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The Stylistics of Landscapes, the Landscapes of Stylistics
Edited by John Douthwaite, Daniela Francesca Virdis and Elisabetta Zurru
[Linguistic Approaches to Literature 28] 2017
► pp. 123–152

Chapter 8
Landscape as a dominant hero in “Bezhin Meadow” by I. S. Turgenev

The plot of “Bezhin Meadow” (BM) consists of three almost independent narratives loosely connected to each other. The story does not fall apart owing to continuous flow of time accompanied by ever-present landscapes, changing in concert with the motion of time, and merging with it. The collateral motion of time and landscapes (T&L) provides a reliable thread tying the story together. Due to the steady motion of T&L, an undercurrent, continuous plot arises, in which the union of T&L is endowed with the qualities of animated antagonist clashing with people and suppressing them. The two plots interlace to produce a fatalistic, mystically tinged message. While changing its appearance and character, T&L retains its domineering attitude to human beings, gradually increasing its pressure. Benevolent at its first appearance, T&L becomes evil, aggressive, sends mysterious signals to fearful people, warns and finally annihilates the chosen victim. Being a unique and consummate device connecting the otherwise disunited plot, the undercurrent plot has also a deeper symbolic meaning in the context of Turgenev’s Weltanschauung. The mutable, fast-moving, implacable T&L in BM is a close kin to a formidable natural force in his life-long dark reflections. It seems safe to suggest that the line of T&L in BM is a covert image of the inexorable elemental force ruling over all life.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.A glorious July day
  • 3.From sunset to night, roaming in twilight
  • 4.The mystery of night
    • 4.1Night on the earth: Firelight vs. darkness, people vs. demons
    • 4.2Night in the heaven: Cosmic skyscape
  • 5.The new day
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 7 December 2017
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lal.28.08lan
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