The Story of Parasha Lupalova in the Works of the First Half of the 19th Century: Formation of a Sustainable Plot

Abstract

Aim. To follow sustainable “Parasha Lupalova” plot formation in the first half of the XIX century based on three works: a novel by Sophie Cotton, a short story by Xavier de Maistre, a play by Nikolay Polevoy.
Methodology. The main research methods are analytical and comparative. The structure and elements of the “parasha’s plot” are analyzed, recurring components are singled out: geographic localization, type of heroine, stable components of the plot.
Results. Based on the analysis of the works of the first half of the 19^th century the hypothesis of the formation of a consistent “Parasha’s plot” is confirmed. This plot became so popular that it was reproduced both in author’s works and anonymous belles-lettres loves of the last quarter of the 19^th century. Moving from work to work, it easily adopted the features of different literary genres: fairy tale, hagiography, adventure novel, historical novel, educational novel. At least two periods can be distinguished in the history of the development of the “Parasha’s plot”: formation (the first half of the 19^th century) and modification (late 19^th – early 20^th centuries). The texts considered in the article relate to the first stage of development of “Parasha’s plot”. The article analyzes in detail the specifics of each of the three works, identifies the artistic tasks that each author set himself and the modifications to which the plot was subjected.
Research implications. Analysis of the development of “parasha’s plot” allows to draw conclusions regarding how consistent plot patterns operate in mass literature.