A Deep Dive into Zinaida Tulub’s The Exile (In the Endless Steppe Beyond the Ural)
by Inna Rozum-Tuka
In the vast tapestry of Ukrainian literature, Zinaida Tulub stands out as a remarkable figure.
Her novel, "In the Endless Steppe Beyond the Ural" (also known as "The Exile"), is a poignant reflection of her personal struggles and the broader Ukrainian experience. Written after nearly two decades of her imprisonment and exile in Kazakhstan, this work delves into the life of Taras Shevchenko, the most renowned Ukrainian author and artist, during his exile as a soldier.
Author Biography
Zinaida Tulub was born on November 28, 1890, in Kyiv to Pavlo Oleksandrovych and Yelyzaveta Vasylivna. Her grandfather, Oleksandr, was a member of the Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius, which played a significant role in her return to her Ukrainian roots. Despite being sickly as a child, Zinaida received a strong home education, particularly excelling in French. The Tulub household was a hub of literary activity, frequented by notable writers like Alexander Kuprin and Ivan Bunin, who influenced Zinaida's early works.
Tulub's literary career spans three significant periods. The first was before 1917, marked by youthful and romantic works. The second period, from 1926 to 1937, included her famous novel "Ludolovy," which introduced the story of Roxolana to Ukrainian culture. This period ended tragically with her imprisonment during Stalin's purges. After her release, despite her failing health, Tulub continued to write, producing "In the Endless Steppe Beyond the Ural."
Plot
"In the Endless Steppe Beyond the Ural" explores the life of Taras Shevchenko during his first period of exile as a soldier, specifically in the Orsk Fortress and during his participation in the Aral Descriptive Expedition led by Alexey Butakov. The story culminates in Shevchenko's second arrest, followed by his exile to the Mangyshlak Peninsula. The novel is divided into two parts: the first focusing on Shevchenko's soldiering in the Orsk Fortress, and the second on the events of the Aral Descriptive Expedition.
The novel also includes a significant subplot revolving around the lives of Kazakhs, particularly focusing on the romantic and social struggles of Zhaisak and Kulzhan. This Kazakh storyline parallels Shevchenko's experiences and adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the broader impacts of Russian colonialism on different cultures and individuals.
Key Ideas After Discussion
Tulub’s novel is a profound exploration of Ukrainian identity and heritage. Through Shevchenko's experiences, she delves into themes of exile, submission, and the struggle for cultural and personal autonomy. The narrative is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit.
While grounded in historical events, the novel is a work of fiction. Tulub blends real events with imaginative storytelling, creating a unique perspective on Shevchenko’s experiences. This fusion offers readers both historical insight and literary creativity, but it is essential to remember the fictional nature of the narrative.
The novel reflects on how works by Shevchenko, Tulub, and other authors have been used to serve specific political narratives. The concept of "little big brotherhood" often placed Ukrainians and Kazakhs in subordinate roles, shaping cultural narratives that downplayed their independence and identity. This dynamic perpetuates the view of Ukrainians and Kazakhs as "lower" nations compared to Russians, using literature to reinforce these hierarchies.
To fully appreciate works like Tulub’s, it's essential to provide historical context and explain the circumstances in which these books were written. This background enriches the reading experience and helps readers understand the true impact and significance of the narratives.
Relevance Today
Discussing books like "In the Endless Steppe Beyond the Ural" is incredibly relevant today. These conversations allow us to reflect on historical injustices, celebrate cultural resilience, and understand the power of literature in preserving national identity. Engaging with these works helps us connect to our roots and fosters a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage.
Zinaida Tulub’s "The Exile" is more than just a novel; it is a bridge connecting past and present, history and fiction, personal and national identity. By delving into the life of Taras Shevchenko through the lens of her own experiences, Tulub offers a rich, multifaceted narrative that continues to resonate with readers today.
As we explore and discuss these literary treasures, we honor our past, inspire meaningful reflections on our history and identity, and realize the importance and power of the word.
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“I will write! I will! I shall not be broken! You won’t stop my mouth!” he (Shevchenko) shouted into the empty steppe. “I cannot but write, just like the sun cannot but shine, just like the air cannot become solid and motionless! I will write! And all your prohibitions are impotent against the spoken word! Your sentence has only proved that my word is a weapon as well! And you are afraid of it!”
