Стихотворение Вл. Соловьева «Три подвига» как один из источников цикла А. Блока «Снежная маска»

Abstract

This article considers the possibility of including Vladimir Solovyov’s poem Three Exploits within the sources of Aleksandr Blok’s cycle The Snow Mask. While exploring the differences between a number of traditional mythological texts and their interpretations in the poem, this article also highlights the fact that not only symbolists did consider Solovyov’s poem as the key to his works but also as his plan of action for the transfiguration of life. In this respect, the author compares Solovyov’s poem and Blok’s cycle so to reveal that many features of the protagonist of The Snow Mask are similar to Pigmalion and Perseus. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of the cycle The Snow Mask and Vyacheslav Ivanov’s poem Orpheus torn to Pieces is carried out. The latter reveals, in fact, numerous similarities between these two works. More analogies are also observed between The Snow Mask and Aleksandr Blok’s poem Here he is, Christ, in chains and roses ..., as well as between the plot of the poem “Away!” and the gospel story about Jesus’ temptation after baptism. All these readings allow to think that Orpheus may be considered as the lyrical hero of the cycle. In conclusion, Vladimir Solovyov’s poem Three Exploits can be reasonably listed as one of the sources for Aleksandr Blok’s cycle The Snow Mask.