Abstract

In the article the art originality of G. Swift’s novel "Waterland" is considered through the neomythologism traditions in the 20th century culture. The analysis shows that ironic representation of archetype images and plot models is determined by ideologems forming the European civilization and causing its present crisis. At the same time the art world of the work is organized by myth thinking laws and treated as myth novels of such authors as G. Marquez, Th. Mann, J. Updike. "Waterland" is a new myth where the salvation of the European civilization is possible due to human aspiration for life, progress, order and ideal