The free shooters of thought : on some romantic and post-romantic figures of mind

Recenzja: dr hab. Anita Staroń, prof. UŁ

Throughout the 19th century the eccentricity – phenomenon and term – reached a top of its historical evolution, that had transformed it into a form belonging to literary discourse, therefore belonging to modernity ("modernité"). The main goal of the present study is to visualize the dynamics of evolution of eccentric figure, from the passive and speculative order ("régime") towards an active one. On the French ground at the beginning of 19th century eccentricity is understood by means of its definition from across the Channel. Along with the literature development this term has been modified and extended: the idea of eccentricity detached from its English context turned into categories of fancy ("fantaisie") and eclecticism. In the second half of this century the mixture of meanings is to be observed: some English elements that were originally assigned to eccentricity are reactivated; the eccentric model has been influenced by the "Anglo-Teutonic" and American mind. At the same time the development of the eccentric figure in literature overlaps three stages of 19th century evolution (modernization) of fiction inspired by new scientific ideas (evolving psychology, sociology, new approach to historical and philological studies, rise of anthropology, development of physical science) or parascientific theories (like Gall’s Phrenology or Lavater’s Physiognomy) and principles that evaluate, interroge and challenge socio-political structures and issues. Three stages spoken of are: publication of the stories of "ravaged thoughts" ("ravages de la pensée"), emergence of the fancy literature ("littérature fantaisiste"), birth of a scientific marvelousness ("merveilleux scientifique").