Fear and Disgust in Nowa Huta. Elements of the American “New Journalism” and “Gonzo” Journalism in the Works of Ryszard Kapuściński (narrative theory)
Lęk i odraza w Nowej Hucie. Ryszard Kapuściński i amerykańskie Nowe Dziennikarstwo oraz dziennikarstwo gonzo (narracja krytycznoliteracka)
In his article the author discusses similarities or even affinities between Ryszard Kapuściński’s journalism and writing with the American “new journalism,” as well as the “craziest” form in this literary movement — “gonzo” journalism. In the opinion of some western researchers the author of The Emperor was to some extent a “gonzo” journalist. Marek Kusiba considers this writer’s work in the broad context of Polish and western literature. He proves that Kapuściński created, regardless of the development of both of the abovementioned styles, his own variety of artistic journalism, combining the achievements of fiction and nonfiction. Thus, both in Poland and in the world, he was one of the precursors of reportage containing features and attractiveness typical of belles-lettres — without prejudice to facts. The author of the present sketch, referring to prominent practitioners and theoreticians of “new journalism,” emphasizes that Kapuściński was independent and isolated in his writing explorations, that by going beyond the framework of traditional journalism and reportage, he anticipated solutions that soon become the norm.
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