АЛЛЕГОРИЧЕСКИЕ ПУТЕШЕСТВИЯ КИЕВСКОГО КНЯЗЯ В ПОЭМЕ М. М. ХЕРАСКОВА «ВЛАДИМИР»

Abstract

The article examines several episodes of the poem “Vladimir” by M. M. Kheraskov, highlights and analyzes two allegorical journeys of the main character. By means of allegories, the work implements the author's didactic tasks – to instruct readers on the path of virtue on the example of the character's adventures. Vladimir's wanderings take place in a fantastic space and are aimed at spiritual rebirth and salvation of the soul. The vices and temptations of the Kievan Prince appear personified before him and try to turn the hero away from receiving baptism, discredit or distort the Christian faith. The first allegorical journey corresponds to the initial stage of the inner transformation of the character, the second coincides with the final one. Going to the abode of the righteous, Vladimir finds himself in darkness and fog, symbolizing his spiritual blindness, doubts and delusions, faces monstersvices under beautiful disguises, but with the help of a magic object – the flame of faith, presented by the wise mentor Idolem – fights with them and wins. On the way to the temple in the last song of the poem, Vladimir is again stopped and confused by pagans and embodied temptations, but the hero independently distinguishes between good and evil, truth and lies. As a result, the Kievan Prince makes the right choice, overthrows opponents and reaches the goal – the true temple where he receives baptism. Vladimir's twice-completed journey reflects the metamorphosis taking place with the hero. At the same time, allegorical journeys create the fantastic background necessary for the epic, replacing the mythological component. The magical adventures of Vladimir make the plot of the poem more fascinating, illustrate the moral quest of the Kievan Prince, thus allowing you to unobtrusively educate readers without boring teachings.