Ludmila Bejenaru

The Fascination of the Genius in Romanticism: Romanian, Russian, French and English Literature Ludmila Bejenaru

"After the initial search for the prototypes of the genius the author she signals "various demons" and false contemporary geniuses, with the motivation-paradox: homo homini diabolus. Regarding the contemporary "Daimon", the author makes mention of Blaga's drama, Master Manole and the "paradox of Sisyphus happiness" in Camus. At the end of the research on the genius issue one can find a definition belonging to the author of the work: the genius would be "An expression of the total creativity". The great merit of this study about the genius lies in the clarity and refinement of demarcations. By avoiding one-sided debates about each literature, the author adopts the criterion of multiple connexions, accompanied by spatial and historical arguments, using suggestions from cultural anthropology, from mythologies and moral, constantly making appeal to the reason of famous thinkers. In essence, a solid, systematic work, rigorously documented, an ample synthesis and a contribution in the field." Constantin Ciopraga (Docent Dr. Habilitat, Academician)