Artistic interpretation of the images of cossack leaders in historical novels by Mykola Hlukhenkyi

Abstract

This article examines the artistic interpretation of Cossack leaders Semen Nezhyvy, Ivan Gonta, and Maksym Zalizniak in Mykola Hlukhenky’s novel dilogy «Koliivshchyna» and «Kolii». It explores the artistic techniques used for characterization and the specific methods employed to depict the heroics of the national past. Key moments addressing the «man vs. History» dilemma are highlighted.

The study demonstrates that Hlukhenkyi’s artistic and philosophical concept of the Cossack leaders’ lives affirms high historical, moral, and ethical pathos, while rejecting national oppression and anti-national politics. The historical facts are seamlessly integrated with the psychological states of the heroes. In his effort to recreate the lives of these historical figures, Hlukhenkyi constructs their identities anew, portraying them as honest, modest, militarily skilled, and nationally conscious characters. Portraits, landscape sketches, and interior descriptions serve significant ideological and artistic functions in the novels.

Hlukhenkyi’s innovation lies in his creation of metaphorical images of heroic personalities, representing the advanced stratum of the nation. He depicts the inner potential of individuals searching for themselves amidst crucial historical events. Hlukhenkyi adopts a universal perspective on the heroic past and consistently adheres to realistic writing with dynamic and life-specific plots.