Artistic Urbanism in Maria Tkachivska’s Novel "The Princess of Ostroh": Kraków and Ostroh as Urban Topoi

Abstract

Maria Tkachivska’s novel The Princess of Ostroh (2021) has already received recognition, including a special award at the “Coronation of Words–2021” International Competition, and has attracted readers interested in Ukraine’s historical past. The novel offers an artistic interpretation of the life of Halshka Ostrozka, set against the backdrop of the formation of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 16th century. It is noted that Tkachivska is both an accomplished writer and a respected scholar, which enhances the credibility of the historical reconstruction in the narrative. The novel is rooted in a rich historical context, particularly through its numerous references to Central European cities. Among these, the urban spaces of Ostroh and Kraków receive the most attention. The depiction of cities in Ukrainian prose has its own specific literary tradition. Contemporary Ukrainian literature has seen a growing interest in urban themes, accompanied by a variety of theoretical approaches to the representation of urban space. Concepts such as “city topos,” “urban image,” “urban text,” “urban landscape,” and “urban discourse” are briefly referenced as analytical tools, particularly relevant within the framework of postmodern literary studies. This article examines the ways in which the topoi of Ostroh and Kraków are integrated into the novel’s plot. These urban spaces are primarily revealed through the reflections of Halshka Ostrozka and her mother, Beata. The novel offers detailed portrayals of specific locations and characteristic features of both cities. Artistic devices such as dream sequences and references to historical events underscore the symbolic and narrative significance of these key topoi, both in shaping the personal trajectories of the protagonists and in reflecting changes in the political landscape of Europe. Ostroh’s geography, development, and culture—as well as its decisive role in Halshka’s fate—are thoroughly depicted. The topos of Kraków, in turn, plays a crucial role in the characterization of Beata. Throughout the novel, both cities are repeatedly compared with other urban centers in Europe, contributing to a broader reflection on Central European identity. This study may serve as a contribution to further research on urban discourse in literature.