„Ty jesteś jak bohaterowie twoich książek”. Elementy autobiograficzne w prozie Doroty Terakowskiej

Abstract

The article is concerned with the search for autobiographical elements in Dorota Terakowska’s prose. In order to present this topic, Leslie A. Fiedler methodology was used. Fiedler claims that the author’s life has a considerable influence on their work and even gives it its full meaning. According to the scholar, it is possible to interpret a literary work without knowing the biography of the author, however examining a work in the context of the author’s life allows for the discovery of more meanings and thus for a better understanding. The point of biographical reference became the book of Dorota Terakowska’s daughter – Katarzyna Nowak – entitled Moja mama czarownica. Opowieść o Dorocie Terakowskiej. Of particular research interest were the following novels written by Terakowska: Tam, gdzie spadają Anioły, W Krainie Kota, Ono, Władca Lewawu, Lustro pana Grymsa. In the works of this Krakow-based author one can find numerous references to her personal life, as well as upheld values, presented attitudes, and distinctive behaviours.