02. Stefan Żeromski - Przedwiośnie, Szklane domy | Audiobook PL

Biblioteka Szkolna2 minutes read

Cezary's journey through war-torn Baku and his quest to escape with his father, Seweryn, culminates in tragedy as they are separated, leading to Cezary's arrival in a dilapidated town in Poland symbolizing a new beginning and hope for the future. Despite the hardships and loss, Cezary finds solace in nature's beauty and the promise of renewal, signifying his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

Insights

  • Cezary experiences a tumultuous journey marked by his father's departure to war, leading to newfound freedom and reckless behavior.
  • The story portrays Cezary's mother's struggles to control his behavior, showcasing themes of fear, helplessness, and the impact of his actions on their relationship.
  • Czarus, initially perceived as angelic, transitions to a state of frenzy, reflecting the longing for his father and the challenges of assuming his role.
  • The text delves into the chaos of revolution, highlighting violence, scarcity, and shifting power dynamics within the city of Baku.
  • The narrative culminates in a poignant journey for Seweryn and Cezary, symbolizing resilience, hope, and the quest for a new beginning amidst adversity.

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Recent questions

  • What emotions does Cezary experience after his father's departure?

    Fear and relief

  • How does Cezary's behavior change after receiving an inheritance?

    Shifts towards newfound freedom

  • What challenges does Cezary face in controlling his behavior?

    Escalates to arguments and fights

  • How does Cezary's mother respond to his behavior?

    Struggles to control, experiences fear

  • What leads to Cezary's reconciliation with his mother's death?

    Witnessing her burial as a counter-revolutionary

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Summary

00:00

Father's departure leads to son's rebellion.

  • Cezary, a young boy, experiences his father's departure to war, leaving him and his mother devastated.
  • His father's departure involves packing a distinctive suitcase with mysterious compartments and embossed initials.
  • Cezary struggles with his father's absence, feeling a mix of emotions including fear and relief.
  • He receives an inheritance from his father, leading to a shift in his behavior towards newfound freedom.
  • Cezary's newfound freedom results in him breaking boundaries and engaging in previously forbidden activities.
  • He spends his days outside the home, playing games with friends and attending high school.
  • Cezary's behavior escalates to arguments and fights with teachers, seeking revenge for perceived injustices.
  • His mother struggles to control Cezary's behavior, waiting anxiously for his return and experiencing fear and helplessness.
  • Cezary's actions become increasingly reckless, involving vandalism and dangerous escapades.
  • Despite his mother's fears and attempts to control him, Cezary's behavior continues to spiral out of control, causing distress and worry.

21:13

"Transition to Frenzy: Czarus' Revolutionary Journey"

  • Czarus, initially perceived as angelic, quickly transitions to a state of frenzy within the chapel, driven by a longing for his father.
  • SJ's encounter with Czarus leads to a fear of parental return, prompting a need for discretion.
  • Czarus pretends to be a diligent employee, focusing solely on academic and extracurricular pursuits.
  • Czarus buries a significant amount of gold and valuable items in the basement for future use, ensuring financial security.
  • Czarus utilizes the buried treasure for extravagant expenses, allowing for indulgence in various activities and whims.
  • Despite his lavish lifestyle, Czarus engages in music, reading, and systematic studies, reminiscent of his father's disciplined approach.
  • Czarus's father, Seweryn, goes missing during the war, leading to uncertainty and despair among his family.
  • Czarus gradually assumes his father's role, becoming the decision-maker and commander within the household.
  • The city of Baku undergoes a revolution, resulting in chaos, scarcity, and a shift in power dynamics.
  • Czarus actively participates in revolutionary activities, attending meetings and witnessing violent events, causing distress to his mother.

42:33

Mother's Secret Wealth and Tragic End

  • Castle Cezary's mother acquired money for fish, caviar, and fruit without disclosing the source, finding solace in the certainty of revolution.
  • She consumed TR once a day, neglecting her health, while her son observed social phenomena away from home.
  • The mother embarked on expeditions to exchange gold and silver for grains and flour, smuggling them back on trains.
  • She baked bread and flatbreads, often unleavened, for her son, concealing her trips and the origins of her valuable exchanges.
  • Cezary noticed his mother's decline, her aging appearance, and her servitude to him, prompting him to assist her in household chores.
  • Despite his mother's illogical assessments of situations, they awaited his father's return, only to learn of his death.
  • A ship's arrival brought refugees fleeing persecution, including a Duchess and Princess, whom Cezary's mother sheltered.
  • The mother's attempt to hide gold and precious stones led to her arrest, sentencing her to public works where she succumbed to exhaustion.
  • Cezary reconciled with his mother's death, witnessing her burial as a counter-revolutionary, with a priest conducting the funeral rites.
  • He observed a burning wound on her finger where her wedding ring once sat, a mystery unsolved as officials remained silent.

