Hagiographic motifs in I.S. Shmelev's “Kulikovo field”

Religious motifs in the story “Kulikovo field” by I.S. Shmelev written in the émigré period of his creative work are analyzed. It is shown how the motif system of the work contributes to the realization of the author’s idea - to portray the process of human transformation. The issues of spiritual evolution of an individual were especially significant at that period for Shmelev. The main motifs are characterized: miracle, transfiguration, cross, saint, eternal life, which aimed at the fulfillment of the idea of transfiguration in the story. It is shown that the miracle motif has a plot-forming function in the story. The miracle of the appearance of St. Sergius of Radonezh to ordinary Russian people in the era of post-revolutionary trials is the basis of the story and its plot. The remaining motifs are considered as components of the miracle motif. The motif of the cross combines several functions: plot function (as a point of intersection of the characters’ destinies), temporal function (connects the temporal layers of the story, connects the historical past and the present), symbolic function. The miraculous acquisition of the cross by the characters leads them to faith and brings long-awaited peace. The image of the saint is analyzed: the description of the saint’s countenance, voice and speech, his radiance, special knowledge of the saint. It is argued that the inner feelings of all the characters when they meet the elder build the motif of the saint. The motif of transfiguration is implemented with the help of accompanying motifs: a miracle, a cross, a saint. It is concluded that the category of motif plays a special role in the work under study, acting as one of the ways of narration and at the same time a meaningful unit, realizing the writer’s attraction to the light, miracle, God.