The Problem of Nature and Culture in Janko Polić Kamov's Novel The Dried-out Mire

U Isušenoj kaljuži Janka Polića Kamova problematizira se odnos prirode i kulture, odnosno pojedinca i zajednice. Glavni lik Arsen Toplak u tri dijela romana - Na dnu, U šir i U vis - postupno prelazi iz instinkta u kulturu. Na dnu prevladava nagonska komponenta, buntovno opiranje pojedinca društvu i njegovim vrijednostima. U šir predstavlja prijelaz iz načela ugode u načelo realnosti, preispitivanje vlastitog identiteta svojim intelektualnim i literarnim radom. U vis tematizira odustajanje od potrage za vlastitim mjestom, smiraj se postiže odbacivanjem vlastite individualnosti i identiteta.The novel The dried-out mire by Janko Polić Kamov discusses the relation between nature and culture, i.e. individual and community. The main character Arsen Toplak in the three parts of the novel At the bottom, Widening and Upwards gradually crosses from instinct into the culture. At the bottom is dominated by the urge, rebellious resistance by individual towards society and its values. Widening represents the transformation from principles of pleasure into principles of reality, questioning his own identity through his intellectual and literary work. Upwards discusses resignation from the search for his own role, acquiring bliss by rejecting his own individuality and identity