Reflection of the “Three Worlds” Concept of Grigory Skovoroda in the Philosophical Lyrics of Arseny Tarkovsky Cover Image

Концепция «трех миров» Григория Сковороды в философской лирике Арсения Тарковского
Reflection of the “Three Worlds” Concept of Grigory Skovoroda in the Philosophical Lyrics of Arseny Tarkovsky

Author(s): Irina P. Betko
Subject(s): Studies of Literature, Special Branches of Philosophy, Russian Literature, Biblical studies
Published by: Петрозаводский государственный университет
Keywords: Arseny Tarkovsky; philosophical lyrics; Grigory Skovoroda; three worlds concept; macrocosm; microcosm; Bible;

Summary/Abstract: The article is devoted to the reflection of the “three worlds” concept of Grigory Skovoroda in the philosophical lyrics of Arseny Tarkovsky, who considered the Ukrainian thinker his spiritual teacher. His religious and mystical concept provides for the mutual harmonious interaction of the macrocosm (Universe), microcosm (man) and the symbolic world of the Bible. Using the example of selected poems, the artistic content and poetic structure of images of macro- and microcosm are analyzed. The spatial element of the chronotope in Tarkovsky’s poetry is very revealing. In some cases, it directly correlates with the category of the microcosm. One of its most representative manifestations is the space of the steppe. It retains all the signs of a traditionally self-sufficient geographic landscape with its characteristic realities, and at the same time appears as a universal spiritual space that imparts a sense of inner freedom. The holistic spatial perspective of the macrocosm unfolds both horizontally (steppe and other topoi) and vertically: from the earth to the sky and further to the stars. Tarkovsky’s microcosm, like Skovoroda’s, has a religious and ethical connotation. It is represented by highly suggestive images of a lyrical hero, who gazes intently at the world around him, feeling an integral part of it. Not only is the microcosm likened to the macrocosm, but the great world is organically humanized in the process of active interaction. Tarkovsky’s awareness of the harmonious relationship between the Universe and the man is often realized through biblical contexts, both evident and concealed.

  • Issue Year: 21/2023
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 274-294
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Russian