Mythological images in ukrainian dramaturgy of the second half of the 19th century (on the example of Marko Kropyvnytskyi's play "Viy" (based on the work of Mykola Gogol))

Abstract

Background. The study of the specifics of the reproduction of mythological images in Ukrainian dramaturgy of the second half of the 19th century (using the example of Marko Kropyvnytskyi's play "Viy" (based on the work of Mykola Gogol)) is important and relevant given the significance of M. Kropyvnytskyi's activities and creativity as one of the founders of Ukrainian professional theater. Although the themes of M. Kropyvnytskyi's works are mainly events from folk life, he actively incorporates Ukrainian mythological images into his artistic world, which reflect the folk worldview and testify to the originality of Ukrainian culture.

Methods. During the research, comparative-historical (comparative), hermeneutic and structural-semiotic methods of studying and analyzing works of art were used, in particular, the specifics of the artistic reproduction of mythological images were studied. The methods used, which are based on the interpretation of the text, the identification of explicit and hidden meanings, the comparison of drama and story, allowed us to identify the peculiarities of the interpretation and transformation of mythological images in the play by M. Kropyvnytskyi.

Results. The article analyzes the artistic features of Mark Kropyvnytskyi's drama "Viy" (based on the story of the same name by M.Gogol), in particular, it examines the specifics of the reproduction of mythological images and motifs as deep symbolic systems that encode folk worldviews, beliefs, and customs. It is noted that mythological images in the drama "Viy" by M. Kropyvnytskyi expand the realistic chronotope, contribute to a deep recreation of the life and everyday life of Ukrainians in the second half of the 19th century, and the Ukrainian national character. The comparison of the prose original source and the dramatic adaptation demonstrated the productive intertextual communication of myth, epic, and drama.

Conclusions. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that the thematic and plot organization of the works of M. Gogol and M. Kropyvnytskyi is aimed at revealing the worldview of Ukrainians, in which belief in the supernatural is deeply rooted, which formed a unique combination of pagan traditions and Christianity. Both works indicate that belief in demonic beings, "lower mythology," was of great importance to Ukrainians, was a kind of moral and ethical regulator of behavior, helped maintain customs, traditions, and social order.