TRAVEL NARRATIVES IN CONTEMPORARY POLISH LITERATURE. ETHICAL, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Purpose. The presentation of results and analyses regarding on the journeys of ethical, cultural and social provenance in narratives available in contemporary Polish literature illustrated by chosen examples. Method. To prepare the presentation, qualitative methods were used together with the analysis technique of the content/plot of novels of autobiographies of contemporary Polish prose writers and travelers. The author analysed representative texts of such highly-regarded figures as philosophers by profession – Marek Kamiński, Joanna Bator, Krzysztof Środa – and wellknown writers: Andrzej Stasiuk, Krzysztof Varga, Ziemowit Szczerek and others. Findings. Research showed the authors’ great interest in history, culture, ethical and social issues during their numerous peregrinations all over Poland, Southern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe. The narration of the chosen author-travelers contains numerous reflections of existential-philosophical and cultural-social nature, focusing on sociological analysis. The interpretative framework in the works of the discussed authors fluctuates around local, global and glocal problems. Research and conclusions limitations. The study concerned only the works of Polish authors and concentrated on their journeys all over Poland, Southern and Central and Eastern Europe; borderlands, peripheral and cross-border areas. The phenomenon of the journeys of the analysed authors lies in the fact that their experiences are subjective, and their expeditions are undertaken to a considerable degree in mental space, a depicted world; they are unique imaginary adventures. Practical implications. Reading the works discussed in the article expands knowledge on culture, history and the society of countries where the authors undertake their ethically responsible travels. Their books can successfully become an element of literary/cultural tourism. Originality. In literature on the subject works concerning individual authors discussed in the article are dispersed. The advantage of the presented text is the depiction and analysis of the creative output of the examined authors in one place, including the characteristics of their journeys: spiritual, culinary, pilgrimage, cognitive and escape. Type of paper. The article is a review and a scientific, reflective essay.