Tito Dorčić

Tito Dorčić (1906) is the last novel by Vjenceslav Novak, published posthumously. In the edition edited by Slavko Ježić (volume 9 of Collected Works, Minerva, 1933), this is a strongly realistic-naturalistic work with motifs from Senj and its surroundings.

The novel follows the life of Tito Dorčić, a descendant of an old and distinguished fishing family in Senj. His father, Andrija, an ambitious chieftain of fishermen, wants a better future for his son and sends him to study law in Vienna. Tito, a gifted but sensitive young man, finds himself in conflict between his father's aspirations, the city environment and his own nature connected to the sea and a simple life. The novel depicts his education, return to Senj, marital and social difficulties and gradual psychological decline.

The work emphasizes the influence of heritage, environment and social expectations on the fate of an individual (biological and social determinism). Here Novak switches to a naturalistic approach, showing how inadequate education and foreign environments can destroy a person. There are rich descriptions of Senj life, the sea, fishing customs and the psychological states of the main character.

Tito Dorčić is considered one of Novak's most tragic novels, with a deep criticism of the ambitions of the "little man" and conservative society. It is a valuable testimony to Croatian realism at the turn of the 20th century and an important part of the author's oeuvre along with The Last Stipančićs.