2019 # 4 (36)
Zlochevskaya A.V.
The Evolution of Vladimir Nabokov’s Mystical Metaprose (Russian-Language Period)
Abstract
The article analyzes the structural changes in the three-part model of the V.V. Nabokov’s mystical metaprose (named “Sirin” in the Russian-language period of 1930–1938 – “The Luzhin Defense”, “Glory”, “Camera Obscura”, “Despair”, “Invitation to Execute”, “Gift”. It is shown that the novels of the Russian-language period V. Sirin conducts a series of rigorously thought-out scientific experiments in search of finding the true position of a person in the world – from the model of the victim of the universe – in “Protection of Luzhin” through various options for man’s moral choice in favor of a valiant act, freedom and immortality, or sin, betrail and death, to the study of two types of artist – the false creator and the authentic one. Only a creative person can be happy in the world, for only the universe in all three of its forms is subject to it. This is the conclusion of V. Nabokov / Sirin’s ethical and philosophical quest.
Key words
V.V. Nabokov, V. Sirin, mystical metaprose of the 20th century, three-part model of the world, evolution, author and hero, “The Luzhin Defense”, “Glory”, “Camera Obscura”, “Despair”, “Invitation to a Beheading”, “The Gift”
