Towards "Lament świętokrzyski". Compassio in Polish contemporary poetry

Abstract

The Holy Virgin in Polish tradition became an archetype of mother suffering. Lament świętokrzyski, that presents the lyrical monologue of Holy Virgin, is a masterpiece of Polish medieval passion song. Because of its artistic and human value, Lament has its continuations in contemporary poetry. The analysis of two poems (by Joanna Kulmowa and Ewa Szelburg- Zarembina) exposes similarity and differences between them and their prototype.