Jakobsonova brněnská přednáška o staročeské literatuře (1934)
Jakobson's lecture in Brno on Old Bohemian literature (1934)

Summary/Abstract: Roman Jakobson’s intellectual journey in interwar Czechoslovakia reveals a dynamic interplay between linguistic theory, medieval Czech literature, and poetic innovation. His 1934 lecture on Czech medieval poetry, preserved in manuscript form, exemplifies his polemical style and methodological rigor, challenging outdated literary historiography and advocating for a revitalized paleobohemistics. Jakobson’s dual identity—as a literary scholar and a close collaborator of poets—enabled him to bridge historical poetics with contemporary artistic expression. His comparative approach, especially between Czech and Russian verse, sparked both acclaim and controversy, reflecting broader ideological tensions within the academic community. The lecture not only critiques the stagnation of Czech medieval studies but also proposes a holistic framework that integrates poetic, social, and cultural dimensions. Jakobson’s insistence on the poetic function and his use of military metaphors underscore his combative stance toward conventional scholarship. His work with Czech glosses in Hebrew manuscripts and his efforts to recover lost materials highlight a lifelong commitment to uncovering the richness of Czech literary heritage. The Brno period marks a pivotal phase in Jakobson’s career, where his teaching and research laid the groundwork for future medievistic inquiry. Ultimately, his manuscript serves as both a scholarly artifact and a call to reengage with the poetic legacy of the Czech Middle Ages.

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