CONSTRUCTING A MASCULINE IDEAL IN THE WORKS OF OLEKSA STEFANOVYCH

Abstract

The article analyzes the construction of the masculine ideal in the works of O. Stefanovych. Various manifestations of masculinity in the poet’s works have been identified and described, and their connection with O. Stefanovych’s worldview and ideological guidelines has been studied. As a result of the research it was established that the poet’s masculine ideal is the hegemonic chivalrous masculinity as the most suitable for creating a heroic national myth. It is the most complete coincidence with the ideas about the national character of Ukrainians, inherent in the national myth of the «Prague School». It is shown that in the poetic works of O. Stefanovych chivalrous masculinity is manifested in three main archetypal roles: Warrior, Father (Patriarch) and Lover. At the same time, the poet builds his own pantheon of national heroes, which covers figures from different periods of Ukrainian history. The situation of the crisis of masculinity is less represented in his works. This is explained by the poet’s focus not so much on depicting reality and emigrant realities, but on constructing ideal models that could be examples to follow. Therefore, the crisis of masculinity is clearly perceived negatively and needs to be overcome. The masculinity of foreigners is also represented to a small extent, it is always a hostile force and receives a negative poet’s assessment. Spiritual masculinity, artisan masculinity and other alternative types of masculinity do not appropriate to the poet’s ideas about the masculine ideal and are practically not represented in his works. The study also shows that the poet did not accept the manifestations of female masculinity, arguing the passive role of women against the active male origin. The study is part of a comprehensive research of the problems of masculinity and femininity in the works of the «Prague School». Its results allow us to form a more complete and holistic picture of this artistic phenomenon and the heroic Ukrainian national myth that occupied a central place in the works of its representatives.