Pocztówka z Neapolu, czyli patetyczny Il Conde
A Postcard from Naples, or the Pathetic Il Conde

Author(s): Ewa Borkowska
Subject(s): Studies of Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: Conrad; Il Conde; Count; Naples; pathetic; death; Muratov
Summary/Abstract: Joseph Conrad’s pathetic tale Il Conde, set in Naples, is told by an anonymous narrator, perhaps the writer himself and examines an encounter with the European aristocrat who will be called the Count. The Count is a man who can fascinate the narrator by his manners, education and unique sensitivity and also by his knowledge of art, especially sculpture. While in Naples, the Count was robbed by the Camorra man; this event was a traumatic experience for the well-bred gentleman. When the Count leaves Naples seen off to the train station by the narrator, the scene of farewell looks much like the “elegy for leaving”. It is the final moment of his departure from the world, which has been reinforced by the tale’s motto “Vedi Napoli e poi muori”, that who sees Naples can say “adieu” to life.

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