Intertextual elements of the novel «Masky opadaiut povilno (Masks Fall Slowly)» by Stepan Protsiuk

Abstract

The works of Stepan Protsiuk are vivid examples of a modernized presentation of the Ukrainian literature classics for a new generation. The article is devoted to the study of intertextual elements in the novel about
Volodymyr Vynnychenko «Masky opadaiut povilno (Masks Fall Slowly)».
Detailing and decoding of intertextual markers serves as an auxiliary factor in understanding the influence of external factors on the protagonist’s life position. The novel attracts attention in the context of contemporary
psychobiographical prose because it contains a large number of symbols and colours. The study reveals and analyses the specifics of Volodymyr Vynnychenko’s artistic portrayal, the complex corpus of his experiences,
emotions, secrets of creativity, etc. The artist uses psychologism and deep tragedy of the narrative in a filigree manner, which adds even more
symbolism, metaphor and colour to his novels. «Masky opadaiut povilno
(Masks Fall Slowly)» is a subjective perception of the Ukrainian classic, a
modelling of his worldview. Stepan Protsiuk tries to show the protagonist not as a messiah of the world, but as a person who also experiences and has a lot of psychological traumas, which only get worse in the future. The chosen literary approach makes it possible to fully reveal the protagonist’s personality and understand the contradictions of the artist’s psychological world.