Page "Zbigniew Herbert" Paragraph 60

Jaskinia filozofów ( Cave of Philosophers ), probably the most valued among all Herbert ’ s dramas, and Rekonstrukcja poety ( The Reconstruction of the Poet ) refer to antiquity.

The plot of Jaskinia filozofów is set in an Athenian prison cell, where the main character, Socrates, waits for his death sentence.

Conversations held with his students, wife and warder let him conduct an examination of his life ; however, this is not the only theme brought up in the drama.

Socrates could easily escape if he wants, as the death penalty was to be token.

Those by whom he was sentenced, presume that he will escape and they saw to it that he had such a possibility.

Yet, the philosopher does not reconcile himself to the hypocrisy of freedom without actual freedom – he goes to extremes and finally resigns himself to death.

Rekonstrukcja poety refers to Homer.

The author of great epics, being already blind, alters his view into something vital and worthy of interest – no more battle ’ s clamor, but now detail, something which is considered to be the most personal and fragile.