THE SKETCH STORY IN THE EARLY WORKS OF I.A. BUNIN: LITERARY GENEALOGY OF THE GENRE

Abstract

The article delves into the sketch-like inclinations present in the early works of Ivan Bunin, while also examining the synchronous and diachronic literary contexts surrounding these narratives. The sketch-like aspect apparent in young Bunin’s writing is evidently linked to the traditions of the naturalist school of the 1840s. In a similar vein, the author minimizes intrigue and authorial presence, instead ‘capturing’ fragments of life, abstaining from describing any substantial plot-driving events, and restraining the use of artistic devices. On the whole, these stories unfold over a single day in the lives of the characters - from dawn to dusk - portraying a distinct social archetype of a small-town landowner who, in many aspects, shares commonalities with the peasantry. However, amidst these formal techniques, Bunin introduces new motivations that were hitherto unexplored in Russian literary tradition but discernible within the contemporary European modernist practice. These include an aesthetic gaze, a fascination with decay, contemplative minutiae, the whims of chance, and a particular philosophical ambiance, all of which appear to guide the stories towards a parabolic interpretation. The article concludes that within Bunin’s early prose, impressionistic and inherently modernist elements are seamlessly woven into the sketch-like narrative structure. This integration would subsequently gain greater prevalence and significance in his future works, particularly during his emigrant period. The essence of this amalgamation is not rooted in the realm of prose, but rather in the domain of poetry. Even within his early prose endeavors, Bunin, a poet with classical inclinations, attempts to synthesize the qualities of poetry and prose, drawing from his poetic background to enrich his prose compositions. Consequently, the contemplative quality we mentioned earlier is likely rooted in elegiac themes, whereas impressionism and occasional attributes bear resemblance to elements found within landscapes.