Miniaturowe romantyczne bestiarium. Robactwo i owady w twórczości Romana Zmorskiego

Abstract

The article presents a review of Roman Zmorski’s works, focusing on the author’s use of expressions related to insects and vermin. The goal is to determine the intensity of occurrence of such names (the scale of this phenomenon) as well as their functions and meanings. Consequently, the paper adopts the style of a documentation catalogue. It employs thematic criticism and takes a micrological approach. Zoomorphic connotations, images, metaphors and comparisons are considered in the context of the cultural tradition and the resulting symbolism. The conducted analysis indicates that the name “worm” is almost absent. Instead, the following terms are used: “vermin”, “vermin desires”, “little vermin”, “larva”, “caterpillar” and “leech”. The most frequent terms are “butterflies” and “ants” (“chills”, “tingles”, “swarm”). Among the infrequently used names there are “flies” (“little flies”), “bees”, “grasshoppers” and “locust”. Also “insect” is a rare term, yet it is used in a specific way: to describe a man dreaming of a great thought and suffering because of discovering it. While these names sometimes update the traditional meanings connected with vermin and insects, they occasionally convey such an unusual sense.