Reprezentace „pravého Američana“ a Spojených států amerických v českých cestopisech od sedmdesátých let 19. století po první světovou válku
Representation of the “true American” and the United States of America in Czech travelogues from the 1870s to the First World War

Summary/Abstract: This study analyses travel literature concerning the USA in Czech travelogue discourse from the 1870s to the First World War. The axis of argument comprises two subjects — the representation of the USA as a “land of freedom” and the image of the “true American”. As well as dealing with this topic the study also aims to examine the outlines of Czech identity in confrontation with the American “other”. Hence it is inspired methodologically by Said’s analyses and depiction of the “other” in literature and culture. The study contends that the authors under review (e.g. Josef Václav Sládek, František Herites, Josef Štolba, Jiří Guth and Josef Kořenský) see the USA as an inspiring model of a free and democratic country. Likewise the depiction of the “true Americans” is positive despite some negative aspects. They are represented as energetic, hard-working and determined individuals who are honest and bold. The authors often contrast these positive characteristics of the American “other” with “typical” Czech small-mindedness, lack of heroism and dynamism, and the alleged enviousness of the Czechs. The travel writers assert that in these respects the Czechs ought to take the Americans as an example. The only significant positive characteristic of the Czechs in comparison with the Americans is their “culture” (i.e. sophistication with regard to literature, theatre, music, art and the like). Overall it can be said that at this time Czech travellers admired the USA and its inhabitants, seeing them as an example worth following. This mode of representation also demonstrates the gradual shift from the East to the West made by Czech intellectual and cultural elites around this time.

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