Contact Zone Identities in the Poetry of Jerzy Harasymowicz

This book explores cultural identity in the poetry of Jerzy Harasymowicz, focusing on themes of power and hybridity in a postcolonial context.

In Contact Zone Identities in the Poetry of Jerzy Harasymowicz, the author delves into the complex articulations of cultural identity as presented in the works of the twentieth-century Polish poet. Focusing on Harasymowicz's evolving perspectives on the Carpathian Lemko Region, the book examines how these perspectives illuminate broader themes of power, hybridity, and interethnic relations. Set against the backdrop of communist Poland, the poet's verses challenge prevailing narratives of identity, offering a rich exploration of self-creation within the confines of poetry.

This comprehensive analysis represents the first post-1989 interpretation of Harasymowicz's poetry, liberated from the constraints of political censorship that previously shaped literary discourse. The author not only reinterprets the poet's work but also reevaluates his contested legacy, shedding light on the intricate relationship between cultural identity and artistic expression. By situating the discussion within the framework of postcolonial studies, the book raises essential questions about the potential for postcolonial theory to redefine established notions of national literature and culture.

Ultimately, Contact Zone Identities in the Poetry of Jerzy Harasymowicz serves as a significant contribution to the understanding of Polish national identity, offering insights into the complexities of cultural representation and the transformative power of poetry. The work invites readers to reconsider the intersections of identity, art, and politics in a rapidly changing world.