Honor albo trzy pojedynki w Lalce. Lekcja języka polskiego jako wycieczka antropologiczna

Abstract

The article touches upon the problem of honour as a value regulating social and cultural behaviours and being subject to historical changes over the centuries. Thus, a variable set of circumstances in which using the notion of honour triggers diverse social and psychological consequences is analysed. The starting point thereof are three “duel situations” in The Doll, which in one case only – the incident on horse race event between Wokulski and baron Krzeszowski – led to an authentic confrontation. From that perspective, functioning of cultural model at the moment of change of cultural paradigm is shown, being in the process in late 19th century and accurately observed by Prus. The transition from “feudal morality” to “middle-class morality” is enhanced by a broad historical, cultural and anthropological reflection. The breadth and specificity of the observation is connected to the presented educational strategy – Polish literature and culture lesson is an endeavour to comprehend a human being in maximally rich manifestation of his/ her existence, and in the local and universal aspect, with the help of direct experience (the present) and diverse cultural signs (tradition).