A Systems Approach to Literature: Mythopoetics of Chekhov's Four Major Plays

by Vera Zubarev

Overview

The analysis of the mythopoetics of a literary work involves the search for mythological archetypes, parallels, paradigms, and motives in a literary text. In a new attempt at an integrated vision of literary works, Zubarev presents a comprehensive approach on the basis of mythopoetics. Her theory is verified through a close examination of four of Chekhov's major plays: The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard. Zubarev presents a compelling approach to literary analysis, and explores the enigmatic roots of Chekhov's universal significance. Her mythopoetic study sheds light on why Chekhov's plays are moving in any language and in any time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313301933
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/30/1997
Series:	Contributions to the Study of World Literature , #75
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1270L (what's this?)

About the Author

VERA ZUBAREV is Lecturer of Slavic Languages and Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of six books, including Prince Igor's Search for Glory: A Poem about a Poem and About Angels: A Treatise.

Table of Contents

Preface
Systems Approach and the Mytholiterary Continuum
The Seagull: Decaying Arcadia
Uncle Vanya: "The Iliad" of Domestic Scope
Three Sisters: An Army Without a General or The Weedy Tree of Life
The Cherry Orchard: A Wandering Land
Bibliography
Notes
Index

Editorial Reviews

It was her study of Chekhov's plays beginning in her native Ukraine that led Zubarev (Slavic languages and literatures, U. of Pennsylvania) to develop her system of mythopoetics, which she here explains using those plays as case studies. After an overview of the systems approach and the mytholiterary continuum, she analyzes "The Seagull", "Uncle Vanya", "Three Sisters", and "The Sour Cherry Orchard". Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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