Taras Bulba

Main Ideas

• Heroism and brotherly solidarity of the Cossacks in their struggle for land and freedom
• Conflict between father and sons, reflecting the clash between traditional and Europeanized views on life
• The value of honor, duty, and loyalty to one's people
• Romanticizing the Cossack past as an ideal of courage, bravery, and freedom
• The tragedy of the division of Ukrainian lands and internal conflicts hindering unity against a common enemy
• The image of Taras Bulba as the embodiment of Cossack bravery and self-sacrifice