The idea of accepting suffering in the works of F. M. Dostoevsky and its connection with the theme of schism and the myth of the earth

Abstract

The subject of this research is the idea of acceptance of suffering described in the works Of F. M. Dostoevsky, and its correlation with the theme of unorthodox religious movements and the myth on earth. The object of this research is the works of F. M. Dostoevsky (“The House of the Dead”, “Crime and Punishment”, “Demons”, “The Brothers Karamazov”) along with preliminary materials, as well as articles from the periodicals dedicated to old believers and sectarianism (“Double-believers of the Holy Rus'” by V. I. Kelsiyev, “Secret Sects" and “White Doves” by P. I. Melnikov,”Zemstvo and Schism. Runners”, “Mentality of the Russian Schism” by A. P. Shchapov). The goal of this research consists in determination of correlation of the idea of acceptance of suffering in Dostoevsky's works with the theme of schism and the myth on earth. The scientific novelty lies in analysis of mythologization mechanisms of the category of earth and the image of Russian people in the writings of F. M. Dostoevsky, associated with the idea of acceptance of suffering that takes its roots in the schism. The author’s special contribution lies in identification of correlation between motifs and images from of the novel “Demons” and sectarianism. The conclusion is made that voluntary acceptance of suffering, associated with the religious context, namely with the idea of accepting suffering for the faith inherent to old believers, is reflected in “The House of the Dead” and “Crime and Punishment”. Beginning with the first novel of “Samaritan Pentateuch”, this motif, entailing with a special for Dostoyevsky mythologem of earth, is implemented in the context of the idea of humanity’s guilt before nature and mankind, and the need for its redemption through suffering. The idea of suffering, essential for salvation of the soul and regaining of the lost faith is also closely related to the ideology of nativism, since it is conveyed to the “out of touch” atheists by the representatives of common people.