The symbolic world of chornobyl of the story A. Mukharskyi "Skeleton from Сhоrnobyl"

Abstract

The article examines the symbolic dimension of A. Mukharskyi’s Skeleton from Chornobyl, in which the author intertwines two complementary narrative lines – the fantastic and the realistic – creating a multilayered artistic space shaped by the interaction of traumatic memory, myth-making, and contemporary Ukrainian realities. The first storyline centers on Kostiantyn, a boy who transforms into a Skeleton after exposure to radiation. His figure symbolizes a body marked by catastrophe, embodies the distortion of human life, and simultaneously represents the will to survive. The second narrative line reflects the current war through the story of Mykhasyk, a boy searching for his father, who has gone missing in action. In this way, the author draws a parallel between two tragedies – Chornobyl and the war – highlighting their impact on children’s consciousness and generational memory.

Special attention is given to the system of symbols that shapes the artistic world of the work. The Great Explosion emerges as a central symbol of destruction, becoming the point of departure for a new, altered existence of the Zone. The liquidators embody sacrifice, heroism, and moral resistance to the catastrophe, emphasizing the price society paid to mitigate the consequences of the disaster. The stalkers, among whom the figure of Varvara stands out, symbolize observers and guardians of memory: they collect and transmit knowledge about Chornobyl to future generations, serving as intermediaries between the past and the future. Through these characters, the author underscores the importance of preserving historical experience as well as taking responsible care of a traumatic legacy.

The work fits organically into the contemporary context of Ukrainian children’s and young adult literature about war, continuing the tradition of portraying difficult experiences through the eyes of a child. The author blends real historical facts with elements of fantasy, showing how such a combination helps the child’s consciousness cope with tragedy. Despite the dramatic events depicted, the text carries a humanistic message: faith in the power of memory, mutual support, and the possibility of finding hope even after catastrophe.

The article analyzes the symbolic world of Skeleton from Chornobyl, demonstrating how, through the images of the Skeleton, Mykhasyk, the stalkers, the liquidators, and the Zone itself, the author constructs a complex and emotionally resonant vision of life after catastrophe – one that continues to echo in the present.