Witold Gombrowicz
Witold Gombrowicz
======================
Full Name and Common Aliases
--------------------------------
Witold Gombrowicz was a Polish novelist, playwright, essayist, and literary theorist. His full name is often cited in academic circles.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: August 24, 1904
Died: July 25, 1969
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Gombrowicz was a Polish citizen of the world. He was known for his literary work as a novelist, playwright, essayist, and literary theorist.
Early Life and Background
------------------------------
Witold Gombrowicz was born in Małoszyce, Russian Empire (now Poland) to a family of nobility. His early life was marked by intense introspection and self-discovery. He pursued his interests in literature at the University of Warsaw where he later became a member of the avant-garde literary group called "Formist Group".
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Gombrowicz's notable contributions to Polish literature include his novel _Ferdydurke_ (1937), play _The Marriage_, and collection of essays, *Bacacay_. He is also remembered for his pioneering work in developing the concept of "Polishness" as a literary and cultural identity.Notable Works or Actions
-----------------------------
Some of Gombrowicz's notable works include:
_Ferdydurke_ (1937): His first novel, which marked him out as an original voice.
_The Marriage_ (1939): A play exploring themes of love and societal expectations.
_Bacacay_ (1965-1969): A collection of essays that showcased his unique perspective on Polish identity.
Impact and Legacy
-------------------------
Witold Gombrowicz's impact extends far beyond the realm of literature. He is remembered as a cultural icon in Poland, inspiring generations with his unapologetic critique of societal norms. His influence can be seen in various areas such as:
Literary Theory: He introduced new concepts like "Polishness" which challenged traditional views on Polish identity.
Cultural Identity: Through his work, Gombrowicz contributed to the development of a distinct Polish cultural identity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
--------------------------------------------
Witold Gombrowicz is widely quoted and remembered for:
His fearless exploration of societal norms through literature.
His contributions to Polish literary theory and cultural identity.
* The lasting impact his work has had on generations of readers.
His quotes, reflecting his introspective nature, continue to inspire readers to question the status quo.
Quotes by Witold Gombrowicz
Don’t change the beggar into a conqueror, because it was the beggar who led you to conquest.
There is nothing that the mature hate more, there is nothing that disgusts them more, than immaturity.
I could have protested of course, who says I couldn’t – I could have risen to my feet at any moment, walked up to them, and – no matter how difficult it would have been – made it abundantly clear that I was not seventeen but thirty. I could have – yet I couldn’t because I didn’t want to, the only thing I wanted was to prove that I was not an old-fashioned boy!
Kneadalski shrank, crouched, and hit him from below with a shattering, copycat counterface as follows: he too rolled his eyeballs, lifted them and ogled, he too opened his mouth in calflike rapture, and, his face thus prepared, he moved it in circles till a fly fell into his gaping mouth; he then ate it.
A hanged sparrow! Who would ever think of hanging a sparrow? It’s like flavoring borscht with two mushrooms instead of just one – it’s too much!
The world was indeed a kind of screen and did not manifest itself other than by passing me on and on – I was just the bouncing ball that objects played with!
It is in the prime of youth that man sinks into empty phrases and grimaces. It’s in this smithy that our maturity is forged.
There were three of us; Witkiewicz, Bruno Schulz, and myself – the three muskateers of the Polish avant-garde between the wars. Only Witkiewicz remains to be discovered.
