The Kaydash Family by Ivan Nechui-Levytskyi Summary
Nov 13, 2024
| The Kaydash Family by Ivan Nechui-Levytskyi offers a humorous yet sometimes poignant view of the life of a typical Ukrainian peasant family, the Kaydash family. The main characters are the elderly Omelko Kaydash, his wife Marusia, and their sons Karpo and Lavrin. The Kaydashes live together in a modest hut and constantly quarrel over minor issues. But when Karpo marries the strong-willed and ambitious Motria, while Lavrin chooses the quiet and gentle Melashka, the family dynamics become even more complicated and comical. Family conflicts often escalate to the point of absurdity. For instance, Motria and Marusia struggle to share a pot of borscht or quarrel over who gets to take a chicken from the yard. Motria dislikes Marusia’s attempts to boss her around and responds sharply, saying, “Your truth is not mine! You’re neither my mother nor my master!” |
| Karpo, the elder son, longs to establish his own household, which leads to frequent arguments with his father. Marusia disapproves of his wife, seeing her as stubborn and arrogant. Lavrin, the younger son, is softer and more dreamy, choosing the mild-tempered Melashka, who often endures the whims of the older family members. But even Melashka, despite her calm nature, eventually finds herself entangled in family disputes, especially when forced to live under the same roof with her uncompromising mother-in-law and sister-in-law. One of the most absurd family disputes arises when they all end up literally fighting over a pear tree in the yard. Omelko tries to divide it among the relatives, but no one is willing to yield, and ultimately, the tree becomes the reason for a grand quarrel. The story brims with such vivid moments as spitting contests or the seemingly endless bickering between Marusia and Motria over a bowl of porridge, turning these arguments into almost a national sport of insults. Toward the end of his life, Omelko drowns in his own sad thoughts and seeks solace in religion, though even this fails to bring peace. The story concludes in a tragically comic manner: Omelko passes away, but this does not end the family quarrels. Even after his death, Marusia, Motria, Karpo, and Lavrin continue to argue. Nechui-Levytskyi’s irony and satire in depicting his characters and their relationships make The Kaydash Family a true reflection of pettiness and selfishness that can stretch across generations, portraying an enduring image of Ukrainian village life. |
Whose child is it — Karpo's or Lavrin's?
The child is Karpo's; he had a son.
What is the main idea of Kaidasheva Simiya?
The main idea is to show the destructive power of selfishness and petty quarrels in family relationships, as well as to satirize everyday conflicts and the lack of mutual respect.
Which woman did Karpo want?
Karpo wanted Motria, the daughter of a wealthy peasant.
How old was Melashka?
Melashka was 17 years old when she married Lavrin.
How did Kaidash die?
Kaidash drowned in a river after losing his sanity due to constant family quarrels and religious obsession.
Whose eye did Motria injure?
Motria injured her father-in-law Omelko Kaidash’s eye during an argument.
Why did Lavrin become selfish?
Lavrin became selfish under the influence of constant arguments and discord within the family, where everyone cared only about their own interests.
How did Lavrin meet Melashka?
Lavrin met Melashka at a village festival, where he was attracted by her beauty and modesty.
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