‘Misery of the Rich’. Modernist Paradoxes in Eliza Orzeszkowa’s "Argonauci" Cover Image

„Nędza bogatych”. Modernistyczne paradoksy w „Argonautach” Elizy Orzeszkowej
‘Misery of the Rich’. Modernist Paradoxes in Eliza Orzeszkowa’s "Argonauci"

Author(s): Cezary Zalewski
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature
Published by: Towarzystwo Literackie im. Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: Eliza Orzeszkowa; "Argonauci" (novel); characters

Summary/Abstract: This article focuses around contradictions and dissonances the modern forms of existence are characterised by, according to the novelist. It turns out in the course of the narrative that the major characters (Alojzy Darwid, Artur Kranicki, or Marian Darwid and Emil Blauendorf) tend to create some extremely incoherent existential projects: in the domain of thirst, the state they favour is excitement – unattainable as it proves without a long-lasting marasmus and repletion; in the sphere of ethics, they advocate egoism, albeit they do cultivate an ‘unceremonious’ altruism. As for aesthetics, they advocate chaos and a blend of artistic qualities, but ultimately admit their nostalgia for a classical beauty.

  • Issue Year: XLVI/2011
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 83-101
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Polish