MIĘDZY BRAKIEM DOŚWIADCZENIA A ŻALEM ZA UTRACONĄ MŁODOŚCIĄ – LITERACKIE OBRAZY MŁODOŚCI I STAROŚCI W ŚREDNIOWIECZU

Abstract

Human sensitivity to changes happening in the course of time and the theme of youth and old age is apparent throughout the ages in various cultures. In literature and visual arts of all cultures young protagonists are universally favoured, as may be well perceived in the arts connected with the court, where the motif of youth is invariably sought after and acquires the dominant status. At that stage even the presen-tations of old people are realised in such a context. Medieval literature contains both the record of regret after lost youth and the awareness of the experience gained in the course of life. It addresses the question of the relationship of old age and love and of the changing relationship with people at various stages of human life in the context of the varying perception of youth and old age.