Goethe i Byron w prelekcjach paryskich Adama Mickiewicza
Goethe i Byron w prelekcjach paryskich Adama Mickiewicza

Summary/Abstract: The article takes up the issue of presence of J. W. Goethe and Lord Byron in the literary and cultural reflection of A. Mickiewicz, with a special emphasis on his Paris lectures on the Slavic Literature (1840-1844). Two diametrically different individualities, the classic from Weimar and the rebellious romanticist, are equally respected by Mickiewicz. He confronts their writings and author attitude in his most important programme statements at various stages of his work. Also in his creative practice, this artistically versatile poet leads a dialogue with Goethe and Byron (e.g. Crimean Sonnets, Konrad Wallenrod, Part III of The Forefathers’ Eve, a translation of The Giaour). In the Paris lectures, Goethe and Byron are still regarded by Mickiewicz as the most important authors of modern literature. They represent important fields of the Slavic culture’s dialogue with the West. Here, the author of Faust becomes strictly a literary authority, ceasing to play an equal role with the English romanticist, the Napoleon of poetry, who fits in the political history of Slavic nations and reveals the secrets of the “literature of the future” to them.

• Details
• Contents