Abstract
The paper considers a particular case of interaction between A. P. Chekhov with a previous literary tradition, namely, with the romantic motif of the union of a hero and a woman, which has a mythical, otherworldly nature. According to the aesthetics of romanticism, the hero in this case seeks to join the ideal world through love, but such a union is always doomed, moreover, it is destructive either for one or for both. One of the options for the development of such a plot is that the the heroine misleads the hero (sometimes, being just a hostage of her essence) with her beauty, singing, etc., subsequently revealing her chthonic or infernal nature. Analysis of a number of A. P. Chekhov’s stories showed that on the external plot level, romantic stylistics and imagery are subject to reduction and parody. However, at the inner, latent level, Chekhov repeatedly uses this very romantic plot — the exposure of the ideal lover. The plot is shaped by allusions to mythology and folklore; these are primarily portrait and landscape descriptions, names, details, repetitions. The non-obviousness of this underlying plot is that all of the above may be read and from purely realistic standpoint.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Vestnik slavianskikh kul’tur [Bulletin of Slavic Cultures]
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.