The plot about a proud / sinful tsar in the tragedies of G. R. Derzhavin

The article studies artistic functioning of the Biblical plot of a proud / sinful tsar in the tragedies “Herod and Mariamne” (1807), “Eupraxia” (1808), “The dark one” (1808) by G. R. Derzhavin. The plot is considered in the context of historical and Old Testament sources as well as in the author's biographical context. The plot about a proud / sinful tsar consists of a complex of motives: infidelity, lack of faith or another faith; pride, excessive self-esteem; boasting of strength, wisdom, wealth; absolute priority given to one's power; hardness of heart, neglect of the duty of a ruler and of moral liability to God; punishment by virtue of disobedience and death of children; penitence of one's crimes; sinful death. The peculiarity of the plot structure in the Derzhavin's tragedies and of the interpretation of the events dating back to the History of Ancient Judea and Russian Middle Ages, are defined by the poet's understanding of state authority and God's law, which was formed in his late years. Derzhavin's philosophic and religious concept applies to the Old Testament statement concerning the sinfulness of the crown deviating from Divine Providence.