"Trzeba cnoty i miłości". Robactwo, moralność i natura w twórczości Edwarda Żeligowskiego

Abstract

This work presents an analysis of literary works by Edward Żeligowski, who usually published under the pen name of Antoni Sowa. The analysis takes a zoomorphic perspective, identifying in the text terms related to objects usually referred to as vermin. The function of the followingnames was determined: “insect”, “mosquito”, “butterfly”, “ant”, “fly”, “little fly”, “wisp” (in the meaning of “glow worm”), “wasp”, “spider”, “spider’s web”, “bee”, “vermin”, “worm” and “locust”. The majority of these names were used to characterise the moral and social attitudes ofa person – serving to expose the virtues or sins of the given individual. Only the names of some particular animals/creatures were used to present the world of nature, which, together with other image-creating elements, highlight the omnipotence of nature and indicate the Creator’s love. The conclusion emerges that Żeligowski’s creative works are outstanding in moral and social sensitivity as well as the tension between a great idea and the reality which obliterates it.