METAMORPHOSES OF THE SPACE OF DEATH IN I. FRANKO’S PROSE

Abstract

The paper proposes a new perspective on the study of I. Franko’s prose works of a wide genre range: the metamorphosis of the space of death as a reflection of the transformations of the psycho-emotional sphere of characters/ The real and imaginary, closed and “endless” spaces of death were identified, their structure, defined as a two-projection, namely, spatial and personal, was analysed. In the collection of “prison short stories”, the method of the paradox is also structured and implemented in the work according to the principle of mirroring: a prison emerges at the same time as a world in itself and a reduced copy of the out-of-prison world. The paper proves the pattern of use for the artistic representation of the death space of the method of gradation – downward potion (from large to smaller locations – prison – annex – carriage – grave) and the ascending when it comes to the possibility of returning from the space of death, recreated with the help of Christian symbols (fish, thorns, water).The conclusion about the parabolic character of I. Franko’s presentation of reality and the person in it is made. The methods of creation of loci are named, they are symbolization, applying of archetypal primers, oppositional character. So, it refers to the symbols of living and dead water, walls, cities, rivers, souls, children; biblical prophecies, parables (the notion of the sin is singled out).A separate aspects of the study is the psycho-emotional states (in particular, agonal) in a border transition situation: stress/apathy, horror/calm. The features of the description of the locations of death are also commented: interior, exterior, various characteristics, symbols, etc.In general, this refers to the transformation into the infernal space of death for most of the characters of the analysed works, either because of the marginality, or because of the subordination to social morality.The only few exceptions are universal parables – examples of the absolute understanding of the meaning of eternal transformation of matter (living/dead and vice versa), spiritual metamorphosis (soul/body –soul/spirit).