THE PICTORIAL SUBJECT IN THE NOVEL “DEMONS” BY F.M. DOSTOYEVSKY. PART 1

Abstract

The function of the “Sistine Madonna” in “Demons” by F.M. Dostoyevsky is considered in the article. Attention is paid to the main features of Raphael’s picture (figurative and symbolical, composite levels) connected with Renaissance esthetics and a new direction in fine arts - religious painting. These features find reflection in “Demons”, refracting in the author's picture of the world. In spite of the fact that the novel contains a few mentions of Madonna, the key moment is heroes’ perception of her, especially by Stepan Trofimovich Verkhovensky. “Madonna’s ideal” appears to be closely connected with ideology of revolutionary nihilists (such as Pyotr Verkhovensky) by the principle of opposition, rather than the principle of identification. “Madonna’s ideal” and Raphael as eternal cultural wealth represent opposition to the utilitarian truth of the radical part of a younger generation - “demons” of revolution. To the Westerner Stepan Trofimovich Verkhovensky, being a link between generations, it is fated to regenerate spiritually and by that to deserve author's sympathy. This regeneration is realized very indicatively in speech behavior of the hero which throughout all action is strongly influenced by two-subject narration (the reporter and the author). Eventually “Sistine Madonna’s” plot in the key moments is realized in destiny of not central, but no less important hero - Verkhovensky Sr.