The motif of the way and the image of the traveler in the novel «Resurrection» by Leo Tolstoy

The article deals with one of the most important elements of the imagery in the novel «Resurrection» – the motif of the way, as well as the polysemantic image of the traveler correlating with it. Discussing the possible influences on Tolstoy by his predecessors, the author of the article turns to Gogol's poem Dead Souls and states that Nekhludov's path can be roughly correlated with Chichikov's path: numerous non-accidental encounters and coincidences happening to both characters are significant. The author shows that for Chichikov and Nekhludov, completely different characters on different paths, it is on the epic road that the insights into people' lives and the understanding of the generous soul of a simple Russian man are characteristic. In many ways, following Gogol, Tolstoy leads the reader to the idea of human change as a result of one's interactions with other people. Due to his harsh attitude to the Church, Tolstoy unfairly rejected much of Gogol's work, accusing the writer of dogmatism. The author of the article notes that Tolstoy's treatment of Gogol was, apparently, a consistent necessity, allowing him to avoid contradictions in his own teachings. The article analyzes Nekhludov's active transformation throughout the three parts of the novel «Resurrection», showing that the hero passes a significant path from his own self to the outside world, to other people's interests. The stage of active conscious movement of the hero begins with a trip to his own estates, and does not stop until the end of the novel. Dmitry Nekhludov – quite a novel hero at first glance – takes precisely an epic journey. Particular attention is paid to the image of the traveler, which has a double meaning: it is associated with the idea of an easy and happy journey, as well as a person’s independence and the acquisition of spiritual freedom. Tolstoy's preaching pathos in his later years, the broad and truthful illustration of people's suffering, as well as the theme of human resurrection and transformation are harmoniously integrated into the epic novel Resurrection and simultaneously support its genre diversity.