Tadeusz Bobrowski as Conrad knew him: the uncle’s letters to the nephew

This article is an attempt to trace and determine the true relations that existed between Tadeusz Bobrowski and his nephew Joseph Conrad (then known by his Christian name Konrad or the diminutive form Konradek). Conrad’s parents died when he was only eleven years old and from that moment onwards the most important person in his life was his maternal uncle Tadeusz Bobrowski – his guardian, mentor and later his closest friend and confidant. Bobrowski’s role in Conrad’s life cannot be overestimated, for without his financial support Conrad quite simply could not have become a writer. Opinions differ widely, however, as to the extent to which he shaped Conrad’s personality or influenced his character and outlook. Conflicting theories, interpretations and speculations abound. Very often Bobrowski is presented as a cold man who is devoid of sympathy and understanding for his ward. This article argues that – deep down – Tadeusz Bobrowski was in fact and had always been a very emotional man. The shell of indifference in which he shut himself up was merely a shield that allowed him to survive in his social circle. By degrees, however, Bobrowski changed from being the reprimanding, grumpy and censorious guardian into a friend and spiritual guide. There were several reasons for this: Conrad’s increasing maturity, his professional achievements and the two men’s growing mutual attachment – if not mutual idealisation. They shared the same sense of humour, a predilection for sarcasm and a feeling of distance towards the world around them. What is more, a baggage of personal disasters brought them even closer together. They were very much alike. It would seem that only in his letters to Conrad could Bobrowski freely write about family matters and express his opinion about neighbours, knowing that his nephew would not only understand him, but would also appreciate his sarcasm, his sense of humour, his wit and his irony. Bobrowski treated Conrad as if he were his own son and only Conrad knew such an emotional, loving and warm-hearted Bobrowski.