Samotni mężczyźni w krótkich utworach epickich Władysława Stanisława Reymonta i Zygmunta Niedźwieckiego

The article examines the theme of loneliness in the short prose works of Zygmunt Niedźwiecki and Władysław Stanisław Reymont. The focus is on masculinity, which underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century, evolving into what is referred to as “modern masculinity”. The issue of loneliness is approached from two perspectives. Firstly, there are depictions of elderly men who, in the final stages of their lives, are abandoned by their loved ones and deprived of their dignity. Secondly, the loneliness of young men entering adulthood is explored. The notion of the stranger in the crowd is also addressed. Both authors portray loneliness at various stages of a man’s life with a striking degree of naturalism.