Motyw śmierci w powieści Olgi Tokarczuk Ostatnie historie .......... 379

THE MOTIF OF DEATH IN OLGA TOKARCZUK’S NOVEL FINAL STORIES

The central focus of this study is the analysis of the motif of death in Ostatnie historie [Final Stories] by Olga Tokarczuk, as well as her perspective on life and death. The research is based on text interpretation and the classification of types of death according to the theory of Vladimir Jankélévitch. The first chapter examines the depictions of death experienced by the characters, categorized into three types: self-death, the death of the other, and the death of others, highlighting their characteristics and significance. The next chapter explores the biological aspects of death, such as aging and illness, as an extension of its boundaries. The final part summarizes the interpretation, presenting the writer’s views on life and death. This study has practical significance – it helps to familiarize people with the concept of death and shape a proper perspective on life.