“Look, and the Eyes, Like a Lake, Are Blazing”: The Phenomenon of Envy in the Story “Yar” by S. A. Yesenin

Purpose. This article is aimed to consider the phenomenon of envy in S. A. Yesenin’s story “Yar”, based on a scene describing a meeting between a beggar and a pilgrim and ending with the murder of the latter. Results. Although the poet does not use the word “envy” even once, he reveals its secret essence and consequences to which it leads. This is achieved (bu) by the author through interweaving Christian symbolism and biblical allusions into the narrative. In addition, the verbal (double-barrelled compliment, provocation, condemnation) and non-verbal (related to the mention of eyes, their movements and expression) communicative means serve as a technique to build up a vicious feeling and show its transformation into a crime. A special role is played by the speaking landscape framing the scene. It both prepares the tragic denouement of the story and acts as a harbinger of trouble. The symbols of the nature world are no less important. They are meant to awaken pilgrim from spiritual slumber. However, the heroine does not hear the premonitory voice of God, since she is sinful. Conclusion. The poet interprets the tragic outcome of story in his own way: only a person with a pure soul is able to hear the God.