Zombie by the Vistula River. On the Sidelines of the Novels by Igor Ostachowicz and Jacek Dehnel

Abstract

This article is an attempt to answer the question why zombie motif is so popular in contemporary Polish literature. The author analyses two novels (Noc
żywych Żydów by Ostachowicz, Ale z naszymi umarłymi by Dehnel) in which zombies appear. In Ostachowicz’s novel they symbolize Jewish people, who were killed during the 2nd World War. In his story the writer indicates the fact that Polish society has forgotten about their existence. Whereas in Dehnel’s novel zombie symbolizes fascism which is rising in contemporary Poland. It is worth mentioning that both writers use post-apocalyptic genre to talk about fears and prejudice of Polish society. What is more, the writers indicate that violence is now a huge problem in Poland. This convention seems to be the most adequate to discuss about moral condition of society.