J. B. ZALESKI’S INTERPRETATION OF UKRAINIAN HISTORY (BASED ON THE POEM «TRAKHTEMYRIV MONASTERY»)

Abstract

The key figure in the plot of the little-known rhapsody «Trakhtemyriv monastery» is the Cossack hetman Petro Konashevych-Sahaidachny. The article deals with analysis of the historical accuracy of events and figures introduced in the plot of rhapsody, particularly about Sahaidachny. A chronological error associated with the years of life of the above-mentioned Cossack hetman is revealed with the help of topological and chronological localization the event and its date, which is not named in the text directly, and the reconstruction of the historical basis of the poem. A detailed study of the biography revealed that Sahaidachny could not have been their contemporary, as objective history claims him dead by that day. In addition, the research revealed some unconfirmed facts, which, however, could serve the artistic expression and symbolism of the poem, including the participation of Maksym Kryvonis and the unidentified leader of the Tatar troops. Finally, on the basis of Zaleski’s biographical information and other activities, it was suggested that the non-observance of historical authenticity was not a mistake, but a conscious creative conjecture associated with the romantic mythologizing of the historical figure, particularly in order to reinforce his political beliefs and vision of a common past, free of enmity. The article presents arguments in favor of deliberate creative conjecture: the idea of the work is introduced into the ideological context of the author, a parallel with the heritage of world literature is drawn. The urgency and novelty of the research is explained by giving the answer to the question about creative conjecture, which will shed light on the Polish understanding of the historical processes of the neighboring state. It is proved that the choice of the Trakhtemyriv monastery as a place of action in the poem is not accidental. The convergence of the content of the remarks told by the hetman with Zaleski’s worldview is traced. The studied motif fits the concept of so-called “Polish Cossackofilia”, inherent for the “Ukrainian school”, and the image and symbolic content corresponds to the principles of Romantisism. In the conclusions the expediency of the poet’s use of the image of the hetman is substantiated and the symbolism of his presence, location and business is revealed.