Męstwo w życiu i twórczości Marii Rodziewiczówny
Courage in the life and works of Maria Rodziewiczowna

Summary/Abstract: In this article the author focuses on the virtue of courage in the life and works of polish XIXth century writer, Maria Rodziewiczowna. She was born in a very difficult time in the Polish history, just after the January Uprising (the Uprising of 1863) against the Russian Empire. Upbringing in the old, noble family and education in the school conducted by blessed Marcelina Darowska helped Rodziewiczowna develop a strong character and willingness to dedicate her life to the others by conscientious work and selflessness. Her moral attitude is reflected also in her novels. Her book characters are deeply attached to their father’s land, faith, tradition, honour and dignity. In the time of oppression and disrespect for human dignity Rodziewiczowna as well as her characters works to develop the ancient virtue of courage. Because of the disproportionately bigger strenghts of the enemy, the lesser-known form of courage was needed. It is endurance in the face of adversity. But this virtue has to be built by being faithful in the small works of everyday life. The author of the article is analyzing characters shown in Rodziewiczowna’s books in the light of Jacek Woroniecki’s Catholic Educational Ethics. After deeper inquiry it becomes visible, that Rodziewiczowna’s thought is deeply rooted in catholic ethics and conception of moral excellence – virtue. Because of the difficult situation of Poland and it’s citiziens in XIXth and XXth century the virtue of courage was so strongly emphasized in the works of Maria Rodziewiczowna.

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