Gołąb Patricka Süskinda – próba interpretacji
The Pigeon by Patrick Süskind: An Interpretation Attempt

Summary/Abstract: This study addresses The Pigeon, a novella by Patrick Süskind. Its protagonist is Jonathan Noel, an ageing bank porter. This man has subordinated his whole life to the rigors of work, discipline and routine while keeping social relations to a minimum. However, one day, his predictable existence is disrupted by a pigeon appearing at the threshold of his room. This triggers a series of fatal events. The protagonist’s reaction to the pigeon is surprising and opens the door to the psychological reflection of Jonathan’s nature. The bird disrupts his life, forcing him to undertake new, risky actions that deviate from his habits. In my article, I attempt to analyze the causes of the protagonist’s phobias and internal conf lict leading to his total alienation. An important aspect of my considerations is the phenomenon of loneliness and an attempt to read the metaphor of the pigeon and its function in the short story.

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