A hero in the age of extraordinary inventions. The reation of Romuald Traugutt in the novel Eagle whiter than a dove by Konrad T. Lewandowski

Abstract

The article analyzes the creation of Romuald Traugutt in the fantasy novel by Konrad T. Lewandowski, published on the 150th anniversary of the January Uprising, which implements the model of alternative history in the steampunk convention. Lewandowski continues the golden legend of Traugutt – a martyr of the national case, which has been evolving since the day the National Government was executed, and grounded in belleslettres by E. Orzeszkowa. A novelty proposed by the writer is an alternative reality in which the January insurgents defeated Russia thanks to the technical miracle, specific tanks invented by I. Łukasiewicz. Traugutt in this reality does not die, he becomes the Chief of State; just like the real prototype, he is a good soldier and a man of deep faith. Lewandowski emphasizes the hero's patriotism and heroism when he voluntarily agrees to die for his homeland.