The Golem Myth in Bruno Schulz Cover Image

Mit golema w twórczości Brunona Schulza
The Golem Myth in Bruno Schulz

Author(s): Robert Looby
Subject(s): Literary Texts
Published by: Instytut Badań Literackich Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: Bruno Schulz; Golem myth; Meyrik's "Der Golem"; Jewish Mysticism; kabbala

Summary/Abstract: This essay outlines elements of the golem myth, both in the stricter, kabbalistic sense, and in the broader, popularised sense in Bruno Schulz. Rather than recreate a monolithic version of the ancient Jewish legend, he mixes in elements of more modern, western European literature, such as Meyrink’s "Der Golem". In the figure of Father, we find as well as the fasting and meditation of Jewish Mysticism allusions to spontaneous adoration of later Hasidism. The basic concepts of creation laid down in the stories are kabbalistic, and characters such as Edzio, Dodo and Hieronim as well as the waxwork dummies in “Wiosna” are recognisable as golems. Being the creations of – however pious – imperfect man, they too are characterised by shortcomings and defects. Furthermore, as in the kabbala, their purpose is to demonstrate the creative power of the word, rather than perform useful actions.

  • Issue Year: 2007
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 93-105
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish