Abstract

In the deeper layers of Les Misérables, II. In the deeper layers of the Kolyma Tales On first sight, it would seem that Victor Hugo and Varlam Shalamov represent completely opposite worlds. From a formal standpoint, it is truly so: Hugo’s epopeia versus the short prosaic thriftiness of Shalamov. What connects both of these poets then? Hugo in the meeting of the bishop with the member of the Convention, G. explores the eventual convergence of opposing political positions. On a personal level, he uncovers the honest effort of both characters. Shalamov in Kolyma Tales recounts the experience of Russian intelligentsia after the October revolution which had a tragic impact, even on his personal life. As the son of an Orthodox priest, he understands the structure of Christianism, but looks at it from the position of a devout follower of humanistic ideals, who spent 20 years in the Soviet labour camps. Both authors protest against the physical destruction of the differently thinking parts of the nation and initiate thinking about faith and honest unfaith.