Dorota Pilarz

The collection of nineteen Powieści wschodnich (Eastern novels) by Ignacy Krasicki constitutes one of the realizations of the genre of a tale in the literature of the Polish Enlightenment. Schematic construction of the world presented in the stories is submitted to extra-aesthetic tasks, mainly ideological and educational. Didacticism appears here as moral recommendations, universal truths and repetitive situations, possessing a universal value, to some extent still contemporary. Krasicki supports the style of life filled with a stoic calm and order, in compliance with the truths of nature, where virtue guarantees common happiness obtained due to the obedience to the will of parents and Providence, diligent work and restriction of desires and passions. Thus, he recommends judiciousness, reasonable decision making, moderation in the pursuit to pleasure and patient bearing of adversities. The author pays attention to the distinction between good deeds towards God and the closest ones, and the appearances, which deludingly seem like philanthropic acts.

The need to determine the canon of always relevant rules of style of a written statement is revealed in almost all Enlightenment texts undertaking theoretic reflections on language. The point of departure are the stylistic suggestions of Ignacy Krasicki, as made in the “Monitor” newspaper. Discussing the essential issue, of language as a reflection of thought, the Prince Bishop of Warmia does not hesitate to discuss the universal properties of a style characterized as clear, concise and simple. A discerning look at the rules mentioned above allows the author to make an analysis of the manner of linguistic formation of the Powieści wschodnie. Of special interest are those properties of style which enable a clear and natural manner of literary representation, as well as those that intensify the imagery of language, and the devices responsible for the persuasive function. Beside a characterization of important stylistic and  linguistic devices, there is also a reflection on gentle irony and perverse wit used by the author of the oriental stories.