LESYA UKRAINKA AND MYKHAYLO KRYVYNYUK: OSTROH CONTEXT

Abstract

The article is devoted to Mykhaylo Kryvyniuk (1871-1944), a scientist, a writer, a teacher, and a member of the social-democratic movement, who left a significant heritage in Ukrainian history and culture of the late nineteenth – early decades of the twentieth century. The main task of the article is to outline Kryvyniuk’ biographical connection with Ostroh and to characterize the uniqueness of his friendship with Lesya Ukrainka.
The article outlines the ancient phenomenon of brotherhood, the cult of which was re-actualized by Lesya Ukrainka. The main milestones of Mykhaylo Kryvyniuk's biography have been identified, using documentary materials that were not taken into account before.
In the article, it is analyzed the letters of Lesya Ukrainka and members of her family to Mykhaylo Kryvyniuk in which there are numerous touches that characterize his worldview beliefs and moral qualities. The writer's relationship with her friend and later a relative (sister's husband) is described. Special attention is paid to Lesya Ukrainka's poems dedicated to her brother. The article is pervasive in understanding the role of Ostroh in the formation of Mykhaylo Kryvyniuk. Emphasis is placed on his studies at the Ostroh Gymnasium and his stay in the Ostroh prison. Lesia Ukrainka marked Mykhaylo Kryvyniuk as a "soul of Ostroh", which was manifested in his mentality, aesthetic tastes, and love for historical Volyn.
The conclusions emphasize that Mykhaylo Kryvyniuk, a native of a peasant family from Ostroh region, became a representative of the Ukrainian elite at a young age. His civic stance led to persecution by the tsarist government and the totalitarian Stalinist system. With his qualities and deeds, Kryvyniuk earned the deep respect of Lesya Ukrainka and all members of her family, proving himself a man capable of chivalrous deeds.