Man in the Face of Eternity in I. A. Bunin’s Story “The Thin Grass” and V. G. Rasputin’s Novel “The Last due Date”

Abstract

Aim.  To examine how I. A. Bunin’s “Thin Grass” may have influenced Rasputin’s “The Last Term” in their portrayals of the spiritual foundations of the Russian national character. Methodology.  The article uses comparative and historical-literary methods. The images of Russian peasants on the verge of death and their worldview are described, and artistic time as a keyway to realise the author’s idea is explored. When writing the article, the author relied on the works of V. Ya. Ivanova, A. A. Gazizova, I. N. Korzhova. Results. The theme of man in the face of death is the main philosophical theme that unites the works analysed. Both authors are concerned about similar problems: spiritual heritage, manifestations of national character in dramatic moments of life. Bunin’s story is almost devoid of social motives and presents a deep analysis of personality consciousness. Rasputin’s story is distinguished by a social subtext that defines the image of the heroine. Research implications. The study is the first attempt to correlate different and common features in creating images of Russian peasants in the prose of both writers. The article may be in demand when identifying the continuity in the work of realist writers, making it possible to clarify the originality of the creative method, reflecting the philosophical and religious position.