CYPRIAN KAMIL NORWID IN THE EYES OF HIS "GRANDSONS YET TO COME": FROM REJECTION TO RECOGNITION; ON THE READING STYLES OF VADE-MECUM
CYPRIAN KAMIL NORWID IN THE EYES OF HIS "GRANDSONS YET TO COME": FROM REJECTION TO RECOGNITION; ON THE READING STYLES OF VADE-MECUM

Summary/Abstract: Cyprian Kamil Norwid (1821-1883) is considered the last of the four most important Polish Romantic poets. The history of the reception of the literary and artistic accomplishments of the author of Vade-mecum shows its nineteenth-century rejection by critics and readers alike. Norwid was then described as unwanted and "dark" a writer, as well as an "incomprehensible" poet. The question "Which Norwid?" frequently posed in modern day Norwid studies, indicates the variability potential of the reception and of the reading of his oeuvre, which cannot be unambiguously classified as representing a single, whether Polish or European, literary current. In early twentieth century, heated controversies were held over the significance of Norwid's legacy. Zenon Przesmycki, known as Miriam, who discovered the then forgotten works of Norwid, simultaneously encouraged debates on the aesthetics his poetry expressed. In recent years, Norwid's oeuvre is interpreted by literary scholars as model work of the nineteenth century, yet going beyond "its era," regardless of whether it is seen as representing Polish or European literature. Today, Norwid is counted among the most important Polish authors. His unquestionable accomplishment is laying the foundations for contemporary poetry. The scope and richness of his oeuvre has inspired a growing interest in its study, which contributed to the rise of Norwid Studies as a separate discipline.

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