“Powiastki cmentarne” [Cemetery Tales] by Bolesław Prus — Horror Literature Suitable for the Second Half of the 19th Century?

Abstract

The article addresses the problem of identifying and defining the functions of selected horror genre traits in Bolesław Prus’ story Powiastki cmentarne. In this short narrative form, referring subtly to Gothic style, not only the basic intention of raising the dread in the recipient, but also the need to address metaphysical issues are noticeable, which are usually excluded from reflection on the positivistic literature. Particular attention in this work is given to the literary genre used by the writer, which is a hybrid of a philosophical fiction with a Gothic one, and the influence this form has on the final tone of the work.