Instytut Badań Literackich Polskiej Akademii Nauk

“Effeminate fool" or God’s strongman? About the poetic image of Samson in the works of Wacław Potocki

Year of publication: 2020
Page range: 19 (5-23)
Keywords: Wacław Potocki, the Bible, Samson, baroque poetry, concept, exegesis
Author: Jacek Szczepański (University of Warsow)


Abstract

The paper focuses on biblical references to Samson (chapters 13–16 in the Book of Judges) in the Wacław Potocki’s (1622–1686) works. The author discusses the religious and cultural background, that could have influenced the poet’s biblical erudition. Moreover, he presents some examples of cultural reception of this motif. The analysis of poems referring to Samson shows Potocki’s attitude to the Israelite’s hero. The poet questions his superhuman strength, criticizes thoughtlessness and excessive trust yet he finds some traits that he can identify with. The author of this article determines the frequency of use of particular episodes of Samson’s story. The breakdown reveals a diversity of subject matter in the analyzed poems and innovative approaches to some literary motifs.

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