Comments about Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz’s Journey around Lithuania in 1819

Abstract

In 1819, Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz took a journey around Lithuania. It
was the sixth of his historical trips. The author summed up his observations of the
state of Lithuania in following words: “How many dangerous, contagious diseases
affect this part of the political body of our homeland!” The „plague” metaphor
is developed further in the discussion. Niemcewicz describes “epidemics” that
destroy society and the state, causing effects that are equally or more dangerous
than material losses visible at first glance. He points to “plagues” resulting from
political oppression and violence of invader on various levels of social life, as
well as unwanted changes that dependent on the will of a man who succumbs to
destructive influences.