In Interconnected Space and Time: Attempts of Orientation in the Novels Párhuzamos Történetek by Péter Nádas and Iskola a Határon by Géza Ottlik

Abstract

My research aimed the comparative analysis of the two novels, with special regard to possible relations between stories that cannot be interpreted in the same reference system. In my paper I discuss several attempts of orientation by means of practice research, network analysis and chaos theory, I also touch upon works from other arts. In addition to getting familiar with the relevant literature, I found it important to apply new, experimental aspects in discovering the specific space and time relations of the two novels. In particular the recently published Nádas-book raises many, yet unanswered questions: What keeps a novel coherent, which intentionally disrupts its own composition? Does the dislocation of the only reference system allow the social historical linking of the works? What chances of relation are offered by the two radically parallel stories? Without attempting to be comprehensive or to find all possible answers I try to explore these dilemmas and present my results.