Russian Literature and Its Demons [Paperback]

Merezhkovsky's bold claim that all Russian literature is, to a certain degree, a struggle with the temptation of demonism is undoubtedly justified. And yet, despite its evident centrality to Russian culture, the unique and fascinating phenomenon of Russian literary demonism has so far received little critical attention. This substantial collection fills the gap. A comprehensive analytical introduction by the editor is follwed by a series of fourteen essays, written by eminent scholars in their fields. The first part explores the main shaping contexts of literary demonism: the Russian Orthodox and folk tradition, the demonization of historical figures, and views of art as intrinsically demonic. The second part traces the development of a literary tradition of demonism in the works of authors ranging from Pushkin and Lermontov, Gogol and Dostoevsky, through to the poets and prose writers of modernism (including Blok, Akhmatova, Bely, Sologub, Rozanov, Zamiatin), and through to the end of the 20th century.

List of Illustrations
Notes on Contributors
Preface

Introduction:Russian Literature and its Demons: Introductory Essay
Pamela Davidson

PART I: TRADITIONS AND CONTEXTS

Chapter 1.Nostalgia for Hell: Russian Literary Demonism and Orthodox Tradition
Simon Franklin

Chapter 2.The Russian Folk Devil and His Literary Reflections
Faith Wigzell

Chapter 3.Antichrist Enthroned: Demonic Visions of Russian Rulers
Kevin Platt

Chapter 4.Divine Service or Idol Worship? Russian Views of Art as Demonic
Pamela Davidson

PART II: LITERARY DEMONS

Chapter 5.The Muse and the Demon in the Poetry of Pushkin, Lermontov and Blok
Pamela Davidson

Chapter 6.Lermontov'sThe Demon: Idenl#X