Szymborska e Herbert. Alcune considerazioni preliminari

Abstract

This paper presents a survey of thematic similarities and differences in the poetry of Szymborska and Herbert. The Author analyzes their correspondence, published in 2018, which bears witness to their friendship, along with their differing biographies. A brief review of studies dedicated to the parallels between the two poets is also provided. The themes where similarities and differences between the two poets are observed include: classical antiquity, torture, the conception of ethics, and existential suffering, as addressed by Szymborska in her poem “Advertisement”. In conclusion, the Author suggests that the poets’ differing visions of poetics and existence are reflected in two formulas they chose to express their “attitudes towards life: “I don’t know” for Szymborska and “despite everything” for Herbert.