Опозиція моралі міста й села у творчості Панаса Мирного

The article deals with unfinished prose works by Panas Myrnyi, in particular “Burghers” (“Mishchany”), a fragment of “Peaceful City” (“Myrne Misto”). The author analyses the problem of the “city/village” opposition as “own” and “foreign” environments and a struggle between authentic rural elements and foreign urban civilization as a reflection of the space of the colony from every day to the metaphysical dimension. First, Myrnyi’s hostile attitude towards the city is emphasized, which is connected with his populist views. The research identifies morality, upbringing, education, language, work, clothing, and leisure as key markers that distinguish urban and rural residents. It is found that Panas Myrnyi depicts the world of employees, artisans, shopkeepers, and workers morally crippled by the city, engulfed in debauchery, laziness, moral nihilism, and incessant drunkenness. The author draws attention to the fact that, in the context of understanding the city as a centre of moral destruction, Myrnyi actualizes the theme of “nought power”, which is fundamental in his work, understanding the life of “people of the bottom”, “people of the night”, who are representatives of the urban type – worldwide vagabonds, two-faced brawlers and prostitutes. The article analyzes the urban environment as the birthplace of bureaucracy, the space of exploitation, commerce, and the dominance of solid mercantile interests. At the same time, rural labour is presented as systematic, honest, and primarily connected to the land.