
Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan debate on the most famous, popular, and at the same time controversial works of Armenian classical and world literature. Each discussion is dedicated to one literary work, the debate of the literary critics presents the possibilities of its traditional and new perception.
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Literature in regions
Literature knows no boundaries, especially in our Internet age. However, in Armenia, a distinction is still made between the literature created in Yerevan and the literature created in the regions. Many writers living in regions consider it important to move to Yerevan for further creative development. Who are the writers living and creating in the regions, what distinguishes their literature? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss in "Parallel Readings".
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About one story. Aksel Bakunts, "The Humble Girl""The Humble Girl" is one of the masterpieces not only of Aksel Bakunts, but also of the entire Armenian literature. Being built with fine and detailed details, this story can give rise to many interpretations. On the other hand, the writing tricks used by Bakunts in that story are extremely instructive. Literary experts Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss Bakuntsi's story "Humble Girl" |
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The Vardananks in Armenian literatureThere are many references in Armenian literature dedicated to Vardan Mamikonyan, the hero of the national liberation struggle of the 5th century, and the heroes who fell in the field of Avarair. Vardan and the Vardananks have inspired Armenian writers and people for centuries. Literary experts Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss the features of the literary achievements of Vardanank heroes. |
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Was it a year of Charents?
The literary year passed under the motto "It's a year of Charents". On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of Yeghishe Charents, books were published, scientific conferences and other events took place. However, as a result of all this, to what extent did the great poet become more ours, was a new discourse created around his work? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.
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The cover of the book as a chronicle of life
The covers not only make the appearance of the book attractive, but also present the image of time and reality in a unique way. Especially the covers of books published in the 20s and 30s of the 20th century tell a lot about their time. In "Parallel Readings", literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan and novelist Aram Pachyan discuss the features and significance of Soviet-Armenian book covers.
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Within one story. Hambardzum Hambardzumyan, "That Night"
The story "That Night" by the modern novelist Hambardzum Hambardzumyan is a small but rich episode of the Armenian reality of the 1990s. In a short artistic space, it presents the reality of a Yerevan neighborhood from a child's perspective. Why was this work loved by readers, how does the author manage to condense the period and people within a few pages? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss the story in "Parallel Readings".
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Vahag Davtyan 100
The 100th anniversary of Vahag Davtyan was completed in 2022. The multi-genre work of the poet is evaluated in terms of continuity and innovation of the Armenian poetry tradition. What other features does V. Davtyan's poem have, how the author manages to combine lyricism and epic spirit. Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan and Lilit Seyranyan discuss.
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How to evaluate modern Armenian literature?
By what principles is modern literature evaluated during competitions and by publications, what is particularly important when accepting a book for publication? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.
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Within a story: Derenik Demirchyan's "Avelord""Avelord" is one of the best stories of Armenian literature. Just a perfect work that embraces all the patterns typical of the genre, while at the same time shocking with its plot and generalizations. The story is also included in school textbooks and is a topic of discussion. Is the story presented correctly, what ideological messages does it have? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan and teacher Arsen Vardanyan discuss. |
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From fame to oblivion- famous Armenian writers during their lifetime, but forgotten now
There is a well-known story about how someone with the surname Tumanyan kindly urged the very young Hovhannes Tumanyan to change his surname and choose a normal literary name, because there cannot be two Tumanyans in the literary field. However, no one remembers that person anymore, but everyone knows Tumanyan. Why are writers being forgotten, is this forgetting solely related to literary value, or are there other reasons?
Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.
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What to read in difficult times?
Literature also has therapeutic, sobering, spiritual harmony-restoring properties. All this is especially important in moments of individual and public crises. What to read in difficult times? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.
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Illustration: does it hinder or help reading?
Illustration and design not only ensure the proper appearance of the book, but also contribute to the understanding of the content, sometimes becoming a unique interpretation. What are the illustrations in our books like, do they hinder or enhance reading? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan and artist and illustrator Ararat Minasyan discuss.
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