Granica - streszczenie lektury

Summary

Zofia Nałkowska's novel, set in Warsaw in 1935, tells the tragic story of Zenon Ziębiec, a sophisticated and popular president of a provincial town. His life unravels when his mistress, Justyna Bogutówna, attacks him with acid, leading to his blindness and eventual suicide. The narrative explores Zenon's upbringing by impoverished aristocrats, his affair with Justyna, and his relationship with Elżbieta. Despite marrying Elżbieta and having a child, Zenon's inability to sever ties with Justyna, who becomes pregnant and mentally unstable, culminates in his downfall and the destruction of all involved.

Takeaways

• 📚 The novel's author is Zofia Nałkowska, and it was published in Warsaw in 1935.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The main character is Zenon Ziębiec, who becomes the president of a provincial town and is known for his elegance and popularity due to his brilliant career.
• 💥 A scandal erupts when a woman named Justyna, who is revealed to be Zenon's lover, throws acid on him and attempts suicide.
• 🏚️ Zenon comes from a poor noble family; his father, Walerian, lost their fortunes due to bad management.
• 🎓 Zenon studies in Paris and has a relationship with an older aristocrat, which his parents cannot financially support for his last year.
• 💔 Zenon has a complicated love life, involving Elżbieta and Justyna, leading to betrayals and emotional turmoil.
• 🤰 Justyna becomes pregnant, and Zenon denies responsibility, causing further complications in their relationship.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Zenon marries Elżbieta, and they have a son together, but his relationship with Justyna continues to cause issues.
• 🚑 Justyna's mental health deteriorates, and she is diagnosed with schizophrenia, which adds to the tragedy of the story.
• 🔫 The story ends tragically with Zenon committing suicide after Justyna attacks him with acid, and Elżbieta leaves the country after his death.

Q & A

Who is the author of the novel mentioned in the transcript?

The author of the novel is Zofia Nałkowska.

In what year was the novel published?

The novel was published in 1935.

Who is the main character of the novel?

The main character of the novel is Zenon Ziębiec.

What was unusual about the way the novel was written?

The novel was written in an atypical manner as it presents the protagonist, Zenon Ziębiec, as a real person who was the president of a city.

What tragic event occurred at the beginning of the story?

A woman named Justyna, who was Zenon's lover, attacked him with acid and then attempted suicide by jumping out of a window.

What was the truth that was revealed causing a scandal in the city?

The truth that was revealed was that the woman who attacked Zenon with acid was his lover, Justyna.

What was Zenon Ziębiec's background before becoming the president?

Zenon Ziębiec was the son of impoverished nobility, Walerian and Joanna Ziębiec. His father was a nobleman who lost both his and his wife's fortunes due to poor management.

What was Zenon's relationship with his parents like?

Zenon perceived his parents' lifestyle as pointless and unproductive, criticizing their extravagance, narrow-mindedness, and primitiveness.

What happened between Zenon and Justyna while he was studying in Paris?

While studying in Paris, Zenon had an affair with Justyna, despite being in a relationship with Elżbieta Hrabiczówna.

How did Zenon react when Justyna told him she was pregnant?

Zenon rejected Justyna and the child, stating he wanted nothing to do with them.

What was the ultimate fate of Zenon Ziębiec?

Zenon Ziębiec committed suicide after being attacked by Justyna and the subsequent scandal.