This seminar will present the findings of a research project that explores the reception of Wisława Szymborska’s poetry in Scandinavian countries through an analysis of daily press articles published between 1945 and 2019. The study employs Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of cultural fields to map out the dynamics of literary reception across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, focusing on the translation of Szymborska’s works into these languages.

Wisława Szymborska (1923–2012) was a Polish poet, essayist, and translator who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1996. Renowned for her precise language, wit, and philosophical depth, Szymborska’s poetry often grapples with existential themes, the human condition, and the complexities of everyday life. Her work has been translated into numerous languages, earning her international acclaim and a lasting legacy in world literature.

The presentation will detail the methodological framework of the project, the research processes involved, and the resulting insights into the cultural and literary significance of Szymborska’s poetry within the Scandinavian context. This examination offers a unique lens through which to understand the cross-cultural journey of Polish literature and the influential role of translation in its global dissemination.