Layer-by-layer analysis of I. S. Shmelev's narrative “The inexhaustible chalice”

The problem of the manuscript layer-by-layer analysis is relevant in connection with the establishment of the text of the work (the monument). Establishment of the text is, so to say, the apex of the text’s comprehension as a literary monument. It can be understood as an invariant arising in the process of evolution and creative plan selection, choice of themes, ideas, and elements of poetics. In the process of the text’s critical analysis the author’s original text is established, errors are eliminated, losses occurred in the process of reissue are revealed. Creative history and the history of the text, understanding of the author’s intention in all its connotations of the drama are restored. Layer-by-layer analysis of the manuscript helps to reveal peculiarities of the author’s work on the text. In modern textual criticism, the method of layer-by-layer analysis is practically not developed. On the example of the manuscript written by Isaac Shmelev “The Inexhaustible Chalice” (SRDM RSL 387.8.22.) we show the change in the writer’s creative work.