The Image of Vilnius in Piotr Jezierski's Crime Novel for Young People "Alligator in Vilnius". A Linguistic and Cultural Study

Abstract

The article analyses the linguistic and cultural image of Vilnius in the youth novel Alligator in Vilnius by Piotr Jezierski, which combines elements of a detective story and an adventure novel. The author shows that the city is not only the background of the events, but becomes almost an equal protagonist of the plot, offering the young reader an educational and cultural context. Vilnius is presented as a place of exceptional historical, cultural and natural value, divided into five main profiles: the capital of Lithuania, a promise of adventure, a meeting of Polish and Lithuanian traditions, a city in harmony with nature, and a sacred city. The author emphasises that Jezierski’s narrative strategy is to bring closer the most important places and events, exposing the most characteristic features of the city. Vilnius is presented as a dynamic space, combining various aspects—historical, cultural and natural—which makes the novel attractive to young readers. The creation of the city is also based on emotional valorisation, showing Vilnius as a fascinating place full of contrasts, ideal for discovery in the context of adventure and education.