Author:
SONG Yinnan, Associate Professor, School of Foreign Studies, Nankai University of China.
Abstract:
Gogol's early work "Terrible Vengeance" occupies a special place in his literary career and is key to unlocking the mystery of Gogol. In this work, the biblical story of "Cain and Abel" operates as a structural device at both ideological and narrative levels. Through his creative reworking of this archetype, the author constructs a complex speculative space concerning sin, punishment, and the possibility of redemption that transcends simplistic moralizing, revealing the multiple faces of evil and exploring the multifaceted nature of punishment. This paper argues that interpreting "Terrible Vengeance" through the biblical archetype of Cain and Abel allows for a deeper understanding of Gogol's profound insight into sin and punishment, offers a glimpse into his lifelong concern with spiritual salvation, and helps outline his Christian artistic vision. In a cautionary tone, Gogol expresses his profound insight into divine grace, calling upon readers to achieve redemption through "love for one's brother" and "love for the sinner." The very existence of this work demonstrates that from his early writings onward, Gogol consistently developed a unified thinking on the spiritual origins of humanity, the path of divine salvation, and the religious mission of art.
Keywords:
Terrible Vengeance, Cain and Abel, Sin, Punishment, Redemption
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