SYMBOLISM AND SMIRNENSKI

Abstract

The article examines the influence of symbolist aesthetics on the poetry of Hristo Smirnenski. The author combines the high stylistics of symbolism with the social theme – this is how the exquisite expression decorates the stories of social outsiders (urban tyrants, soldiers, prostitutes, street musicians). The poet calls them “children of the city” and portrays them in contrast with another type of social character – Homo Faber, the people of production (workers, blacksmiths, stonemasons, charcoal burners). These are the two types of city characters. The first one is called a swashbuckling hero and represents the victim – poor, sick, blind, and hungry, while the second one is the person of struggle – the person of rebellion who is ready to transform the “old world”. One of the greatest strengths of Smirnenski’s poetry is its expression of pathos, which is not only loaded with social density, but also adorned with striking and complex epithets. The fictional universe of this young author is replete with recurring elements of symbolism – nocturnal or mostly evening landscapes, strange topoi, glamorous shop windows, mournful music, fiery looks, etc. Additionally, the works are characterized by the typical of Smirnenski brilliant poetic parody. He parodies everything – politics and politicians, love, human vices, etc. The article also draws attention to the reciting energy of Smirnenski’s poems, which is not generated by the literary qualities of the text, but by the emotion and expectation of the listener – in this case the category of the reader is missing.