Christian Traditions in Alexander Vasilyev’s Book of Poems “To Your Name…” Cover Image

Христианские традиции в книге стихов Александра Васильева «Имени Твоему…»
Christian Traditions in Alexander Vasilyev’s Book of Poems “To Your Name…”

Author(s): Olga Kolokolova
Subject(s): Russian Literature, Theory of Literature, Sociology of Religion, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Петрозаводский государственный университет
Keywords: Alexander Vasilyev; Russian literature; Christian images; Evangelic text; chronotope; motif; plot; composition; poetics;

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the reception of Christian tradition in the works of Karelian poet A. P. Vasilyev. The book of poems “To Your Name…” reveals a deep interaction with Orthodox tradition in its lexis, motifs, images and topics. The title of the book of poems represents a direct quote from psalm 113. The psalm concentrates multiple semantic layers: fate and history of the nation that became God’s “possession” and “sanctity;” the Exodus from Egypt; unity of the Lord’s people; chanting the Lord’s name; reprimanding idol worship. The book of poems “To Your Name” reflects these main themes of the psalm. Consequently, the book focuses on such eternal issues as spiritual foundation of human existence, a human’s place in history and at the turn of centuries. Problems of national and personal fate, historical and eschatological questions are considered in the light of Christian tradition. The focus shifts from the historical topic in the first part of the book to the idea of soul resurrection in the second part: common human destiny is specified in the lyrical subject’s personal experience. The concept of “prayer” is comprehensively reflected and synthesized with poetry.

  • Issue Year: 22/2024
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 321-340
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Russian
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