Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna on the Dignity of the Refugee

Andrzej BORKOWSKI

Instytut Językoznawstwa i Literaturoznawstwa, Wydział Nauk Humanistycznych, Uniwersytet w Siedlcach, ul. Żytnia 39, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland , Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0003-4468

Abstract

The presented research is devoted to the issue of the dignity of the refugee, as seen in the prose and poetry of Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna. The analysis focuses on the manner in which the poet’s work expresses practical guidelines or actions in terms of saving dignitas (hominis) and the issue of maintaining respect for her homeland and her nation during her stay in exile. The methodological context for the considerations presented here is hermeneutics grounded in philological-historical and philosophical reflections on the phenomenon of autobiography. The research reveals that the work of the Polish writer focuses on axiological problems that relate directly to the dignity of the refugee from the perspective of his or her material condition, as well as the psychological-emotional or, more broadly, spiritual-intellectual sphere. What emerges from the texts is a multifaceted self-portrait of a refugee who tries to survive the time of separation from his or her loved ones and homeland in a dignified manner, devoting himself or herself to social and patriotic activities, education, gainful employment, and creativity.

Keywords:

Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna, prose, poetry, refugee, dignity