Ethnic Saga in Ukrainian Prose and Poetry: Samchuk and Slavutych

Abstract

The term normally denotes legendary and historical material in which the author attempts an imaginative reconstruction of the past according to certain aesthetic principles. It is usually a story of great complexity and richness which clearly reflects human strengths and weaknesses. A similar function is here assigned to the term saga which in its fictional manifestation is of historical origin and, as such, lends itself easily to varying interpretations. In a broader sense, however, it is a convergence of historical, moral and literary concerns around the literary hero who is searching for success. Such ethnic sagas are the stories of common men who, in a strange, new land, try to cross the abyss separating their ambitions from their means to attain them in order to reap the reward for their innate strong qualities. Two writers who excel in the creation of ethnic sagas in Ukrainian literature are Ulas Samchuk (b. 1905) and Yar Slavutych (b. 1918). Ulas Samchuk is a prose writer who has contributed much to the development of the Ukrainian novel. His trilogy Volyn' (Volhynia, 1932-37) is probably his most significant work from the literary view point; it offers a realistic picture of the provincial life with its interests, passions, ambitions and tragic struggles. The author's dedication to his craft and the autobiographical flavor make this epic tale a success. His subsequent works are less autobiographical and deal more nearly with ideas. He also successfully writes about Canadian and American themes. Yar Slavutych is a poet and scholar of language and literature. His nine collections of poetry reflect his growth, and they have already secured for him a place in Ukrainian literature. His lyrics and epics show great originality. Though he is a traditionalist, he respects reality; his wish is very simple: he wants to leave something more permanent, something that will reveal his personality in a historical sense. And from this desire comes the optimism that is so characteristic of his creativity. Both of these authors have created splendid examples of ethnic sagas. Ulas Samchuk, in Slidamy pioneriv (In the Footsteps of the Pioneers), and Yar Slavutych, in The Conquerors of the Prairies, use historical material and literary techniques that ulimately contribute to the meaningfulness of the saga.