Under the sign of the heart : the experiencing "I" of late modernity (Leśmian, Joyce, Derrida, Nancy)

The topic of this paper is the golden dust metaphor in Bolesław Leśmian’s poems, fairy-tale prose, essays and plays. It is interpreted as one of many variations of the black sun trope, the gnostic and alchemical symbol for the unity of oppositions and for transformation. Analysis of Leśmian’s metaphor leads to the conclusion that his writing corresponds to gnosticism and alchemy. It takes up the concept of material concreteness, nudging the reader to combine oppositions and transmutation. Acting through words, through tropes, reflects the performative status of Leśmian’s creative work.