Shevchenko's Poem "The Plague" in the Context of World Culture and Redictions

Abstract

Introduction. The work "The Plague" has not yet received a proper interpretation in Shevchenko studies. In addition to the general descriptive signal about it in the Shevchenko Encyclopedia by V. Smelyanska, it was also only schematically presented or mentioned when it came to epidemics in history or the expressive means of the poet's work or the issue of existentialism in literature. Meanwhile, existential problems for modern civilization are becoming more acute, and the works of great writers help us to better navigate them. The purpose of this study is to provide a more specific, in-depth analysis of Taras Shevchenko's "The Plague" in order to better understand the circumstances of its writing, its ideological direction, its connection with modernity, and to supplement the commentary.

Methods. The author applies mainly textual and lexical analysis of the work with the involvement of certain provisions of psychology and philosophy, especially existentialism.

Results. The article discusses the sources and circumstances of the work "The Plague". The author mentions the extent to which the plague epidemic was reflected in world culture, especially literature. The author, in particular, compares this poem with the works of Alexander Pushkin and the novel of the same name by the French writer and existentialist philosopher Albert Camus, and accordingly introduces its text into the system of existential philosophy or existentialism. Its principles are so vividly expressed in the text that it is necessary to record the emergence of existential motifs in the works of contemporary Ukrainian writers from Shevchenko. The author tries to refute the categorical statement about the dominant expressive and sensual rather than didactic orientation of the poem.

Conclusion s. The analysis leads to the conclusion that "The Plague" can be considered a masterpiece of world literature. And it is precisely for the ability to use perfect artistic means not only to vividly present some of the provisions of existentialism, but also to outline a new aspect in its development. With the help of a common and habitually used image of the plague, as an allegory and metaphor, Shevchenko warns that the existence of humanity can cease without human intentions and actions (in particular, wars) and in the face of constant and unexpected threats to humanity, one should not do evil and, if possible, do good, that is, live in a Christian way.