First of all, it is noted that the topic is relevant due to its importance and lack of research.
Owing to «Prosvita» followers, who declared themselves adherent of the «Ruthenian Trinity», this
theme is important. They took an ambiguous socio-political position at different phases of life.
Therefore, the focus is concentrated on exploring the nature, interpretation method, and
identification of differences in the presentation of biographical information by Halychyna representatives of the «The Ruthenian Trinity» in their publications. The biography and the nature
of the interpretation of M. Shashkevych, Ya. Holovatskyi, M. Ustyianovych, and I. Vahylevych
are analyzed based on the analysis of biographical information contained in two collections of
works (1908, 1913).
It was noted that the presentation of biographical data had some differences, as with
M. Shashkevych and Ya. Holovatskyi, introductory parts contained their contribution to social
development. For this reason, analyzed the state and importance of the Ukrainian language
in the background of political processes of those days, and the struggle for its introduction in
various public spheres, especially in literature. As emphasized, the vernacular was more widely
used in Halychyna than in the Naddniprianshchyna region due to its use as the main language
in schools, public life, and interpersonal communication among the intellectuals.
The biographies of «The Ruthenian Trinity» representatives contained information about
social origins, childhood, education, and interest in the social and literary movement of the Slavic
peoples and their influence on young figures of Halychyna. At the same time, attention was drawn
to the fact that M. Shashkevych was notorious for his positive character, organizational capability
and ability to unite young people around him, talent for poetry writing, and courage in actions.
In addition, Ya. Holovatskyi’s efforts aimed at collecting oral folk art, ethnographic works, and
scientific achievements related to progressive interests were positively characterized. By defining the Halychyna figures’ activities in given publications, the main focus was on the interest
of seminarians in ethnography and collecting monuments of antiquity. Separately outlined their
creative efforts, the result of which was the preparation and publishing in 1837 of the «Dnister
Mermaid» almanac due to which the first attempt in Halychyna to introduce the vernacular language into literature was made. Summarizing the material mentioned above, it is noted that the
authors avoided evaluating information regarding these figures negatively or positively, giving
only facts of a biographical nature and activities that should form the reader’s interpretation.
For this purpose, these figures (except M. Shashkevych) are presented as positive examples
of actions aimed at Halychyna progress, and negative aimed at retreat from this, and contributed
to the critical characteristics of individuals. Hence the instability and emotional characters of
those representatives of the «The Ruthenian Trinity», who retreated from the original intentions,
aspirations, and hopes are emphasized.
The results of the survey will contribute to further research of the socio-political movement in Halychyna in the 19th – early 20th centuries.
