The image of Boris Godunov in the drama by A. S. Pushkin and opera by M. P. Mussorgsky: comparative analysis of philosophical-aesthetic, psychological and social components

Abstract

The subject of this research is the image of Boris Godunov viewed in three different aspects in the eponymous drama by A. S. Pushkin and in the opera by M. P. Mussorgsky. The goal consist in description of multifacetedness and complexity of image of the Tsar, as well as his main traits in representation of the poet and the composer, which helps the performers in staging the opera “Boris Godunov”. A comparative analysis of drama and opera is conducted in accordance with the tree main categories: philosophical-aesthetic foundation, psychological portrait, peculiarities of social environment and place of the hero therein. The main conclusions consist in determination of the important sides of possible interpretation of the image of Tsar as: 1) basic philosophical idea that underlies the entire play, and thus defines the role of Godunov in the artistic concept of stage director and actor; 2) key psychological traits that set the emotional tone for the image of Tsar Boris Godunov; 3) nature and specificity of relations between the protagonist and other characters. The scientific novelty of this article is defined by an attempt to determine the key trends in creating an artistic image of the hero by means of theoretical analysis of representations on protagonist in the drama by A. S. Pushkin and opera by M. P. Mussorgsky. The author believes that the range of qualities and traits imposed by these prominent upon Boris Godunov would help the novice actors to find the key to their unique interpretation of this character.