Paths of virtue in Vade-mecum. Cyprian Norwid’s poetic aretology

The article discusses the concept and imagery of virtue in Norwid’s cycle of poems Vade-mecum, focusing on lyrical pieces that refer directly to this subject (Larva [Larva], Fatum [Fate], Ironia [Irony], Zawody [Disappointments], Centaury [Centaurs], Królestwo [Kingdom], Cnót-oblicze [Face-of-Virtues], Bohater [Hero], Ideał i reformy [Ideal and Reforms], Fortepian Szopena [Chopin’s Grand Piano]). They are nevertheless considered in the light of Norwid’s entire body of work and against the backdrop of ancient – Greek and Roman – as well as Christian aretology. Norwid’s poetic study of virtue remains closely connected with these traditions, but is also inspired by literature (especially Homer, Prudentius and Dante) and art (the iconography of virtue). As the conducted analyses demonstrate, an aretology that involves reflection on virtues such as valour, temperance, justice and kalokagathia constitutes an important factor that binds together Vade-mecum at the levels of the development of the lyrical subject, the epic dimension of the cycle, as well as the anthropological and ethical issues it raises. These facilitate better understanding of Norwid’s concept of the poet-moralist and his diagnosis regarding the crisis of humanity in the 19thcentury.