Pokondirena Tikva Prepricano Best May 2026

Jovan Sterija Popović's comedy " Pokondirena tikva " (1838) is a classic Serbian play that satirizes the vanity of the provincial bourgeoisie. It tells the story of Fema, a simple widow who, after inheriting money, absurdly attempts to imitate noble behavior, ultimately facing humiliation and learning a lesson about authenticity.

Celebrate the prepricano moments—not the finished fruit, but the almost-ready hope that is still growing. pokondirena tikva prepricano best

• Fema – The “pumpkin.” Speaks a hilarious mix of Serbian and German (“knédle, šporet, frajla”). Wants a cultured son-in-law.
• Ruža – Her daughter, a puppet in Fema’s plans.
• Mita – Fema’s brother, a common-sense merchant who speaks plainly. The voice of reason.
• Jovanča & Šafranik – Pretentious suitors; one pompous, one a fake intellectual.
• Teta Saveta – An old-fashioned relative who exposes Fema’s lies.

7. Discussion Questions (For Students or Book Clubs)

• How does Sremac use the character of Sima to critique the influence of Western fashion on Serbian tradition?
• Is Jovača a victim of his wife, or a victim of his own lack of self-awareness?
• Can you find examples of "Pokondirena tikva" in modern society?

The Suitors Exposed – Jovanča pretends to be a refined gentleman but doesn’t know basic geography. Šafranik quotes fake Latin. Fema is thrilled; Mita laughs in their faces. Jovan Sterija Popović's comedy " Pokondirena tikva "

Conclusion

Jovan Sterija Popović  The founder of Serbian drama and a leading 19th-century intellectual, best known for his biting social comedies. Fema – The “pumpkin