NAIM FRASHERI AND THE POEM “THE SHEPHERD AND THE FLOCK OF SHEEP” BY JOSIF BAGERI

Abstract

The period of the Albanian National Renaissance is one of the most vibrant and important periods in the history of Albanian literature. It brought a new spirit not only in terms of the patriotic cause but also in the realm of various literary creations. This period, among other things, was quite rich in various literary creations, within which the Renaissance writers of the time placed the most beautiful and necessary themes for the Albanian nation. That’s why it’s no surprise that even the pastoral element appeared among them. This element is quite interesting and remains of ongoing interest to be understood. To this day, it is found in many literary works of the Renaissance, as it presents a homeland through every external or internal element - both constructive and inspirational - bringing today’s reader closer to the patriotic flow and spirit of that time. This spirit, in the best way, conveys the flourishing life of a shepherd, the beauty of a land that deserved to be loved, the joyful and constant pursuit of nature’s wonders, and at times, even an idealization that the people of that era - in a land endangered, oppressed, and left behind by life - deeply needed.Therefore, by using the method of deduction, as well as literary analysis, this scientific paper will present the way the pastoral element appears in the spiritual and spatial Albania of the time of the Albanian Renaissance writers. At the same time, it will illustrate how this literary element is expressed in its most beautiful poetic form. To convey this idea - to prove the presence of this unique and well-crafted element - two works from the Albanian Renaissance period will be examined: NaimFrashëri’s poem and JosifBageri’s poetry.