Groza w opowiadaniu "Talidomid" Dawida Kaina

Abstract

Gorefikacje is the first Polish e-anthology of gore, which premiered on March 30th, 2013. Extreme horror is new to Polish literature: it is only at the beginning of its path. Making its first shy steps towards the center of the literary scene, it owes its evolution to young authors, who first seek inspiration in works by non-Polish authors, and then – in cinematography. Gore oscillates first and foremost around macabre images of blood, dismemberment, vivisection, abuse, killing, torture, pornography, crime, and perverse provocations. The article focuses on the opening text of the Gorefikacje e-anthology – a story written by one of the most renowned contemporary Polish horror writers, Dawid Kain. Mateusz, the protagonist of Talidomid, is a cripple. Immersed in the “Die of Death” – a mysterious online game – he realizes that it is life that plays a game with him. Doomed, he becomes a victim of his own fate: his hatred towards others eventually turns against himself.