Ivan Kotliarevskyi. Part 3

National consciousness is shaped through daily work and personal example. This was the path followed by Ivan Kotliarevskyi. By writing his literary works and plays in the living, spoken Ukrainian language—the language used by ordinary people in their everyday lives—he revealed the depth of its sound to society and inspired people to value their native roots.

His life became an example of nobility and care for others. Kotliarevskyi was born into an aristocratic family. Drawing on his military experience, in 1812 he formed the 5th Poltava Mounted Cossack Regiment, reviving ancient Cossack traditions and the spirit of military brotherhood.

Later, in Poltava, he worked for more than 25 years as the supervisor of an educational institution for children from impoverished noble families. He also cared for local hospitals and shelters for the disadvantaged.

In 1838, sensing that his life was drawing to an end, Kotliarevskyi performed a deeply humane act. His estate included household servants—peasants who, under the laws of the time, were held in serfdom and did not possess personal freedom. Kotliarevskyi granted them their freedom and bequeathed all his property to those in need and to his relatives.

Kotliarevskyi was sincerely loved by all the residents of the city—from ordinary townspeople to influential figures. He was respected for his kindness, fairness, and open heart. On the day of his burial, all of Poltava mourned. The road to his final resting place became a solemn procession, as everyone wished to pay tribute to him and express their profound sorrow at the loss of someone they felt spiritually close to.

Ivan Kotliarevskyi was the first to reveal the full melodiousness, flexibility, and indomitable inner strength of the Ukrainian word. He demonstrated that the language of the people could sound majestic and express the deepest human emotions, elevated poetry, and subtle drama.

Through his unwavering belief in the beauty of his native language, Kotliarevskyi paved the way for Taras Shevchenko and many artists who followed. His rich creative legacy laid a strong foundation for the development of Ukrainian culture as a whole, becoming an enduring source of inspiration and human dignity.