The Motive of Suicide in the Novel by M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin "The Golovlyov Family" in the Context of Christian Culture

Abstract

In the novel Golovlyov Family by M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin one of the most important keys is the motive of suicide. Although for the Russian literature it is as a traditional, but in this text, acquires as a qualitatively new development. The main characters consciously lose life, running away from the collected problems (Volodenka by shooting) or shame (Liubinka poisons herself with phosphorus). But suicide of the main character – Porfiry Vladimirovich Golovlyov- is the most important things for the writer. There is no visible way of deprivation of life, however, the very existence of Iudushka - is the path of death. He unconsciously loses the image and similarity of God in soul and becomes out of Him. Each offense of the hero of the novel is a step from Light towards Darkness, destroying his soul during his lifetime. The betrayals of mother, brothers, and sons and, finally, God takes him to one step with Judas Iscariot.