SYMBOLISM OF FLOWERS IN THE POETRY OF LESYA UKRAINKA

Abstract

One of the brightest examples of concrete-historical and universal syncretism through conditional forms and mythology,
philosophical comprehension of the symbolism of trees, plants, flowers in Ukrainian literature is Lesya Ukrainka’s
creativity. The richness of images and symbols, their innovative interpretation and giving new shades to the traditional
sound – all this is about lyrics of poetess.
Most often the images of flowers are not concretized in the poems, it means that rather abstract concepts are used:
spring flowers, spring blossom, colourful flowers. Therefore, the reader is free to imagine every colour and every flower
that only blooms in spring. They are mainly associated with spring, the awakening of nature after sleep and desolation. At
the same time, the flower is a symbol of honor, glory and exaltation. It is the presence of flowers that can beautify life, fill
it with new meanings, alleviate hard work or mental suffering. In a traditional folklore key, a young girl is compared to
a flower. In a number of works the antithesis is built on the image of flowers.
The images-symbols of roses and lilies as the author's favourite flowers are analyzed in more detail. Attention is paid
to the poeticization of exotic flowers: pomegranate, magnolia, mimosa.
A special place in Lesya Ukrainka’s intimate lyrics is poetry in the prose “Your Letters Always Smell of Withered
Roses”. Here the image of a rose acquires a new tragic sound, amplified by the epithet withered.
Personal pain and hellish longing, tragic sadness and grief in Lesya Ukrainka's poetry are intertwined with national
grief. In such conditions the Rockfoils flower which has won all and has blossomed over death.
In Lesya Ukrainka's poems there are many interpretations of the image-symbol of a flower. They became an integral
part of the imagery of the poet’s works, gave them originality, diversity.