes and prejudice. The motif of water is singled out as a common characteristic of the novel The Left Hand of Darkness and Milan Mladenović's lyrics. Water refers to the eternal incompleteness of knowledge and allows us to register the movement of thoughts, the rivalry between the centre and the Other. This type of science fiction, as well as rock and roll, do not need the answers to existential questions. Our research convinces us that rock and roll could gain an equal cultural status as another mode of expression of meaning.