Mikhalenko N. V. Literary and philosophical aspects of the “Danse Macabre” in A. V. Chayanov’s works in the context of the era // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2026. V.11. №3. P. 6-16.

EDN: BZCSIE

Annotation

The article considers the interpretation of the plot of the “Danse Macabre” in Alexander Chayanov’s mystical stories in the context of the literature of the 1900–1920s. Chayanov’s decision to address this topic was determined by both his interest in the old Western engravings and the plot’s popularity in the literature of that time (in the works of Alexander Blok, Konstantin Balmont, Valery Bryusov, Andrei Bely, Nikolay Zabolotsky, and others). Perhaps, the feeling of the power of fate over man in the time of crisis at the turn of the era, during wars and revolutions was interpreted by writers and philosophers in the categories of medieval ideas as a stand against chaos. In each of Chayanov’s novellas, the protagonist faces a challenge from otherworldly forces and becomes a puppet in their game. In “Venediktov…”, the protagonist is subject to the “triangle of souls”, fights against the inferno to rescue his loved one. In “The tale of the hairdresser’s mannequin”, the architect M. perishes, gradually succumbing to the chthonic forces of nature. In “The extraordinary but true adventures of the Count Fedor Buturlin”, there is an interpretation of the contract with the devil. In his texts, Chayanov accurately refers to various episodes of the “Danse Macabre” engravings, seeking a foothold in the world full of chaos.

Keywords

Alexander Chayanov, interpretation of the plot of the “Danse Macabre”, Russian literature of the 1920s.  

About the author

Natalia V. Mikhalenko, PhD (Philology), Senior Researcher, А. M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Povarskaya St., 25a, Moscow, 121069, Russia.
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