"Két hajó: Novellák" by Frigyes Karinthy is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This work likely explores a rich variety of themes, from the struggles and dreams of individuals to poetical explorations of imagination, society, and existence, often blending reality and fantasy in subtle, contemplative ways. The stories appear to delve into the experiences of different characters—artists, dreamers, explorers, outsiders—each searching for fulfillment or meaning while facing
the limitations of their world. The beginning of the book presents several diverse narratives: it opens with "A cirkusz," a surreal tale of a young person yearning to play the violin in a circus but facing baffling obstacles and bizarre encounters, reflecting a journey through artistic ambition and societal expectation. The next story, "Két hajó," contrasts the rational, goal-driven Kolumbus (Columbus) with the mystical alchemist Szinéziusz as they voyage into the unknown; their philosophical debates embody the tension between scientific progress and the limitless horizons of fantasy and spirit. Then, "Északi szél" vividly recalls a decadent, eternal summer and the jarring arrival of a haunting, otherworldly visitor whose presence and music usher in an existential chill and transformation. Finally, "A púpos" follows the daily life and inner bitterness of Balogh Lajos, a carefully dressed but physically deformed man who faces a sudden, public humiliation. These openings reveal Karinthy's gift for blending psychological insight, irony, and the fantastic, introducing characters whose desires and struggles mirror broader questions about identity, longing, and the place of imagination in an often indifferent reality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 62.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Contents
A cirkusz -- Két hajó -- Északi szél -- A púpos -- Napok -- Por -- Vak csibe -- Getsemáne -- A lélek arca -- Napisten -- A régi város -- A vak szobrász -- Természetes kiválás -- Erzsébet színházba megy -- Kőből van a föld -- Katonák -- Álmodni -- A hűtelen -- Árnyék -- Viaszfigurák -- Levél a Jóska öcsémről -- Bűn -- Művészet.
Credits
Albert László from page images generously made available by the Google Books Library Project
