The Story of a Turbulent Friendship. Karol Sienkiewicz and Piotr Kopczyński: Schoolmates at the Krzemieniec Lyceum: Friends – Neighbours – Political Opponents

Friendship is an emotional bond between people who are not related by blood or romantic passion. Piotr Kopczyński and Karol Sienkiewicz, who were of the same age, first met at schools in Winnica. Later, both studied at the Krzemieniec Lyceum. First their shared education, and then the unexpected neighborly connection, strongly solidified their friendship. They were brought closer by their moderately noble origins, their families’ modest financial situation, their client-like relationship with the Czartoryski family, and especially with Prince Adam J. Czartoryski. The sympathy of the other family members also supported this friendship. The outbreak of the 1830 uprising briefly distanced them physically. They met again in July 1831 in the fevered atmosphere of insurgent Warsaw. Karol’s strong conservative views met resistance from Kopczyński. The conflict between their political stances, combined with their character traits, shook their friendship for many long, bitter years, almost destroying it. However, it eventually returned, though more as a nostalgic sentiment for their youth, as a familial goodwill.