Self-destructiveness, culminating in its extreme form, suicide, emerged as significant literary themes in Slovenian literature, particularly in the narrative prose of the second half of the 19th century. This study analyses eleven prose works by Josip Jurčič, Janko Kersnik, Janez Mencinger, Josip Stritar, and Ivan Tavčar, employing interpretative-analytical and comparative methods. Rather than stressing the modes and explicitness of self-destructive and suicidal depictions, the focus is on the characters exhibiting these tendencies. The analysis reveals that these individuals are predominantly young, spanning both peasant and noble classes, and are often characterised by a mentality of world weariness (Weltschmerz) and resignation preceding their demise. A recurring theme is the profound impact of unfulfilled love, which invariably hastens their sorrowful end. The discourse also delves into the literary figures' perceptions of self-destructive and suicidal behaviours, underscoring a marked aversion to confronting the repercussions of such actions. The conclusion draws on Aristotle's Poetics to assess the tragic stature of these characters, highlighting that most do not align with the Greek philosopher's criteria for tragic characters.
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