The unusual use of life and poetry. On Wisława Szymborska

Abstract

This article is of a comparative nature and attempts to contrast the poetic output of two Nobel prize-winners, i.e. Eugenio Montale and Wisława Szymborska. The author uncovers numerous similarities especially between Montale’s late works and Szymborska’s poetry. This is particularly visible on two planes, i.e. existential reflection and language, as well as poetic means. The Italian poet and Polish poetess focus on the individual presented as being under pressure from the modern world’s vast, impersonal forces, e.g. history, progress etc. They treat the traditional poetic means of expression with mistrust and instead favour the kind of language that is as clear as possible, subject to philosophical reflection, and infused with irony, allegory and paradox.