Taras ?ev?enko on Majdan

摘要

The author illustrates the different ways in which the Ukrainian national poet Taras ?ev?enko was ‘used’ by participants in the protest movement known as Jevromajdan (Euromaidan) (November 2013-February 2014). In particular the author analyzes quotations and adaptations of ?ev?enko’s poetry, portrayals of the poet himself (paintings, photomontages, sculptures), and poems inspired by him and conceived as a sort of dialogue with him. The aforementioned uses of ?ev?enko are investigated with regard to their function in supporting the protesters’ claims and reasons for discontent, also taking into account the inextricable and unique bond that links Ukraine and Ukrainians with the human, moral and poetic legacy of Taras ?ev?enko.