Artistic modelling of the characters of judges in the short stories "The Judge" by Nataliya Kobrynska and "A Bad Dream" by Bohdan Lepky

Abstract

In this article, an attempt has been made to compare typologically and analyse the means of artistic modelling of the characters of judges and the issues raised in the short stories of two representatives of Western Ukrainian short fiction at the turn of the century – Nataliya Kobrynska and Bohdan Lepky. It is concluded that the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of radical renewal in European, including Ukrainian, literature. This era saw significant changes in artistic thinking and world perception, accompanied by an expansion of themes and issues in short fiction, an increased focus on the inner world of individuals, and a growing interest in the lives of the intelligentsia.

It has been established that the short stories The Judge by Nataliya Kobrynska and A Bad Dream by Bohdan Lepky offer artistic portrayals of a relatively rare character type in Ukrainian short fiction of the time – a judge, a representative of the justice system. Both writers aim to reveal the inner world of their protagonists, employing various artistic techniques and devices (such as pervasive symbolic details, impressionistic poetics, contrasting character juxtaposition, and stream of consciousness in Kobrynska’s work; irony, elements of the fantastic, meaningful anthroponyms, and emotional gradation in Lepky’s work). Kobrynska’s story is akin to confessional impressionistic prose, portraying the character’s development from childhood to old age through a stream of memories, associations, and emotions. In contrast, Lepky presents his protagonist as a fully formed character, using the dream technique to delve into the depths of the human subconscious and uncover the character’s hidden thoughts.

It has been determined that, in artistic terms, the nameless hero of Nataliya Kobrynska’s story appears more convincing and psychologically credible. His character is presented in the process of formation and is marked by complex contradictions. Both characters ultimately prove unworthy of the esteemed title of judge. However, while The Judge explores a complex moral struggle leading to eventual moral downfall, A Bad Dream presents a narrative of complete moral degradation, in which the protagonist is incapable of experiencing catharsis or recognizing his crimes. The authors’ attitudes toward their characters differ accordingly: Kobrynska, despite not justifying her protagonist, expresses sympathy for his personal tragedy and delves into his deeper motivations. In contrast, Lepky’s portrayal of Nykyfor Cherevko is overtly ironic, even contemptuous, as the character loses his right to be considered an honest and moral person.

The analysis reveals that through the portrayal of judges, both short stories address a range of pressing moral, ethical, and social issues: moral choice, the discrepancy between ideals and reality, the meaning of life, gender issues, social inequality, and spiritual alienation. In both works, the theme of a judge’s moral transgression acquires profound social significance, as the crimes are committed by individuals who are supposed to uphold justice and protect the poor and disadvantaged.

In conclusion, the works of N. Kobrynska and B. Lepky present compelling images of representatives of the judicial system, with skilfully developed and psychologically rich characters. This reflects the development of Ukrainian prose during the modernist era in the context of world literature, where increasing attention was given to representatives of high society and the intelligentsia, their inner worlds (often contradictory and multidimensional), and the complex system of conscious and subconscious motivations. The focus on moral, ethical, and psychological issues also gained increasing prominence.