Between Theology and Poetry: Forgiveness in the Works of Mickiewicz

Abstract

The article begins with the reflection of Cz. Zgorzelski on the religious issues in the works of  Mickiewicz, which have been dominated with question of conscience. The most important works of the poet and their principal threads are strictly connected to the inner transformation and maturation of the characters. „Pan Tadeusz”, „Dziady cz. III” as well as the lyrical works of Mickiewicz include these problems. The issue of the guilt, self-discovery and forgiveness is most broadly and elaborately depicted in „Pan Tadeusz” (Volume X „Emigracja. Jacek”). This nearly exemplary situation of inner state of the character that is striving for deliverance from nagging guilt has been analyzed in context of the thoughts of P. Riceur. The act of forgiveness shown by the most important of Polish romantic poets, preceded the big scenes concerning this problem in the following Polish literature.