Not-so-poetic Switzerland: Mickiewicz, Słowacki, Krasiński

The paper looks closely at the representation of Switzerland in the works of three no-table Polish Romantic poets: Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Słowacki and Zygmunt Krasiń-ski. The author analyzes the nineteenth-century myth of Switzerland, which included: Alpine flora and fauna, federalism, the figure of J.J. Rousseau, the state’s proverbial peace and quiet, and its hospitality towards refugees. As it turns out, while writing about Switzerland Polish poets draw heavily on the cultural stereotypes, but, at the same time, treat this country with reserve. Switzerland is perceived as a transit state on the way to desired Italy; as a place inhabited by people of “foreign mentality”, followers of rational Protestantism; and their culture seems not only provincial but underdeveloped