My books are not 'political.' I don't make political demands. They actually describe life. But when we look at human life, politics creeps in everywhere.
Olga TokarczukRead
But the fact is we did have colonies in the east of Poland, we did have a slave economy there. But this is not common knowledge - or part of our national myth. It goes against the current romanticised view of the government, and much of the country, that Poles have always been victims, never oppressors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the uncomfortable historical truths about Poland's past regarding colonization and societal roles.
Olga Tokarczuk's quote confronts a common perception in Polish national identity that positions Poles primarily as victims of oppression, while overlooking historical instances where they acted as oppressors. By acknowledging the existence of a slave economy and colonies in eastern Poland, the quote challenges romanticized narratives and urges for a more nuanced understanding of history that includes both victimization and oppression.
Themes
HistoryColonialismOppressionIdentityPoland
In practice
Example use cases
In a history class discussing Poland's role in European history.
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Well-written novels make you more empathetic towards other people. You can identify with someone who isn't you. You can change your identity. A 14-year-old boy can become Anna Karenina. It is a miracle.
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How we think about the world and - perhaps even more importantly - how we narrate it have a massive significance, therefore, a thing that happens and is not told ceases to exist and perishes.
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