„Perły jaśminy i maki korale” – symbolika kwiatów w Królu-Duchu Juliusza Słowackiego

Abstract

Flowers in King-Spirit by Juliusz Słowacki are the subject of many considerations. Different species can be identified in the poem. These include roses, lilies, poppies, sunflowers, narcissi, thistles, cornflowers, mallows, jasmines, mulleins, cockles, buttercups, hawthorns, rues, thymes, convolvuluses, lilies-of-the-valley, flaxes, camellias, and asters. There are also flowers that are creations of the poet’s imagination. The “invisible”, “sulphuric” and “fire” flowers as well as “sulphuric roses” are examples of such imagined plants. He also mentions the flowers of paradise and flowers consisting of “glistening fires”. Moreover, the “rainbows of flowers” occur in one of the songs. The analyses conducted indicate that flowers in King-Spirit frequently accompany the individual characters, particularly the women. They become the floristic attributes of the characters. Therefore, this work attempts to explain the meaning of flowers as elements of female creations. Three sample images have been chosen and discussed: Pani Słowa [The Lady of the Word], Wandas and Dobrawas. In this way, the importance of the images presenting women “dressed” in flowers is signalled. Plants in King-Spirit, however, are not just the robes decorating female characters. Flowers are also visible in the descriptions of architectural objects. Plants decorate the ancient temples of pagan Slavs, towers, columns and hermitages. Sometimes, flowers turn into streams or rainbows. The conclusion can be drawn that in his poem Słowacki plays the role of the interpreter of nature. In the same way as in his other genesian texts, flowers and trees in King-Spirit speak the secret language.