Tolstoy's text in the works of I. S. Shmelyov

Abstract

This research is dedicated to the study of supertext in the works of the prominent writer of the white émigré – Ivan Sergeevich Shmelyov. The topic of supertexts is currently one of the most promising interdisciplinary trends in humanities. Despite the fact that literary studies feature quite a number of works dedicated to topological texts, there are virtually no research of supertext, to which Tolstoy's text is attributed to. Active creation of Tolstoy’s text falls on the turn of the XIX – XX centuries. The image of Tolstoy manifests in Shemlyov’s works of the early period, his last novel, diaries and correspondence. In literary texts, the writer creates the “protected” myth about L. Tolstoy, whole the “profane vector” can be observed in diaries and correspondence with the close circle of friends. Mythologemes that comprise Shmelyov’s myth are as follows: “Tolstoy is an outstanding Russian writer”, “Simplification of Tolstoy”, “Tolstoy is the Founder of the New Religion”. The latter is of particular significance, since Shmelyov positions himself, and is subsequently recognized by the readers, as the Orthodox writer irreconcilable with other religious pursuits. Having acknowledge the undisputable authority of L. Tolstoy as a writer, as a model for young authors, the heroes in Shmelyov’s works do not admit the spiritual leader and religious figure in the prominent Russian thinker.