Erotyzm kurortowy. O Wielkim nieznajomym Józefa Ignacego Kraszewskiego i Sezonowej miłości Gabrieli Zapolskiej

Abstract

The article focuses on the function of spa, and the mountains and Goral culture in the works of Józef Ignacy Kraszewski and Gabriela Zapolska (based on two novels: The Great Stranger and Seasonal Love). The plot of the first work takes place in Krynica, and shortly in Zakopane. The Great Stranger was inspired by Kraszewski’s stay in Krynica in 1866 (including a trip to Zakopane). The plot of the second work is located in Zakopane. Seasonal Love resulted from Zapolska’s visit to Zakopane in 1903. Thus, both novels have similar origins. In addition, Zapolska was an enthusiastic reader of Kraszewski’s novels and she surely read The Great Stranger. However, almost forty years passed between the visits by Kraszewski and Zapolska to Zakopane, making a difference in their perception of the capital town of the Tatras and its functioning. In the 1860s, Zakopane was far from the popularity it enjoyed in the early 20th century. Hence, I am interested in the mountain landscape and a resort space as the location of romantic affairs described in both novels.