THE IMAGE OF VIRGIN MARY IN R. BRANDSTAETTER's NOVEL "JEZUS Z NAZARETHU" AND LEXICAL MEANS OF CREATING IT

Abstract

The article focuses on the image of the Virgin Mary in the novel "Jezus z Nazarethu" by the Polish writer R. Brandstaetter. Character development is examined, lexemes selected by the writer for the nomination of the character and their role in revealing the artistic idea of the work are analyzed in detail. The article establishes the duality of the image: showing the poverty of the family, the author notes the royal dignity of Miriam. Connecting her with the divine by describing her appearance and love of music, the writer presents her as an ordinary person who doesn't have the capacity to understand God's intention. The mentioned versatility of the image is actualized in the nomination niewiasta cienia ‘wife of the shadow’, that was analyzed in detail: pointing to a woman's position of dependence in traditional Jewish society, the author stresses that Miriam is chosen by God, because the shadow becomes a metaphor for God. The shadow is also a symbol of submission and self-denial, emphasizing some passivity of Miriam in the novel and at the same time activity in the realization of the will of God in her life.