N. LESKOV’S STORY “AT THE END OF THE EARTH”: ARTISTIC IMAGERY IN А HISTORICAL CONTEXT
https://doi.org/10.18384/2310-7278-2022-3-86-97
Abstract
Aim. The purpose is to determine the degree of historical authenticity of the image of the protagonist of Leskov’s story «At the End of the Earth», the prototype of which, according to the writer, is Archbishop Nil (N.F. Isakovich), and to analyze the problems of the story and the features of the creative method of the writer from this position.
Methodology. The research relies on historical and biographical methods and the method of comparative analysis; the literary text is compared with sources of personal origin – diaries and travel notes of Archbishop Nil and other Siberian missionaries, his contemporaries.
Results. Historical commentary reveals significant discrepancies in the personality and circumstances of Nil’s ministry with those described in the story; new versions of the names of the prototypes of the main character are put forward; the image of the bishop is defined as collective rather than biographically specific. The expansion of the historical and biographical material confirms the accuracy of Leskov’s reflection of the general problems of Orthodox missionaries and correspondence of the artistic idea of the story to the Orthodox doctrine.
Research implications. The material and conclusions of the study can be used in the further scientific study of spiritual issues in the works of Leskov, the republication of his works, as well as in school and university courses of history of literature.
About the Author
S. Melnikova
I. I. Molchanov-Sibirsky Irkutsk Regional State Universal Scientific Library; National Research Tomsk State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sofya V. Melnikova – Cand. Sci. (Philological Sciences), Assoc. Prof., Chief Librarian; Dr. Sci. Degree-Seeking Candidate
ul. Lermontova 253, Irkutsk 664003
prosp. Lenina 36, Tomsk 634050
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