Soychine Krylo. Ivan Franko

Summary

In this video, the narrator reflects on the events of the novella 'Soiuchyne krylo' by Ivan Franko, offering a glimpse into a tumultuous past filled with love, betrayal, and personal turmoil. The protagonist, a reclusive man approaching his 40s, seeks to spend the New Year alone, distancing himself from the noise of society. A mysterious letter from a past lover stirs up painful memories, forcing him to confront his deep emotional scars. The complex relationship is revealed through the narrator's internal monologue, highlighting his struggle with regret, loneliness, and an ever-present sense of loss.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses Ivan Franko's novella 'The Wing of the Jay,' set in Lviv, and focuses on the character's struggle with loneliness and solitude.
• 😀 The protagonist, Homa, reflects on turning 40 and living a solitary life, devoid of optimism or pessimism, and adopts a new philosophy of living for himself.
• 😀 Homa works in an office, earns money, but his job doesn’t touch his heart. He remains emotionally detached from the people around him.
• 😀 He enjoys the company of personal items such as portraits of poets and books but chooses not to share his soul with anyone, including a potential romantic partner.
• 😀 On New Year's Eve, Homa receives a mysterious letter marked with a Russian stamp from a place called Port Arthur, with a note from his former lover, who refers to herself as 'the Jay.'
• 😀 The letter reignites Homa’s painful memories of his past relationship with a woman who once called him by an Italian name, causing him emotional turmoil and anger.
• 😀 The woman expresses regret for leaving him and hints at her past actions, revealing a twisted and manipulative nature, and even admits to killing a bird, which symbolizes her rejection of Homa.
• 😀 As the story unfolds, the woman continues to push Homa's emotional buttons, claiming that she still loves him and even describes her past behavior as a way to punish him for not keeping her.
• 😀 She details her tumultuous relationships with other men, including deceit and betrayal, leading her to a life filled with manipulation and exploitation.
• 😀 The story culminates in the woman’s confession of having led a life full of suffering and betrayal, but now she expresses a desire to return to Homa, only to leave him with more unanswered questions and unresolved feelings.

Q & A

What is the story about in Ivan Franko's novella 'The Wing of the Jay'?

The novella 'The Wing of the Jay' is about a man named Khoma, who recounts his experiences of loneliness and heartbreak, focusing on a woman who manipulates his emotions and leaves him. The story explores themes of isolation, regret, and the impact of past relationships.

Who is the main character in the novella and what is his situation at the time of the events?

The main character is Khoma, a reclusive man who is about to turn 40. He lives a solitary life, works in an office without passion, and spends most of his time alone with his thoughts, rejecting the societal norms of celebrating the New Year with others.

How does Khoma feel about his life and the upcoming New Year?

Khoma feels disillusioned with his life and the conventional way of celebrating the New Year. He expresses a desire for solitude and introspection, rejecting the usual festivities and opting to spend the holiday alone, reflecting on his past and his future.

What is the significance of the letter Khoma receives in the story?

The letter Khoma receives brings back memories of a past relationship with a woman who once called herself a 'jay' (sojka). The letter, along with a wing from a jay, reignites painful memories of their time together and the betrayal he experienced.

What does the woman in the letter say about their past relationship?

The woman reminisces about their past, recalling a time when they were together in nature, and how she once loved him. She admits to abandoning him, blaming him for not trying harder to keep her, and she expresses a desire to return to him after her husband's death.

How does Khoma react to the letter and the memories it brings up?

Khoma is filled with anger, frustration, and confusion. He reflects on how he gave everything to the woman, only to be betrayed. Despite his hurt, he is unable to completely discard the memories and is drawn back into thoughts of her.

What is the meaning behind the wing of the jay that accompanies the letter?

The wing of the jay symbolizes the woman's betrayal and the tumultuous nature of their relationship. It serves as a reminder of how she had once used the jay to manipulate him, and it represents the conflict between love, jealousy, and revenge.

What does the woman reveal about her life after leaving Khoma?

After leaving Khoma, the woman married a man named Mikola Fedorovych, who eventually died in the war. She admits to having had multiple lovers and uses her suffering to justify her actions, ultimately claiming she was faithful to them, despite her own betrayal of Khoma.

How does the story reflect on the theme of loneliness?

The theme of loneliness is central to the story. Khoma chooses a solitary life, avoiding emotional connections with others, yet he is constantly haunted by memories of his past relationships. The woman's actions also reflect a deep sense of loneliness and the destructive consequences of emotional isolation.

What is the significance of the ending, where Khoma hears a knock at the door?

The ending of the novella is ambiguous and suggests that Khoma may still be emotionally connected to the woman. The knock at the door, followed by the mention of a woman in a red dress, hints that the woman may have returned or that Khoma is still trapped in his emotional past, longing for something he cannot have.