01:04:33

Cezary's Struggle: Loss, Isolation, and Despair

  • Cezary Baryka, left alone after his mother's death, faced a loss of affluence and identity, even losing his room in the apartment.
  • His father, a former Major in the Tsarist army, had joined the enemy's side, leading to Cezary's isolation and loneliness.
  • Despite his mother's illness and eventual death, Cezary admired her strength and resilience in the face of poverty and suffering.
  • Cezary found solace in nature, picking flowers and contemplating the eternal return of spring and the beauty of the earth.
  • He reflected on the violence and injustices of the world, particularly the oppression by the privileged over the deprived.
  • The city of Baku faced turmoil during the revolution, with Armenians and Tatars engaging in violent conflicts and massacres.
  • Cezary, caught in the chaos of war, struggled to find his place amidst the warring factions and the destruction surrounding him.
  • He discovered a hidden treasure in the basement, providing some relief during times of famine and uncertainty.
  • Cezary grappled with the emptiness and despair of his existence, longing for a sense of purpose and connection in a world filled with suffering.
  • The constant hunger, violence, and desolation in his surroundings pushed Cezary to the brink of indifference towards life, yearning for an end to his torment.

01:25:23

Brutal violence and survival in wartime atrocities.

  • The murder of women and children in broad daylight shocks the viewer, with brutal shootings and mistreatment observed.
  • Caesar, numb to the violence, indulges in mocking without force or comedy, closely observing the victims.
  • Youngsters are drafted into the army, given rifles, and ordered to shoot persistently, leading to escalating violence.
  • The English defend Śródmieście from Turkish troops, with 800 managing to escape despite overwhelming force.
  • The Tatars retaliate by murdering 70,000 Armenians and Russians suspected of favoring the Armenians.
  • Cezary Baryka survives due to an ID card falsely claiming Polish citizenship, saving him from Turkish soldiers.
  • Corpses of slaughtered Armenians are disposed of in the sea to avoid plague, with Cezary forced to bury them.
  • Cezary, emaciated and weakened, works tirelessly to bury the dead, facing harsh conditions and sleepless nights.
  • Urban and port poverty leads to hunger and desperation, with beggars scavenging for scraps in the city of Baku.
  • The streets are filled with hungry, thirsty, and desperate individuals, including lunatics and the infirm, struggling to survive.

01:46:36

Father and son reunite in turmoil

  • Despite the threat of bombings and thefts, Cezary Baryka encounters a mysterious singing man, identified as his father, among paupers and thieves.
  • The man, resembling a Russian peasant, sings continuously, intriguing Cezary with his presence and song.
  • Cezary discovers the man's true identity as his father, leading to an emotional reunion between the two.
  • The father and son plan to meet secretly at night to escape Baku, where they have been living after the Turks' departure.
  • Seweryn Baryka, the father, reveals the existence of a cherished suitcase containing essential items and memories from his past adventures.
  • The suitcase holds sentimental value for Seweryn, who shares stories of his wartime experiences and the challenges he faced.
  • Seweryn and Cezary prepare to leave Baku, aiming to travel to Moscow amidst the turmoil caused by the Bolshevik invasion.
  • The father and son embark on a challenging journey by sea and rail, encountering various characters and obstacles along the way.
  • Despite the uncertainties and dangers they face, Seweryn and Cezary maintain hope and determination to reach their destination.
  • The duo's journey symbolizes their quest for a new beginning and the resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity.

