The Image of the Mother in the Early Prose of Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi

Abstract

In contemporary literary criticism, there is a growing interest in classical Ukrainian literature. Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi began his career with works rooted in the traditional realist school. However, even in his earliest prose, one can observe a marked tendency towards stylistic individualisation. This article examines the image of the mother in Kotsiubynskyi’s early stories, with particular attention to Kharytya, Yalynka (The Christmas Tree), The Little Sinner, Tsipovyaz, and Pyatyzlotnyk. The study finds that Kotsiubynskyi assigns a central role to the mother in shaping a child’s life, family upbringing, and cultural tradition, while also portraying her as a figure with an active civic and personal stance. In these narratives, the depiction of mothers is distinguished by a search for subtle aesthetic details, with emphasis placed less on outward appearance than on the inner world – rich in love, respect, care, and support for the child. The maternal image is informed by a cordocentric worldview, characterised by emotional depth, attentiveness to the child’s life, and an enduring spiritual bond. The image of the mother in Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi’s early prose is directly linked to the writer’s own mother Hlykeriia Maksymivna, from whom he learned to perceive the world, appreciate culture, and interact with others. She served as a prototype for his strong female characters – heroines with inner resilience and steadfast love for their own child. The portrayal of mothers is thus partly autobiographical, reflecting the author’s worldview and ideals. Across his works, maternal characters share a commitment to family care, moral guidance, and the preparation of children for adulthood. Although these women inhabit socially disadvantaged environments, their humanity and dignity prevent the degradation of their families’ spiritual values.