The Biblical Intertext in the Work Through Beatings to the Altar, by don Anto Baković

Abstract

The literary work Through Beatings to the Altar is a disturbing autobiographical account about the Catholic priest, don Anto Baković. It highlights his numerous distressing experiences during the troubled period following the Second World War. This paper first examines the particularities and effects of the autobiographical discourse, then places it into the context of political imprisonment during the period of Communist rule in Yugoslavia. The emphasis is on the biblical intertext, namely, the manner in which biblical motifs are incorporated into the work is examined, as well as their function and also the consequences of their usage. In conclusion, the author points out that the work may be viewed also as a romance.