In search of symbolic identity of Czarnolas linded. Jan Kochanowski’s "Na lipę" epigrams interpretative problems in context of interpretations presented in school education Polish literature classes

Abstract

This paper covers interpretations of three Na lipę epigrams from Epigrams by Jan Kochanowski. Their analysis was carried out in context of interpretations presented to pupils during school education Polish literature classes. The main goal of analysis was to depart from treating Kochanowski’s epigrams in schematic way and focusing on epigrams’ symbolical meaning. As starting point of interpretations, Jacek Sokolski’s findings about symbolic meaning of linded (Kochanowski’s literary works hero) were set. This paper covers depart from literal understanding of linden, its attributes and whole scenery in favour of symbolic meaning: linden as symbol of poetry and creative forces. Linden’s identity is mainly symbolic. This paper also covers topos of poet-bee, recalling rich Polish and European traditions of this metaphor. Author also proposes how to interpret symbolical meaning of nightingale and starling: as inspiration and imitating, respectively. Na lipę epigrams by Jan Kochanowski are works associated with literary classes. They have metapoetic character.