The novel and the book. The composition of the Idyll Novel “A Gloom descends upon the Ancient Steps”1 by A.P. Chudakov

Abstract

A. Chudakov’s novel “A Gloom descends upon the Ancient Steps” combines the features of the poetics of the “book” and those of the novel. The paper proves that by analyzing in the context of the novel one of the chapters – “The Cooperative Horse Boy, or Napoleon’s Turtle”. The chapter, as a part, contains fragments independent of the structure of the whole. “The book” generally as a form is perceived as “an object serious, credible, unquestionable” (expression by A. Tvardovsky) because of the high importance of the plot and the digressions. “Seriousness and reliability” are combined with paradoxes. The integrity of the chapter is formed by the juxtaposition of dissimilar elements. Reassuring pictures of economic activity are correlated with descriptions of harsh socio-economic conditions. Reflections on death and immortality are associated with the longevity of things, with the longevity of heroes – humans and animals – and with the immortal glory of Napoleon.The themes and motives of a separate chapter are also developed in other chapters. It is common for the novel to develop themes and images throughout.

Thus, in different chapters, household chores, socio-political concerns of the Soviet period are thoroughly covered, and images of animal heroes are created.

The themes of old age, death and postmortem also hold together a narrative that combines features of the poetics of the “book” and those of the novel.