The Importance of Taras Shevchenko’s Creative Work in the National Identity Preservation of the Ukrainian Diaspora (Based on the Materials of Our Life Magazine)

Abstract

The article analyses materials of the magazine Our Life published by the Ukrainian National Women's League of America. The author of the article examines the materials dedicated to the life and creative work of Taras Shevchenko and their impact on preservation of national identity of the Ukrainian Diaspora in the USA in general and among Ukrainian women in particular. The analysis of the magazine’s literary materials reveals that a significant place in them is occupied by Taras Shevchenko studies since his creative heritage and ideas still remain an important educational means of the Ukrainian national identity formation and a significant unifying factor in the struggle for personal freedom and independence of Ukraine. Having published Taras Shevchenko’s poetry, along with reproductions of his paintings and materials dedicated to the analysis of poet’s personality and creative work, the Our Life magazine has not only popularized the knowledge about the Ukrainian bard but also promoted the formation of his cult as of a proponent of Ukrainian independence.