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The Frontier (Polish: Granica) is a novel by Zofia Nałkowska, published for the first time in 1935. It tells the story of Zenon Ziembiewicz, his career and love problems. It combines features of many genres such as: psychological, realistic and thrilling novel as well as crime story. Initially, the novel was planned to be titled Schematy (The Patterns), however, the author dropped this idea and decided to go for Granica (The Frontier). The novel was adapted for the screen twice: in 1938 and 1977. The novel is written in a retrospective style. As it was written in the interwar period it tackles some important social issues at that time, such as: abortion or economic problems. Plot Young Zenon Ziembiewicz comes from a noble but not very wealthy family. He leaves for the city to receive his education there. In the city he meets Elżbieta Biecka, who comes from a wealthy family but is brought up by her aunt. Later, Zenon goes to Paris to continue his education. After coming back to his family home in Boleborza, he meets Justyna Bogutówna - the daughter of the cook, who works as a farmhand for as much as she eats. They are both attracted to each other and have a short affair. Zenon goes back to the city, where he proposes to Elżbieta. Justyna, who due to her mother’s illness is forced to travel a lot, goes to the same place. The lovers from Boleborza encounter each other on the street, their romance revives. When Elżbieta finds out, she decides to leave Zenon, who in turn wants her back. He offers Justyna a financial help. Even though he does not mean abortion, that is what the girl thinks and she undergoes a procedure. Elżbieta does not have a clue, her charity allows for Justyna to be taken care of. The young peasant girl is devastated after what she had done. In the meantime, Zenon’s career keeps flourishing, the son of a poor squire becomes the mayor of the city. Justyna decides to maim him. She comes to his office and blinds him using an acid. Finally, Zenon commits suicide shooting himself in the mouth. Characters: Zenon Ziembiewicz – the main character, an intellectual whose career develops fast Elżbieta Biecka – Zenon’s wife, probably an aristocrat Justyna Bogutówna – Zenon’s lover, coming from a poor family Walerian Ziembiewicz – Zenon’s father, involved in numerous affairs, a poor aristocrat Zańcia Ziembiewicz – Zenon’s mother Niewieska – Elżbieta’s mother, divorced, a beautiful women, living abroad Niewieski – Elżbieta’s step father, an older handsome man, a minister, finance expert and politician Cecylia Kolichowska – Elżbieta’s aunt Karol Wąbrowski – Zenon’s friend from the time of studies in Paris, Cecylia’s son

Last updated: 2015-12-16