ACADEMIC JOURNAL
|
ISSN 2542-1077 (Print) ISSN 1994-5973 (Online) |
Russian literature and literature of the peoples of the Russian Federation |
Orlova D. S. | Northern (Arctic) Fe- deral University named after M. V. Lomonosov |
Elepova M. Yu. | Northern (Arctic) Fe- deral University named after M. V. Lomonosov |
Keywords: Alexander Chudakov A Gloom Descends upon the Ancient Steps novelistic idyll father Quixotism reminiscence narrative strategies system of characters |
Summary: This study aims to identify the narrative strategies used to craft the image of Pyotr Stremoukhov’s father
in Alexander Chudakov’s novelistic idyll A Gloom Descends upon the Ancient Steps. This character is examined as
a distinct subject of research for the first time. Through narratological analysis, several key narrative strategies were
identified: an appeal to the idyllic chronotope, the incorporation of folklore genres into the narrative, the use of quota-
tion discourse to develop a provocative strategy, blending tragic and comic elements, and the employment of unreliable
narration. The depiction of Pyotr Stremoukhov as the creator and protector of the family aligns with the family-oriented
idyllic chronotope. Folklore elements within the novel (family lore genres or proverbs) serve to deepen the character-
ization of the hero. The image of the father is also linked to the archetype of Don Quixote, the eternal hero of world literature: feeling oppressed by the Soviet system, the character paradoxically idealizes it; he is a romantic figure striving passionately for the values of the past and present. The novelistic idyll incorporates reminiscences of Cervantes’ novel. Pyotr Stremoukhov’s character holds a special place within the novel’s system of characters, correlating with and often opposing his grandfather. The moral influence exerted by the father and the grandfather profoundly shapes the protagonist’s development. |
Displays: 48; |