„Waćpan także piszesz ballady?” Refleksje nad debiutem książkowym Stefana Witwickiego

Abstract

The article analyzes Dialog (Dialogue), a work that opens the book Ballady i romanse (Ballads and Romances) by Stefan Witwicki (published in 1824–1825). This two-volume collection of poems was considered by many critics and literary historians as an epigonic work with regard to the book of poems by Adam Mickiewicz of 1822. Still, while interpreting Dialog, it can be seen that the character of the poetic expression, the message and intentions which guided both Romantic poets vary in much detail. Witwicki himself cannot be easily ranked as a declared member of the so-called Romantic camp and an opponent of the Classicists, an image that is still preserved in the history of literature. The researcher carefully studies selected critical voices towards Stefan Witwicki, confronting them with the message included in Dialog.