Shmeha K. Discourse of masculinity in the prose by Ivan Franko.

The thesis deals with the masculine discourse in prose works by Ivan Franko. For the first time in Ukrainian literary criticism the paper proposed a comprehensive understanding of the various manifestations of masculinity in the writer's artistic heritage considering the socio-cultural context of his creative period – the late 19th – early 20th century. Special attention is focused on such issues of the masculine discourse as power, professional and public realization of men, parent-filial relations, violence, alcoholism, etc., which were relevant to the time of writer’s era and remain so today.The work defined and theoretically grounded elements of gender analysis of masculinity in the literature, studied its basic problem-thematic layers. Identified and explained the features of masculine behaviours and communication strategies of Ivan Franko’s characters in relationships with men and women. The main masculine strategies of communication, such as cooperation and confrontation, manipulation, persuasion, are highlighted. Particular attention is paid to the communicative tactics of rebellion and resistance, which helps to implement a confrontational strategy of communication. This is the type of communication, imbued with the masculine spirit of struggle, which is characteristic for many of Franko's characters. The basic communication forms of Franko’s characters are classified, among which are defined power-relations, brotherhood, rivalry (in profession and love), and mentoring, parent-filial relationship. The conclusion is made that they tend to inherently masculine traits – rivalry and competition. Concerning women, attention is paid to strategies by which men exhibit masculinity: objectification, infantilization, idealization, mentoring, hypertrophied expression of sexuality, violence.