Shevchenko Studies At the Institute of Literature (1945–1949): Ideological Challenges and Scientific Research

Abstract

Background. This article examines the main directions of the development of Shevchenko studies at the Institute of Literature of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR from 1945 to 1949. The key vectors of the Shevchenko studies department's activities are outlined, particularly the efforts of scholars in studying the biography, poetic, prose, and epistolary legacy of Taras Shevchenko. Their participation in the preparation of the "Complete Works" (Kyiv, 1949; volumes three and four), the collection and organization of archival documents, as well as the bibliographic description of Shevchenko studies are analyzed. Special attention is given to the study of the poet's reception in the Slavic cultural space and the commemoration of his memory in the post-war period. The awareness of individual scholars at the Institute of Literature regarding Shevchenko's legacy has repeatedly become the subject of scholarly studies; however, a generalizing and systematized study of this issue is still lacking. Despite the existence of some individual works, there is a need for a comprehensive historical and literary analysis of the Institute's activities in the field of Shevchenko studies, which would help to clearly outline the stages of the formation and transformation of this scholarly school during 1945–1949.
Methods. The article uses descriptive and historical-bibliographic methods of literary research.
Results. It is shown that under the ideological pressure of the Soviet era, the image of Shevchenko was often adapted to the requirements of the official party doctrine. His work was mainly interpreted within the framework of Marxist-Leninist methodology as that of a revolutionary democrat and a thinker-humanist. It is emphasized that some researchers simultaneously tried to avoid stereotypical ideological schemes and maintain scientific objectivity. The analysis of publications demonstrates the efforts of certain Shevchenko scholars to preserve the historical authenticity and literary depth of the poet's legacy, despite the difficult political circumstances.
Conclusions. The period of 1945–1949 in Shevchenko studies combined ideological pressure with significant scholarly achievements. Despite the official rhetoric, the department's scholars conducted extensive source-based research and prepared important editions of Shevchenko's works. Their activities laid the foundation for later, more unbiased research. The results obtained highlight the need to reconsider the Soviet period in the history of Shevchenko studies, taking into account both ideological limitations and the scholarly efforts of specialists.