Eternity and time - studies in Russian literature and the orthodox tradition

Per-Arne Bodin is Professor of Slavic Languages at the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Stockholm University.

What influence has hesychasm had on Russian hymnography? What is the impact of the Christian theme in the famous terrorist Boris Savinkov's novel The Pale Horse? These are two of the questions addressed in this interdisciplinary study that examines the Orthodox tradition throughout Russian literature and culture. Issues such as the use of icons, hymns and hagiography from Medieval times up to Post Soviet Russia are studied, and crucial notions of Orthodox thought, such as hesychasm, the Trinity and the Apocalypse and their impact on Russian culture are interpreted. Questions such as transformation, repudiation, and unexpected encounters between different themes and motifs play a central role. Methodologically close to the Russian semiotics in its late phase, this work discusses common denominators for the use of this tradition through the ages. Altogether, the 17 studies in this volume contribute to the aesthetic appreciation of Russian literature and culture.