The concept of the "little man" in Chi Zijian's “Last Quarter of the Moon” in the context of the Russian literary tradition

This study aims to identify the specific characteristics of the "little man" figure in the novel “Last Quarter of the Moon” by the Chinese writer Chi Zijian, examined within the context of Russian classical literature. The work considers select characters from the novel who embody the "little man" archetype and contribute to the ideological framework of the work. The novelty of this research lies in its analysis, for the first time, of the imagery system in “Last Quarter of the Moon” with respect to typification and the inheritance of traditions from Russian literature. The study finds that in Chi Zijian's significant novel, ordinary individuals with innate talents, kindness, and simplicity of heart are typically endowed with a tragic fate. Furthermore, the writer emphasizes the helplessness of her Evenki protagonists in the face of historical and contemporary challenges. Through the depiction of the lives of "little people," Chi Zijian reflects the decline of the traditional culture of ethnic minorities and the destruction of the natural environment. The author focuses on creating images of women from among these "little people," whom she portrays as holding the key to restoring the relationship between humanity and nature, as well as to reviving a harmonious ecological worldview based on the equality of all living beings and reverence for nature.