Reminiscence and interpretation of biblical motifs in the poetry of D. S. Merezhkovsky

The article considers the issues of biblical texts reception in the poetry of D. S. Merezhkovsky of 1880-1890's. It analyzes the works included in the first two collections of poems: “Poems (1883-1887)” and “Symbols”. Attentive study of the poems leads to the conclusion that Merezhkovsky's poetry at this stage reflects the evolution of his interests and outlook: from enthusiasm towards civil subjects to the turn towards Christianity. The accents in biblical texts interpretation change in accordance with this trend. Orientation on Old Testament imagery and prophetic style predominate in the first book of poems. The article considers the silence motif, which is adopted from Book of prophet Isaiah. Different interpretations of this motif can be revealed: from the sign of God's presence to the sign of imminent end of the world. The theme of divine retribution, images of the Old Testament prophets are related to the theme of the “lost generation” of the XIX-XX centuries turn. The second collection of poems contains evangelical reminiscences and elements of parable, a prayer and hagiographic forms. The poet's appeal to the genre of Christian legend is examined in the article. Merezhkovsky's legends reflect philosophical comprehension of Gospel commandments in correlation with the realities of modern life. Different genres and themes represent not only literary treatment of Old Testament, Christian motifs and images, but author's interpretation and original arrangement of traditional themes.