Literary Borderland Landscapes in “Małe centrum świata” by Krzysztof Czyżewski

Abstract

This article offers a discussion and analysis of the literary landscapes of the borderland as presented by Krzysztof Czyżewski in his book Małe centrum świata. A long-standing practitioner of the borderland idea, Czyżewski portrays it as a multidimensional phenomenon: as a specific geographical space (Central Europe), as a space for intercultural dialogue, and as a realm for building metaphorical bridges. Writing about concrete initiatives undertaken for the benefit of the borderland, he describes, among other things, the activities of the Sejny-based “Borderland – of Arts, Cultures, Nations” Centre, which he directs. In his reflections on the borderland, he employs a variety of literary forms—from essay to poem—thereby highlighting not only the thematic but also the formal borderland character of his book.