TY - JOUR N2 - The article discusses the image of Volhynian Polesye as presented in Alexander Kuprin’s novella Olesya. Kuprin’s piece combines numerous elements characteristic of a Russian Volhynia text. As regards nature, this is primarily represented by the theme of wildlife. The motif of an untouched, virginal wilderness along with solitude also appears. As for the presentation of customs and morals, the themes of secluded rural life as well as the ignorance and backwardness of the local population are conspicuous. It is here that the binary oppositions typical of a Volhynia text are expressively conveyed: these include ours vs. the others, and the human vs. the devilish. In this work, mythology also features prominently. The image of Polesie shown in this text is to a large extent that of a mythical expanse where primeval forces lurk, one emanating an ambience of mystery. It is this ambience that inspires the narrator to ponder the relationship between man and nature, and to encourage existential reflection. In conclusion, it should be said that Kuprin’s novella made a significant contribution to the formation of the Russian Volhynia text at the turn of the 20th century. L1 - http://journals.pan.pl/Content/117490/PDF/2020-03-SOR-01-Nowakowska-Ozdoba.pdf L2 - http://journals.pan.pl/Content/117490 PY - 2020 IS - No 3 EP - 453 DO - 10.24425/slo.2020.134423 KW - Alexander Kuprin KW - Volhynian Polesye KW - Volhynia text KW - nature KW - people KW - ethnography A1 - Nowakowska-Ozdoba, Joanna PB - Komitet Słowianoznawstwa PAN VL - vol. LXIX DA - 2020.12.30 T1 - Volhynia in Alexander Kuprin’s Story 'Olesya' SP - 443 UR - http://journals.pan.pl/dlibra/publication/edition/117490 T2 - Slavia Orientalis ER -