Melchior Wańkowicz and Jerzy Giedroyc: Two Concepts of 'Liberation'

• In Event: Wańkowicz-Kister-Erdman: Emigrant Freedom Dilemmas (on the 50th Anniversary of Melchior Wańkowicz's Death) in the Light of Archival Research

Abstract

The paper will highlight the maturation of two concepts of freedom, which, starting from a common basis, become increasingly antinomic: Giedroyc's concept dictates staying away from Polish People's Republic and the Soviet sphere of influence; Wańkowicz's concept implies a return to Poland, a choice that, while seemingly resembling acceptance of enslavement, reflects a different understanding of the struggle against oppression, or liberation. The research material consists of materials found in the archives of the Literary Institute, partially published correspondence and works by Wańkowicz published during the period under study.

Author

• Anna Saignes, U de Lorraine (France)