On the Question of the Literary Background of “Boris Godunovˮ by A. S. Pushkin (the Tragedy by M. M. Kheraskov “Borislavˮ)

Abstract

The article deals with two tragedies – “Borislav&8j1; by M.M. Kheraskov and “Boris Godunov&8j1; by A.S. Pushkin; some common places in the texts of works are established. The plots, composition and poetics of the tragedies are fundamentally different, but there is a similarity in a number of motives and features inherent in the main characters – Borislav (“king of Bohemia”) and Boris Godunov. Both rulers are of conditionally low origin, they achieve power by harsh methods, they are seen as tyrants around, as a result of which both are tormented by an unclean conscience, which is expressed in almost similar images – bloody ghosts or shadows of the victims who appear to Borislav and Boris and create a feeling of personal inner hell of the heroes. Other similarities include the fruitless attempts of the rulers to win the gratitude of their subjects, the guilt in the misfortune of their daughters (real and imaginary), the motives of the ingratitude of the people, treason and rebellion. These parallels allow us to talk about the close acquaintance of A.S. Pushkin with the tragedy of M.M. Kheraskov and of certain influence of “Borislav” on “Boris Godunov”.