THE UKRAINIAN DIMENSION OF THE CREATIVITY OF THE POLISH ROMANTIC JULIUSZ SŁOWACKI

Abstract

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the literary legacy of Juliusz Słowacki, one of the most prominent figures of Polish Romanticism, whose life and creative output are closely intertwined with the Ukrainian cultural and historical context. The focus is placed on the poet’s connection to Ukraine, particularly to the city of Kremenets, where he was born, and to the region of Volhynia, which left a profound imprint on his worldview and poetic imagination.

The article explores the influence of Ukrainian landscapes, folklore, language, traditions, and historical memory on the development of Słowacki’s philosophical and artistic ideas. Special attention is given to an analysis of the poet’s works with Ukrainian themes, such as Angel of Death, Kordian, and Mazepa, where one can trace imagery, motifs, and allusions related to Ukraine’s history, nature, and people.

Additionally, the article examines the reception of Słowacki’s works in Ukrainian literary studies and translation practice, outlining the stages of scholarly interest in his poetry among Ukrainian researchers and emphasizing the role of translation in disseminating his legacy among Ukrainian readers. The article also highlights the philosophical, national liberation, and existential motifs in Słowacki’s writing, interpreting him as a bridge between Polish and Ukrainian cultures.

Thus, the article reveals the multifaceted nature of Juliusz Słowacki’s persona in an intercultural context and emphasizes the significance of Ukrainian elements as a formative factor in shaping his poetic universe.