SHADES OF MEMORY IN MATEIU CARAGIALE’S THE RAKES OF THE OLD COURT
SHADES OF MEMORY IN MATEIU CARAGIALE’S THE RAKES OF THE OLD COURT

Summary/Abstract: In Remember (first volume-edition in 1924) and The Rakes of the Old Court (first Romanian serial edition in 1921, in print in 1936 and English version in 2021), Mateiu Caragiale (1885-1936) exposes a world on the verge of extinction. Drawing on his knowledge of heraldry, Caragiale presents several males who indulge in pleasure, knowledge and group-affirmation as they preserve their own principles. These rakes possess the financial means to engage in various types of experiences that others do not have access to or an appetite for. While employing the Saidian concept of “Orientalism” and that of “Balkanism” coined by the Romanian critic G. Călinescu, this paper examines the construction of a refined narrative. Scenes and portraits are typically painted in heavy, rather dark tones, with sophisticated fragrances and attire in tune with equally complex entertainment and conversational practice. What do the main protagonists think about their own identity and how do they pursue their interests? While knowledge and wealth are the key to a comfortable life, being one of a select few is vital to the key protagonists. They enjoy time spent together, as well as looking back at their roots. Visual, audio and linguistic representations, diluting or enhancing distinct temporal, spatial and personal ingredients, build on a particular universe in which introspection and companionship are the key ingredients to one’s existence.

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