Abstract
<jats:p>The article outlines the category of tragedy, which acquires dominant features in various cultural and historical eras, in particular in antiquity, the Renaissance and early modern times, classicism, romanticism, modernism and 20th century literature. Special attention is paid to the hero, conflict and pathos of the works. The key features and the most famous works of the embodiment of tragedy in dramatic art, painting and music are identified. It has been found that the outlined aesthetic phenomenon in Ukrainian literature is realized primarily in works where problem-thematic characteristics cover the tragic pages of national history. Characteristic in this aspect is the work of Mykola Kostomarov, in whose work in the dramas “Sava Chaly” and “Pereyaslav Night” through the prism of the problem of man and power the tragedy of an individual who destroys his life is shown. Thus, in the drama “Sava Chaly” the author models the collision of two spheres: the wisdom, time-tested, reliability of the father (Peter Chaly) and the energy, perseverance, heroism and youth of the son (Sava Chaly), who is just beginning his path in a political career. M. Kostomarov reveals the motive of betrayal through the prism of revenge on the Cossack elders (who insulted Sava) and revenge on Petr Chaly (his father). Sava’s deep resentment is the main factor in the emergence of the tragic conflict. The writer emphasizes that the main tragic conflict is Sava Chaly's unintentional betrayal, a kind of fate that unfolds dynamically and tensely. The drama "Pereyaslav Night" reveals the events of the national liberation war led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky. The problem of religion, which occupies a prominent place in the worldview of Ukrainians, whose world is based on faith in God, and the church is a place of meeting with Him, is outlined. The main conflict that arises between Hercyk, the Polish starosta, Maryna, and Lysenko (Maryna's brother) is characterized. The death of both Maryna's lover and her brother Lysenko, who kill each other, is highlighted, since death is the only solution to a complex conflict.</jats:p>