Skrajne emocje wobec flagi jako symbolu narodowego na przykładzie powieści Alhierda Bacharewicza Ostatnia książka Pana A

Abstract

The fate of Belarusian national symbols, including the flag, was as turbulent as the history of the Belarusian nation. In March 1918. Belarusian People’s Republic recognised the white -red-white banner as the state flag. A year later, with the establishment of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic, the colours were changed to red -green. The BLR flag was referred to by Belarusian formations collaborating with the Third Reich, and Soviet propaganda later presented them through this prism. After the creation of the independent state, the roots were returned to by establishing the historic BLR flag as the symbol of Belarusian statehood. In turn, Alyaksandr Lukashenka returned to the symbolism of Soviet Belarus. Since then, the white -red-white colours have become the symbol of the democratic opposition. The complex history of the Belarusian flag is alluded to in one of the short stories in the collection The Last Book of Mr A. by writer Alhierd Bakharevich. The purpose of this article is to analyse the work in the context of the problem of the protagonist’s self -identification and the accompanying moral dilemmas, as well as the volatility of emotions associated with the state flag – an object that arouses contradictory feelings among citizens depending o The short story in question has not yet been the subject of in -depth reflection in literary studies and is part of the author’s research into contemporary Belarusian literature created under the conditions of the complex socio -political situation in Belarus and the related forced emigration of many authors. The analysis of the work carried out in the article proved that it reflects the contemporary divisions existing in Belarusian society. In the case of supporters of Alexander Lukashenko’s rule, it evokes pride and a symbol of state stability. On the other hand, in the case of those who oppose the president, it is a testimony of repression and bloodshed for the longed -for but, for the time being, unattainable freedom in many spheres of life.