Narrative
Honor and Heroism
Primjeri čojstva i junaštva
Marko Miljanov · 1901
Synopsis
Seventy-five short narratives drawn from the life of the Montenegrin clans, full of murder, blood and vengeance, but also of honour and forgiveness: one man defeats his adversary by silence rather than by force, an enemy prisoner is treated as a brother and remains a friend for life. Each narrative features named Montenegrins. The book rests on a distinction that has become proverbial: bravery consists in defending oneself against others, humanity in defending others against oneself.
Context
The book appeared in Belgrade after its author's death, in 1901; one article dates it to 1900. It was followed by a collection on the Kuči clan in popular tales and songs, then by a book on the life and customs of the Albanians. A recent critic compares its stories to the lessons of the tales of the East and of Zen Buddhism. For its author, bravery without humanity is only barbarism, and he asks us to recognise the human and noble face of the enemy.
Who it is for
Very short accounts, to be read one at a time, each carrying its lesson; they exist in English.
Prizes and reception
The book is still being reissued in Belgrade, in both the Latin and the Cyrillic alphabet.
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The pages consulted to check this page.