Jednostka wyzwolona, zło i niewinność – Maldoror Lautréamonta .......... 411

LIBERATED INDIVIDUAL, EVIL, AND INNOCENCE – THE SONGS OF MALDOROR BY LAUTRÉAMONT

The article presents an interpretation of the functioning of evil in Lautréamont’s “the Songs of Maldoror”, juxtaposing the text with selected works of other authors, such as, William Blake and Max Stirner. Evil is considered in relation to Stirner’s concept of egoistic love and its perception, as well as restrictions put upon an individual by institutions. Furthermore, evil is also reflected upon with regard to Blake’s categories of innocence and experience. Also under scrutiny are possible meanings of cruelty, set in the context of an individual’s freedom. Rebellion against the idea of God, embedded in a struggle for independence, is also analysed. Ultimately, the article poses the question of whether “evil” can be justified in the name of autonomy.