The Linguistic Image of an Angel in the Poetry of Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna

Abstract

The linguistic image of an Angel in the poetry of Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna is highly related with the biography of this poet. In Iłłakowiczówna’s poetry we may notice that the experience of the World War I and II have had an impact on Iłłakowiczówna’s approach towards religion. Her uncertain attitude has been reflected in the image of an Angel, especially Guardian Angel that is not able to help people, because he is lost in the reality after World War I. The linguistic image of an Angel is similar to the common stereotype of an Angel that is pictured as a human being with light hair and complexion, aureole, wings and characteristic colors such as white, blue, golden and green. In few features the image of an Angel differs from the picture characteristic for the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Iłłakowiczówna makes Maria instead of Christos the center of the Angels world. This feature may be derived from Iłłakowiczówna’s orphanhood. The multitude of angels consist of not only Guardian Angel, but also Angel of a House, Angel of Consolation, December Angel and Angel of  Prompt. Their images existing in this poetry reflect the difficulties that Iłłakowiczówna has encountered in her life.