The image of the hero as a national value exponent in the poem “Aeneid” by I. Kotliarevsky

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to examine the image of the hero as an exponent of national values in the poem “Aeneid” by I. Kotliarevsky. The methodology of the study is displayed by the use of axiological (to investigate the image of the hero in the unity of social and existential features, to introduce such phenomena as value, ideal, spirituality, heroism, laughing culture, national virtues of the individual, etc. into the research context; to study the images of I. Kotliarevsky’s heroes in school textbooks of the 20th century), cultural (to consider the evolution and transformation of key ideas and significant trends in the interpretation of the national image of the creative hero in Ukrainian literature), and hermeneutical (to understand the structure and semantics of a literary work) approaches, as well as the method of theoretical generalization (to formulate and substantiate conclusions). Scientific noveltyincludes the expansion of ideas and concepts of I.Kotliarevsky’s heroic personality, a study of the best traits of the national character embodied in the image of a creative hero. It is established that I. Kotliarevsky’s works had a significant impact on Ukrainian society, as they served to strengthen human and national dignity and were important for the self-preservation of the colonized people. It is stated that the “Aeneid” became a phenomenon in the new Ukrainian literature to defend and affirm Ukrainians’ virtuous national character in various forms. It is proved that I.Kotliarevsky’s concept of personality contains the heroic greatness of the Ukrainian people’s spirit, their loyalty to faith, duty, and nobility of soul, as well as the best traits of the national character such as hard work, love of freedom, courage, honesty, bravery, kindness, hospitality, curiosity, generosity, etc. When creating the image of Aeneas, the author, who was an expert in folk traditions, made his hero go through all stages of forming an ideal warrior-leader. It is shown that the burlesque poem “Aeneid” is of a great importance for Ukraine’s current situation since it postulates the idea of establishing a strong state with freedom-loving spirit, unity of compatriots, national values, and traditions of Ukrainians in respect and tolerance to other peoples in the world.

У статті розглянуто образ лицаря як виразника національних цінностей в поемі «Енеїда» І. Котляревського. Констатовано, що концепція особистості митця вміщує богатирську велич духу українського народу, його вірність вірі, обов’язку, шляхетність душі, а також найкращі риси національного характеру – працьовитість, чесність, сміливість, гостинність, допитливість, щедрість тощо. Виписуючи образ Енея, автор – популяризатор народних традицій, разом зі своїм героєм проходить усі етапи становлення ідеального воїна-ватажка.