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Abstract:

The works by S. Esenin are examined in the aspect of his artistic mastering of the Old Russian literary tradition. The problem of reception is analyzed from the point of view of the genetic and source study approaches. The article shows the significance of Old Russian literature for the content and poetics of the poet’s works to which they are genetically linked. The patterns of refraction of elements belonging to the poetics of the Old Russian literature, its plot-motive complex, genre topoi, archetypal plots and images, and the depiction of spiritual phenomena in Esenin’s works are defined. Various types of intertextual connections are revealed: free retelling of well-known and recognizable texts, allusions and reminiscences, explicit and implicit quotations, titles and retellings, often with an indication of the source, names of literary characters from Old Russian works and the use of genre and style canons and traditions. The poet’s artistic manner is analyzed from the point of view of the “communicative dialogue” with the heritage of Ancient Rus, which is distinguished by an organic continuation of tradition, a rethinking of established plots and traditional images, as well as a creative approach and the preservation of the author’s individuality, which is accompanied by similarities to church bookishness and the reception of folklore tradition. Esenin’s works fit into the context of artistic and aesthetic, philosophical and religious quests of the epoch indicating their embeddedness into Russian Orthodox culture.