Biblical motifs and images in E. I. Kostrov's poetry

The article analyzes the peculiarities of biblical motifs and images in E. I. Kostrov’s works. In his odes the poet often refers to the Old Testament scenes and images through the prism of a Christian aspect. Kostrov considers ancient and the Old Testament subjects in the light of the Christian and Orthodox tradition. The poet attributes a Christian sound to the secular genre of the ode, saturating his works with the motifs of the Holy Scriptures. Kostrov often uses the concept of “meekness” emphasizing the sanctity of the Orthodox power, which gets commandments of mercy and humility from God leading to spiritual salvation. The motif of two paths - the unholy and righteous ones - becomes cross-cutting in Kostrov’s poetry. The path of Russia corresponds to the latter one. The motif of divine light descending into the world and eradicating the darkness is the motif of the people “chosen by God”. According to Kostrov, not the Jews but the Russians are such a people. Working with the texts of the Psalms, Kostrov introduces his own motifs, shows his individuality, reveals his own experiences and doubts, and disagrees with some ideas of his era. Christian ideals of meekness and non-violence are the main values in E. I. Kostrov’s poetry.