One of the most interesting monuments in ancient Russian literature is the famous "Life of the Archpriest Avvakum." Its summary is an autobiographical story about the fate and deeds of the elder, about his faithful service to God. A work written in a genre completely new for this time demonstrates a unique style and a peculiar language.
Summary of the Life of Protopope Habakkuk
A work that has come 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 thoughts and observations. In conclusion, Habakkuk submits separate novels on the healing of the possessed, and also addresses the elder Epiphanius, his like-minded associate and spiritual father. A brief summary of “The Life of Protopope Habakkuk” tells us that it was Epiphanius who encouraged him to write this work so that the word of God and the truths comprehended would not be forgotten. In turn, the protopop also advises him to write a similar work about himself, so that people know about his difficult life.
“The Life of Protopope Habakkuk”: Analysis and Characterization
The first autobiographical work of Old 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 message from a rebel who did not put up with the vices of his flock or other priests. For harsh criticism of the patriarch, and even the king-priest himself, for the rejection of church reform (Habakkuk was and remained an Old Believer), he was not only sent into exile, his dignity was abolished, but he was also executed by a terrible death. After torture, he was burned in a log house along with his associates in Pustozersk.
Here is a summary of the Life of Protopope Habakkuk. The manner of writing is filled with poetry 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 true faith. The great teacher of the church Habakkuk did not even agree to the queen's requests to renounce her beliefs.
The summary of “The Life of Protopope Habakkuk” also contains an element of miracle as evidence of the veracity of the ideas that the elder preaches. In the name of Jesus Christ, the saint cast out demons and healed the weak. Author's retreats testify to the experience of a writer who cares about the integrity and unity of the whole story. Later, such techniques will become mandatory in fiction.
The meaning of "Life"
The appearance of an 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, “peasant”. Old Russian literature ceased to be purely ecclesiastical, it was more in line with the new society - more educated, inclined to think independently about life, religion, state structure and its ideals.