Poetry and the senses. The ancient topos of water and wine as a theory of literary taste in the works of Jan Kochanowski Cover Image

Poezja i zmysły. Antyczny topos wody i wina jako teoria iudicium litterarium w twórczości Jana Kochanowskiego
Poetry and the senses. The ancient topos of water and wine as a theory of literary taste in the works of Jan Kochanowski

Author(s): Jarosław Bedyniak
Subject(s): Polish Literature, Theory of Literature
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: Poetry; senses; theory of literary taste; Jan Kochanowski;

Summary/Abstract: The text refers to the ancient topos of the debate on drinking water and wine, which is present in Jan Kochanowski’s poetry. The ancient idea of bacchanalian drink and water from the holy spring were seen as the root of the act of creation. Ever since this motif took its final shape in the works of the Anthology poets, it has been used by artists as a pretext for self-referential reflections, as well as for technical musings on sources of inspiration. The classical thread takes on special significance in Kochanowski’s work, because the poet uses it to articulate his own concept of poetic inspiration (enthusiasm), and also because he formulates aesthetic judgment (iudicium) on the criteria for evaluating literature.

  • Issue Year: 2017
  • Issue No: 27
  • Page Range: 317-342
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Polish