Gwiazdy w „Lalce” Bolesława Prusa
Stars in Bolesław Prus’ “Lalka” (“The Doll”)

Summary/Abstract: The paper discusses the functioning of the motif of stars and starry sky in “Lalka (The Doll)” by Bolesław Prus. The exposition starts with a sketch on the role of astronomy in the writer’s scientific interests and a presentation of the methods he employs in his selected literary and journalistic pieces. Next, there follow interpretations of individual scenes of “The Doll” in which the motive of stars is discernible, with attention paid to artistry and scientific mode of utilising them. On the one hand, the approach contains traces of romantic books experience (which is discussed by Klara Turey) or distant folk beliefs, while on the other hand it proves Prus’ knowledge of scientific papers and profound understanding of the world. Influence of observations by Camille Flammarion, a French astronomer living in the epoch of Prus, also prove vital in the theme of stars in “The Doll.”

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