Abstract
The prose output of Taras Shevchenko, in which, with a certain degree of conventionality, one can see traces of creative processing of foreign literary models, constitutes the most rewarding material for comparative studies. Polish literature occupies an important place in the artistic world of Shevchenko's stories, though not a leading one. Based on the study of the recollections about Taras Shevchenko's list of readings during his exile, the author proves that Shevchenko read literary and critical publications about Józef Ignatius Kraszewski's novel "Ulana" (1843) in the Russian periodicals in the 1850s. The author also discussed the possibility of Shevchenko reading the novel "Ostap Bondarchuk" (1847), in addition to the abovementioned work. Both literary works are mentioned in Shevchenko's novel "A Walk with Pleasure and not without a Moral" (1855–1858), written in exile in Novopetrovsk in which they are actualized in the intertextual field by an alternative development of events. The stories by the Polish writer logically fit into the reading list of the character of Shevchenko's work - an older woman with a difficult fate, the mother of a landowner who sincerely accepted a recent serf into her family circle, having become attached to her with all her heart. Applying traditional methods of comparative studies in combination with intertextual approaches, the author investigates the semantic richness of references of the Ukrainian prose writer to the works by his Polish contemporary. The echoes of the novel "Ostap Bondarczuk" are noticeable in Shevchenko's prose works "Twins" (1854 or 1855) and "The Artist" (1856). In the Polish intertext of "A Walk…" the author points out to the likely echo of Kraszewski's work "Master Twardowski" (1840). The typological parallels can be traced between Kraszewski's "The History of a Thorn in the Flesh, Compiled and Written Down According to Verified Sources" (1860) and Shevchenko's short novel "The Musician" (1854–1855).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Literary Studies. Linguistics. Folklore Studies
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.