Your Walls, Our Walls: The poetics of space in the novel Dungeon by Svetlana Velmar-Janković

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the artistic modelling of space in the novel Dungeon by Svetlana Velmar-Janković. Following the semiotic theory of Juri M. Lotman, we start from the premise that artistic space serves as an important constructive principle, capable of expressing other, non-spatial relations as well. The communist ideological-political period in the novel Dungeon is interpreted through its social and spatial practice. The characterization of two ideologically opposed groups of characters (the communists, on the one hand, and the representatives of the bourgeoisie on the other) was achieved through their respective connections to the apartment in Dositejeva Street. Therefore, the analysis of the characters in this paper is mainly focused on outlining the psychological motivation for actions that reveal the hidden meanings of the characters’ obsession with objects and spaces. Exploring the process of metaphorization and symbolization of space, we point out its potential to show hidden, intimate and private contents. Different types of the chronotope of the road and the motif of encounter in the novel Dungeon indicate the movability and flexibility of the borders between the private and public domain, in the communist period. In order to answer the question of the (im)possibility of harmonizing the abstract (internal, mental, emotional experience) space and its external manifestations, we point to their intertwining and conflicts, the sacrifices that the characters bring to the new socio-political context, and finally their efforts to suppress, hide or preserve intimate spaces.