CHRISTIAN MOTIFS IN WAR-THEMED POEMS FROM NIKOLAI GUMILYOV'S POETIC COLLECTION "THE QUIVER"

• Main Author: Olga Alekseyevna Kolokolova
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Petrozavodsk State University 2013-11-01
• Series: Problemy Istoričeskoj Poètiki
• Subjects: N. Gumilyov; chronotope; the war theme; Christian categories; a Christian warrior poet
• Online Access: http://poetica.pro/files/redaktor_pdf/1429868569.pdf
• ISSN: 1026-9479; 1026-9479

The article examines Christian images in war-themed poems of Nikolai Gumilyov's poems collection The Quiver (Kolchan). The author analyzes some peculiarities of chronotope, determines Christian categories which are significant for the interpretation of the war topic. The title of the book defines the subject and the role of the war-themed poems in the system of the entire collection. Connection between the title and the Old Testament images adds new meanings to the interpretation of the war topic. Chronotope images play an important role in the comprehension of the war theme. The present is related to the historical past and eternity: the man at war, implementing his destiny and mission, builds life in the context of history, God's will, becomes a part of the Creator's conception, finds a connection with eternity. Thus, the theme of the unity of the divine plan, purpose, man's connection with history is one of the key themes of the poems collection. Gumilyov presents the loss of destiny as a transitional state or illness. Healing is given by divine powers. Salvation is associated with the search for faith and the attainment of spiritual power, the knowledge of the destination. According to Christian tradition, any war is a misfortune, a terrible, painful phenomenon, but it can bring the atonement through suffering and strengthening of the soul. Nikolai Gumilyov praises heroic deeds, courage, honor, and self-sacrifice. War is a way to find faith and a right way for a Christian warrior poet.