Mayboroda D. V. A. P. Chekhov and T. G. Shevchenko: historical, folklore and mythological connections

Abstract

In the article, the various reasons of Anton Chekhov’s interest to the Ukrainian culture, in general, and to
works of Taras Shevchenko, in particular, are investigated. The translations of Shevchenko's works into Russian
made by I. A. Belousov, who published more than ten such books and a few biographical books about the
outstanding Ukrainian poet, are analysed. Special attention is paid to the influence of the Ukrainian roots of the
Chekhov family on the mentality of the Russian classical author that was not deeply investigated neither in the
pre-Soviet nor in the Soviet periods. As the argument of certain assumptions, versions, and conclusions, the
Chekhov's letters and true facts of his biography are used.