Mykola Kostomarov in the poetic reflections by Vasyl Stus.

Abstract

The article is devoted to peculiarities of Mykola Kostomarov’s poetic reception, an outstanding historian and a writer of the nineteenth century, elucidated by Vasyl Stus. The difference between figurative and scientific thinking is emphasised, as well as the specific character of poetic reflection, its selectivity, imagery, emotionality. The attention is focused on ambiguity of the author’s estimation of Kostomarov’s behaviour; the revealed lack of fortitude is completely disapproved, though it is caused by his sudden arrest and the marriage of his beloved Alina Kragelsky. It is scrutinised that a series of verses is grouped by the poet himself, giving reasons to regard a series of “Kostomarov in Saratov” as the author’s one. Cycle by Vasyl Stus "Kostomarov in Saratov" not only refers the reader to scholar's stay in exile (by its title complex), but also updates his inherent motifs, images, ideas. For the author it was way self-building, making spiritual citadel - as opposition to “the state of death”. The paper manifests the dominating respect of Stus to his predecessor, and some depression that occurred to the behaviour of his predecessor, is not accentuated in the integrity of the cycle. The combination of poems in the cycle helps the poet create a holistic view of Kostomarov as a man not devoid of human weaknesses and an outstanding creative person at the same time. Poetic understanding of the predecessor’s fate serves for reconciling his position, poet’s and citizen’s character formation during the age of totalitarianism.