Patriarchal world of Russian old belief in Melnikov-Pechersky's perception (based on the novel “In the woods”)

The image of the patriarchal world, which was according to Melnikov-Pechersky’s mature works personified in Old Believers, is studied. In his novel, P.I. Melnikov-Pechersky partially diverges from the longstanding satirical tradition of the Old Believer’s representation. The dual nature of the author’s views is reflected with the help of featured materials. The dual nature of the author’s views is expressed through his aspiration to reveal both positive and negative sides of the Old Belief. The novel promotes the author’s idea about the need to preserve cultural wealth, traditions, and beliefs of the ancestors. The idea is supported by portrayal of positive images of Old Believers and description of their lifestyle, which they practiced in small monasteries and in the world. The conclusion is that the patriarchal world presented in the novel is a special world retreating into the past. P.I. Melnikov-Pechersky warns of possible despiritualization and rests his hopes on conservation of careful attitude toward Russian ancient culture so inherent to Old Believers.