The Role of the Category of anagnorismós in the Homeric Structure of A. Mickiewicz's Pan Tadeusz

Abstract

The paper deals with the structure of anagnorismós, which Mickiewicz used in Pan Tadeusz, modelling himself on the same structural operation in Homer's Odyssey.

One should notice that there is a principal difference in both epics, as to the manner in which this structure is put to action. In Homer the self-revelation of Odysseus occurs in book IX (while the epic numbers twenty four books) and opens up a series of recognitions, whereas in Mickiewicz the self-revelation of Robak as Jacek Soplica takes place in book X (the epic numbers twelve books). It is then at the end of the epic, when a sufficient number of hints has been accumulated and Robak's self-revelation, by way of his confession, has become necessary.