The image of China in K. Balmont’s poem “The Great Nothing”

Abstract

This article reviews the image of China in Konstantin Balmont’s poem “The Great Nothing”. Significant attention is given to interpretation of the poem. The author refers to the cultural and historical realias of China, as well as mythology and philosophy. Genesis of the image of Zhuang Zhou and peculiarities of his perception by the poet is revealed. The goal of this work consists in determination of semantic saturation of the image of China in reception of Konstantin Balmont. The line of reasoning and conclusions of the author of this article are founded on the critical research and contrast of two cultures. Analysis of the poem is conducted from the semantic perspective with search for textual parallels. The study reveals the poet's reference to the traditions and philosophy of China ("Sunyata”, concept of symmetry, treatise “Zhuang Zhou”, concept of Chinese painting), use of mythopoetic images (Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix); interprets the image of dragon and its variation in cultural tradition of Russia and China; defines the words used by the poet for describing linguistic realias of Chinese culture (the expression "Go West"). The novelty of this research consists in the analysis of K. Balmont’s reception, and identification of the source that motivated the poet to create a poem. Examination of the semantic  saturation of the image of China in the poetry of K. Balmont gives a new perspective upon understanding the culture of the Silver Age.