Quotes and reminiscences from the works of Lermontov in the antinihilistic novel “Nowhere” by N. S. Leskov

The paper deals with quotes and reminiscences from Lermontov’s works in the novel “Nowhere” by Leskov. The Lermontov’s text is used to express the author’s assessment and in the internal and external monologues of the nihilists of the “pure race” following the “theories” of nihilism. They tend not to delve into the contradictions of this phenomenon, therefore finding themselves in conflict with tradition. Lermontov’s reminiscences add lyrical drama to the characters’ conflict with society and their social protest. They help the author relate the theme of nihilism to the high themes and motives of Russian literature. As Leskov considers Lermontov’s poetry an example of skepticism and rebellion of the gifted man against authority, he shows the connection of the nihilism of his time with the complex of rebellious and demonic worldview characteristic of Lermontov’s lyrical hero and Pechorin. Lermontov’s motifs in the novel elevate the images of “pure nihilists” above the socio-pragmatic tasks of their plan. The personality traits of Lisa Bakhareva, Justin Pomada reveal a romantic yearning for an ideal. Searching for an ideal, they are captured by the “theories” of nihilism. Leskov regarded the contradictions in the inner world of both “Lermontov’s man” and the characters in “Nowhere” as a feature of the Russian national character. The writer’s sympathy for such a spiritual experience is accompanied by a desire to understand its moral origins. The quotes from Lermontov overcome the “pamphlet,” “tendentious” nature of the text, which Leskov’s contemporaries accused him of, to form a hidden tragic plot.

Keywords

Authors

References