The Attempted Dating of Hitherto Undated Works by Karol Wojtyła: Literary and Theatre Works, Juvenilia (1938–1946)

Abstract

Karol Wojtyła left behind many undated works. Determining the date of their creation sometimes requires a detective’s acumen. Based on the extensive information available in his poetry, meditations or plays, the context of their creation can be worked out quite accurately. This article is an attempt to determine the chronology of the early works of Karol Wojtyła, starting with the adaptation of The Stage Image titled “Christ – King” based on the Apocalypse of Saint John, his rhymed verses as a secondary-school graduate, through the series of Sonnets, and Symphonies – Unifications, then his autumnal poetry, works from the time of the war and occupation – sometimes forgotten by the very author – and ending with Songs about the Hidden God – the most mature poem from the period before his priesthood. Confirmations of the suggested arrangements often come from the recollections of people who were close to the young Wojtyła. His letters to his friends, the Kotlarczyks and the Szkockis, are also an endless source of information. The literary works of the future Pope, full of his deepest thoughts, as well as fears and premonitions, complement the various stages of his life, and thus help us to better understand not only the artistic creativity, but also the teachings, of John Paul II.