Wielość masek w Masce Stanisława Lema. Źródła, konteksty, powinowactwa

Abstract

The paper is devoted to The Mask (Maska) by Stanisław Lem, one of the best known short stories in the literary output of this Polish novelist. The main goal of the article is to discuss the intertextuality of this tale which evokes many contexts, ranging from mythology, through medieval and baroque poetry, to contemporary science fiction artworks. The Mask recognizes a large variety of problems, such as the definition of humanity, human gender and sexuality, as well as crucial emotions like love and the will to survive. Due to its catalogue of subjects, this short story can be interpreted on various levels and from the perspective of various methodological strategies. The texts of culture mentioned in the essay include: Jacek Dukaj’s Gothic, Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann’s The Sandman, Hans Rudolf Giger’s artworks, and Bjork’s music video All Is Full of Love.