History by Norwid – history by Romantics (selected issues) (transl. by Tadeusz Karłowicz)

Abstract

In Norwid's works continuation is seen of the Romantic predilection for details, for concrete facts, but the poet moves them from the space of the outer world to the dimension of man's inner reality. The first generation Romantics approach history, for example, through a detail of the landscape. For Norwid history is a context for revealing the inner man (Kleopatra i Cezar). It also happens that history, like in Promethidion, appears in its entanglement in relations with art, beauty and work. In such a configuration the key character of conscience is revealed as a category in a special way connected with the flow of time, with history.