Significance of Fatherhood in Lithuanian Modern Novella of the First Half of the 20th Century

The paper is based on a phenomenological approach to and a conception of fatherhood introduced by Emmanuel Levinas and Mikhail Epstein. The focus of the paper is an analysis of the nature of fatherhood that might be observed in the Lithuanian modern novella of the first half of the 20th century rather than just an individual fictional character. Levinas's conception of fatherhood as the relation with the other, the strange / unfamiliar which enters the field of common human experiences is of special importance in the article. According to Levinas, fatherhood is not given a priori. Hence, it may not be of a biological nature. It is a creation of interpersonal spiritual and valuable links which are impossible without the foundation of the common human existence, namely, responsibility and love for the dear ones. The paper deals with the Lithuanian modern novella of the 20th century: works by Ignas Seinius, Juozas Grusas, Antanas Vaiciulaitis Jurgis Savickis. These authors speak either in the voice of the father or the son and where two main characters of the narrative appear. The conclusion is that various types of fatherhood emerge in the Lithuanian modern novella. The type illustrated in different ways of narration and stylistic variety.