OLENIN'S SPIRITUAL AND MORAL QUEST IN THE STORY «COSSACKS» BY L.N. TOLSTOY

Abstract

In this article, the search path of the protagonist of the story "Cossacks" Olenin is conceptually considered as a kind of paradigm "I" – "I-Others" – "We", which represents three levels-states in the hero's worldview. The stages in Olenin's spiritual development, paradigmatically interconnected, make up the "history of the soul" of a contradictory and reflective young man. The path of Olenin's spiritual quest is a kind of striving of the hero's consciousness to know himself, his essence. This is the process of comprehending one's "I" through dialogue with "Others", and realizing one's involvement in Everything and presenting one's "I" as a part of Everything – "We".

Man is not only "being in the world," but he is also, mainly, "being with others." Sociability and community are essential attributes of a person. By its very nature, it is "being for others." A genuine community of being presupposes, despite the presence of obstacles, going beyond oneself and understanding (comprehending) the personality of the "Other", as well as a sense of responsibility and devotion, which include both "I" and "Others" and "We". This is the Tolstoyan truth.

The materials of the article can be used in the practice of teaching historical and literary and theoretical literature courses at the university, as well as Russian literature in educational institutions of various levels.