Djela Augusta Šenoe: Karanfil s pjesnikova groba - Prva knjiga pripovijedaka

Carnation from the Poet's Grave – The First Book of Stories is one of the most important collections of August Šenoa, an author who marked the Croatian literature of the 19th century. The collection contains eleven short stories of different themes, but connected by a common interest in man, his destiny and the society in which he lives. Through these texts, Šenoa shows the everyday life of the Croatian people, historical events, love affairs, moral doubts and social injustices.

The title story "Carnation from the Poet's Grave" is among Šeno's most famous works. It combines a love story, a memory of the Slovenian poet Franc Prešern and a strong idea of ​​national revival. The work talks about the importance of the mother tongue, national identity and belonging to one's own people.

Other stories bring diverse characters and events: from historical and social themes to depictions of ordinary people facing the trials of life. Shenoa especially emphasizes honesty, courage, loyalty and patriotism, but also warns against greed, selfishness, injustice and human weaknesses. His characters are often faced with difficult decisions that reveal their character.

Stylistically, the collection shows a transition from romanticism to realism. Romantic elements are visible in emphasized feelings, idealized heroes and love motives, while realism is manifested in credible descriptions of society, people and everyday life. Šenoa writes in vivid, picturesque language and skillfully builds tension and interests the reader.

The collection has both literary and cultural value, as it bears witness to the time of the Croatian national revival and the shaping of modern Croatian literature. Through interesting stories, the author conveys messages about the importance of identity, morality and responsibility towards the community, which is why his stories are still relevant today and worth reading.

Stories represented in this volume:

• A carnation from the poet's grave
• Eternal Jew in Zagreb or Three Days of Sorrow and Trouble
• Turopolj cannon
• The waning moon
• God helps up to three times
• Breathing people's guards
• Prijan Lovro
• Beautiful Anka
• Captain Izailo
• Baron Ivica
• As it came, so it went