GENRE DIVERSITY OF READING THE CHARACTER-SKETCH OF MICHELANGELO: DRAMATIC (H. LONGFELLOW), ESSAYISTIC (R. ROLLAND), POETIC (E. VERHAEREN)

Abstract

The article examines individual facts of the multi-genre reading of the character sketch of the famous Renaissance artist, sculptor and poet Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) by the classics of three national literatures, viz. H. Longfellow, R. Rolland, E. Verhaeren. The article a i m s at highlighting a majestic reading and scholarly interpretation of the great artistic and civil feat of the Renaissance Giant by focusing on the fundamental issues of his creative life.

Research methods. The paper employs a systemic approach by applying literary-historical, genetic and comparative methods. On the strength of these methods, the history of an interest in Michelangelo’s works has been clarified by an interpreted dramaturgic, essayistic and poetic readings in three national literatures. 

Results. The research presents facts of interpreting more prominent episodes of the Italian sculptor’s sacrificial labour, the episodes not having hitherto been resorted to a scholarly interpretation in Ukrainian Literary Studies. Some individual scenes,  interpretations of major political events connected with Michelangelo’s life are talked about  in the paper as well. 

Scholarly novelty. The article is an interesting page presenting the entry of the Italian artist’s works into Ukrainian Comparative Studies. Valuable is the presentation of eloquent facts of getting interested in Michelangelo’s charismatic  activity through its multi-genre reading by American, French and Francophone Belgian literatures. 

Practical value. The article may provide a basis for a more profound comprehension of the heritage of the outstanding classics of three national literatures, particularly the elements producing the authors’ stylistic dominants.