„Gombrowicz jest moją zmorą”. Dziennikowe zmagania Sławomira Mrożka z Witoldem Gombrowiczem

Abstract

The autobiographical works of Sławomir Mrożek, which include his extensive diaries from the years 1962–1989 and large volumes of correspondence, continue to be open to new readings. Since the key, and until now undescribed problem in the meta-literary layer is the relation to Witold Gombrowicz as an artist and as a human being, the paper analyses and interprets, from a historical literary and comparative point of view, the multi-annual polemics with the aesthetic and philosophical views of the author of Ferdydurke, which Mrożek conducted in his diaries from 1965 to 1987. The process-based nature of the author’s references is emphasised: from respectful acceptance to the decisive overcoming of Gombrowicz’s influence, ending in the opening of Mrożek towards metaphysics, absent from his master’s worldview. The particular role of Gombrowicz’s work is pointed out as a mirror for Mrożek, where Mrożek’s reflection on himself as an artist and on his own art took shape and gained confidence.