Antichrist the technocrat: a trial of interpreting two deaths of one character

Author: korolevaNV / Date: 02-07-2025 /
Publication Title: 
Antichrist the technocrat: a trial of interpreting two deaths of one character
Publication author(s): 
V.V. Balanovskiy
Abstract: 

Despite the fact that V.S. Solovyov's work “Three Conversations” is well studied, a fragment of this work “Short Story of the Anti-Christ” still raises certain questions among interpreters. Thus, the reasons for the lack of stylistic unity of the parts of the story are not fully clarified. Researchers explain this fact in different ways. In this connection, the reasons for the stylistic peculiarities of the work are investigated. In the light of this issue, it seems appropriate to turn again to the text of “Short Story of the Anti-Christ” and through the method of critical interpretation, as well as on the basis of the presumption of the author's (Solovyov) good faith, on the material of the story to try to clarify whether the lack of stylistic unity is the result of a certain plan or a consequence of the historical features of the creation of the work. The hypothesis is put forward that the change in style, tone of narration, and some characteristics of the main character of the story is connected with the fact that, studying the nature of evil, Solovyov actually touches upon two aspects of the same phenomenon called the Antichrist: in the first case Solovyov considers the individual-psychological dimension of evil; in the second case Solovyov studies the social dimension of evil. The position of G.D. Gurvich and B.P. Vysheslavtsev with regard to the phenomenon of the Antichrist described by Solovyov. This phenomenon is defined by Vysheslavtsev as the power of technology or the technique of power, in which he sees the inherent evil of industrial culture. On the basis of analyzing the artistic images of the story, it is suggested that at the end of his life Solovyov had a keen interest in Protestantism.

 

References: 

(Sources)

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(Articles from Scientific Journals)

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(Monographs)

  1. Gurvitch, G (ed.) Industrialisation et technocratie. Paris: Librairie Armand Colin, 1949. 214 p.

 

Key words: 
phenomenon of the Antichrist, technocracy, Protestantism, industrial culture, method of critical interpretation
2025. Issue 2 (86)
The DOI index: 
10.17588/2076-9210.2025.2.029-042
Publication file: 
str.29-42_86.pdf