Specific of the Genre and System of Images in the Tragicomedy “Volodymyr” by Theophan Prokopovych

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the genre specific and the system of images in the tragicomedy “Volodymyr” written by Theofan Prokopovych. It is emphasized on the synthesis of European and authentic traditions in this work. The observance of the principle of unity of place, time and space as the main feature of this drama is determined in the analyzed tragicomedy. The research examines the specificity of the writer’s vision and interpretation of the Christianization of the Kyivan Rus’ in 988 and the introduction of Christianity as the state religion. It is also highlighted the researcher’s observance and non-observance of this historical fact. The peculiarities of creating the system of images presented in a high tragic style and in a low comic style are studied. The projecting of the historical figure of Prince Volodymyr on the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, who was the contemporary of Theofan Prokopovych, is noted. The conclusions about the innovative nature of the work in the context of the development of the Ukrainian Baroque school drama are drawn. The specificity of the genre is manifested through the synthesis of the comic and the serious features. The main characteristics of the tragicomedy are realized at the level of the system of images and an ideological and thematic spectrum.