02:08:26

Poland's New Civilization: Glass Technology Revolutionized

  • Seweryn reveals they will go to Poland, where a new civilization is emerging.
  • Baryk's father explains the transformation of Baryka, a talented man born in Poland.
  • Baryka excels in mathematics but pursues medicine due to war and revolutionary events.
  • Baryka acquires a town on a promontory with unique geological features.
  • Baryka innovates glass production, creating houses with advanced heating and cooling systems.
  • The glass houses are artistically designed, colorful, and environmentally friendly.
  • The glass houses revolutionize construction, being quick, cost-effective, and efficient.
  • Baryka's vision extends to electrifying the countryside and transforming agriculture.
  • Baryka's glass technology leads to a new era of cooperative dairy industries and agricultural practices.
  • The new civilization envisioned by Baryka revolves around glass technology and sustainable living practices.

02:31:22

"Glass walls power tools, transform civilization"

  • The text envisions a future where a glass wall embanks a river, providing strength and light, leading to tools powered by this energy for agricultural tasks.
  • Glass schools and churches are foreseen, with artists' creations surpassing current beauty standards, transforming civilization.
  • The narrative delves into the evolution of cities, with old structures becoming museums, banks, and shops, while new cities emerge with advanced infrastructure.
  • Workers' houses near Warsaw, designed by Baryka, are highlighted for their superior cleanliness, healthiness, and beauty compared to aristocratic palaces.
  • The emphasis on physical work as true wealth and health, contrasting with the bourgeoisie's preference for old ways, is a recurring theme.
  • The text explores the need to eliminate old villainy and build a new life from scratch, focusing on physical health, cleanliness, and inner satisfaction.
  • The narrative touches on the concept of extinguishing the villain within humanity to pave the way for a new, harmonious existence.
  • The text discusses the futility and negative consequences of crime, murder, and theft, advocating for the creation of new values to combat envy and hatred.
  • A detailed account of a journey from Moscow to Kharkov is depicted, highlighting the challenges faced by travelers on a train plagued by delays and hardships.
  • The narrative concludes with the protagonists facing difficulties in retrieving their suitcase from a warehouse, underscoring the bureaucratic hurdles and frustrations encountered during their journey.

02:51:53

Struggles and Desperation: A Father's Love

  • The Railwayman searched every corner but found no truth, expressing frustration at the missing suitcases.
  • Seweryn accused thieves of stealing his suitcase, leading to a confrontation with the guardian of the storage.
  • The repatriates faced difficulties in Poland, enduring weeks of hardship and financial struggles.
  • Seweryn tried to demand a room at Bolshevik offices but faced rudeness due to his Polish background.
  • Cezary longed to break away from his father's ideals and join the revolution, feeling conflicted.
  • The father and son's relationship was strained, with Cezary feeling pity and regret for his father's love and beliefs.
  • Seweryn's desperation to leave for Poland led to a feverish state, causing concern for his well-being.
  • The long-awaited train to Poland arrived, but the repatriates faced challenges in securing a spot due to overcrowding.
  • Seweryn and Cezary rushed to the train station, hoping to board the train, but faced obstacles due to strict regulations.
  • Despite desperate pleas, Seweryn was unable to board the overloaded train, leading to a heartbreaking outcome for the father and son.

03:13:04

Desperate journey: father dies, son abandoned

  • A father and son, living in difficult conditions, are eager to leave but are told to wait without clear instructions.
  • Bialynia explains that many others from Kharkov are also waiting to leave, but they face refusal.
  • A man on the same train refuses to take the father and son, fearing consequences.
  • The father and son are hidden in a freight car with supplies by a mysterious Samaritan.
  • The father falls ill, and the Samaritan provides care and advice to help them hide.
  • The father's condition worsens, and the son struggles with despair and helplessness.
  • The father passes away, and the son is left to deal with the situation alone.
  • The son is taken out of the train, and his father's body is handled by strangers.
  • The son is left behind as the train departs, causing him distress and uncertainty.
  • The son witnesses the mistreatment of refugees and experiences the cruelty of those in power.

03:30:49

Stolen papers lead to new beginnings

  • Cezary, lacking his papers due to theft, was handed someone else's document by an engineer at the gate, allowing him to enter Poland, his home country, where he encountered a town of brick and wood, symbolizing freedom and a new beginning.
  • Upon arrival, Cezary observed the town's dilapidated state, with hideous buildings made of cheap materials, but also witnessed the first signs of spring, symbolizing hope and renewal amidst the harsh winter conditions, highlighting the contrast between the town's current state and the eternal beauty of nature.
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