Summary of "The Life of Archpriest Avvakum" and the fate of its author

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

One of the most interesting monuments in ancient Russian literature is the famous "Life of Archpriest Avvakum". Its summary is an autobiographical story about the fate and deeds of the elder, about his faithful service to God. Written in a completely new genre for this time, the work demonstrates a unique style and original language.

Summary of "The Life of Archpriest Avvakum"

The work, which has come down to us from the depths of centuries, consists of three familiar parts. In the first of them (introduction), the author sets out the church dogmas of the true faith, which he professes sacredly. In the main part, the saint tells about his life: about birth and childhood, about persecution and exile, about his reflections and observations. In conclusion, Avvakum gives separate stories about the healing of the demon-possessed, and also turns to Elder Epiphanius, his like-minded, associate and spiritual father. The summary of the “Life of Archpriest Avvakum” tells that it was Epiphanius who prompted him to write this work in order for the word of God toand the truths comprehended did not go into oblivion. In turn, the archpriest advises him to write a similar work about himself, so that people know about his difficult life.

"The Life of Archpriest Avvakum": analysis and characteristics

The first autobiographical work of ancient Russian literature not only tells about the long-suffering life of the holy elder. It was a brilliant work, which not only includes "boring" facts from life, but also contains a certain message of a rebel who did not put up with the vices of either his flock or other priests. For sharp criticism of the patriarch, and even the tsar-priest himself, for rejecting church reform (Abvakum was and remained an Old Believer), he was not only sent into exile, his spiritual orders were canceled, but also executed by a terrible death. After being tortured, he was burned in a log cabin along with his associates in Pustozersk.

This is the summary of the Life of Archpriest Avvakum. The manner of his writing is filled with poetics and emotions. The elder understands that the canons are destroyed, but he does not want to put up with this, he continues to spread the light of God's truth. Even in exile, the disgraced archpriest preaches and writes letters, fights against "lawlessness" and teaches the true faith. The great teacher of the church Avvakum did not even agree to the requests of the queen to give up her beliefs.

Summary of the "Life of Archpriest Avvakum" also contains an element of a miracle as evidence of the veracity of the ideas preached by the elder. In the name of Jesus Christ, the saint cast out demons and healed the weak. Copyright digressionstestify to the experience of the writer, who cares about the integrity and unity of the whole narrative. Later, such techniques will become mandatory in fiction.

Meaning of "Life"

The appearance of the autobiographical work marked a new stage in the development of literature in Russia. After all, the followers of Avvakum, and just other authors who did not share his views, approached the world: there is a departure from the canons, literary fiction, the language becomes more lively, “muzhik”. Old Russian literature ceased to be purely ecclesiastical, it was more in line with the new society - more educated, prone to independent thinking about life, religion, the state system and its ideals.