Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the article is to show the interdisciplinary way of interpretation of Witold Gombrowicz’s works.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS:

There has been discussed the issue of concept of human nature. I analysed the first Gombrowicz’s drama entitled Ivona, Princess of Burgundia. The context of my considerations are the concepts by Aristotle and Thomas Hobbes linked with the political aspects of human nature. The applied methodology includes thus both political science and literary studies research tools.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION:

First, there has been presented the discussion between classical and modern perception of human nature. Then, the behaviours of characters has been confronted with the concepts of the aforementioned political thinkers.

RESEARCH RESULTS:

It turns out that it is impossible to determine clearly which one of the philosophical concepts was closer to the idea of Ferdydurke’s author. However, it can be stated that analysis of Gombrowicz’s dramas is more natural from the Hobbes’ perspective. Nevertheless, some nuances indicate that Gombrowicz’s works can also be successfully discussed with reference to Aristotle’s political thought.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS:

Confrontation of the reflections expressed by the author of Ferdydurke with the achievements of political science can broaden both literary studies and political science horizons. The context of discussion ’nature versus nurture’ will be an interesting way of further analysis.