PRZESTRZEŃ ŁODZI W ZWIERCIADLE DYSKURSU TOKSYCZNOŚCI. NA MARGINESIE ZIEMI OBIECANEJ WŁADYSŁAWA STANISŁAWA REYMONTA
THE SPACE OF ŁÓDŹ IN THE MIRROR OF TOXIC DISCOURSE. ON THE SIDELINES OF THE PROMISED LAND BY WŁADYSŁAW STANISŁAW REYMONT

Summary/Abstract: This article is devoted to analyzing the space of Łódź presented in Reymont’s Promised Land. The author focuses on popular opposition Nature versus Civilization which is highlighted in the novel Reference is also made to Laurence Buell’s toxic discourse. Reymont is aware that the accelerated urbanization (which has taken place since 1890) has disturbed the ecological balance in the environment. New factories, which appeared in the area of Łódź, have reduced areas of wilderness. Toxic fumes from the chimneys have become a clear sign of an impending ecological disaster. Trees compared to skeletons and the smell of rot are evidence of the progressing agony in the urban landscape. The problem of environmental pollution seems to be ignored by the protagonists of the Promised Land. This is due to the fact that nature has been seen only as a field of constant human exploitation. The only sensitive person is the narrator, who, like a chronicler, documents destructive changes in the ecosystem. Undoubtedly, Reymont’s voice is a manifestation of mature, modern ecological awareness.

• Details
• Contents