This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prominent works of
the representatives of European Baroque literature and highlight the significant
impact and rich contributions of translated Baroque literature to the literary
heritage. European Baroque literature is notable for its focus on detail and ornate,
imaginative language, delving into philosophical ideas, religious and mystical
subjects, which were also pivotal in this period. Baroque poets explored political
and satirical themes, challenging dominant ideologies and societal conventions.
The study of the plot-thematic and linguistic-stylistic "portrait" of each ethnocultural European Baroque tradition involves the usage of a specific system of
analytical methods, which includes literary-historical analysis, interpretative
analysis, literary-biographical analysis, and translation analysis. The research
material focuses on five European Baroque linguistic and cultural traditions:
French, German, Polish, British, and Ukrainian. These linguistic cultures were
chosen because Ukrainian Baroque was established and evolved to some extent
under the influence of both direct and indirect translations of works
predominantly from these European literary traditions. Ukrainian baroque
literature covered topics related to Ukrainian national identity, history, and cultural
heritage, in part, by celebrating the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people.
In general, the Baroque period in Ukraine marks an era of prosperity for religious
and philosophical writings, with authors like I. Velychkovsky and H. Skovoroda
delving into questions of faith, morality, and human existence. Many Baroque
writers contributed to the neo-baroque revival by reintroducing and reinterpreting English metaphysical poets. Contemporary artistic trends reinforce complexity,
dispersion, indeterminacy, and approximation. This connection explains why neobaroque is often associated with postmodernism. At the same time, it clarifies the
distinction between a true neo-baroque aesthetic, which integrates the principles
of Baroque art, and mere Baroque revivalism, which imitates its visual style
without adopting its deeper artistic philosophy. Ultimately, the transhistorical and
transcultural continuity of Baroque and neo-baroque raises the challenge of
theorizing their emergence and the process of re-origination in all humanitarian
spheres of human activity, including literature. The translation of European
Baroque literature represents a vital aspect of spirit and form, characterized by
excess, complexity, fragmentation, and aesthetic experimentation, gaining
renewed significance in contemporary postmodern culture. From a historically
cultural perspective, translating Baroque literature ensures the preservation and
continuity of cultural and literary heritage across generations. It allows future
audiences to access and appreciate significant works of the past, fostering a sense
of cultural continuity and identity. Rather than being a relic of the past, Baroque
literature serves as a lens through which postmodern society understands
complexity, instability, and the spectacle of the present world.