Norwid − Herbert (the Episode with Buttons)

Abstract

Collecting scrupulously Herbert's references to Norwid – in the shape of quotations or instances of phraseological concurrence – and investigating their origin and transformations, the author shows the essence of this meeting between the present day and tradition. Singling out and spectacularly using the title „episode” with buttons in both poets' work, he describes the ethical foundations of their aesthetics. They both – each in his own way – realised the humanist ideal of art and the ideal of humanity based on the virtues of manfulness and sympathy. Watching closely the detail proves to be a gesture that sets in motion a universal perspective.