MIKHAIL LERMONTOV’S NOVELLA SHTOSS: ON THE SOURCE OF THE FINALE

The article substantiates the hypothesis that the last phrases of Mikhail Lermontov’s novella Shtoss were inspired by a passage from Basurman (The Heretic), a novel by Ivan Lazhechnikov. Since the novel was published shortly after Lermontov had read his novella to a close circle of literary connoisseurs, it seems possible that the author expected the quotation to be recognized at least by some of his listeners. The allusion offered them a hint as to how the story might have continued, were it not interrupted just before reaching its climax. The recollection of the quoted episode in Basurman with its gloomy dungeon setting emphasizes the Gothic color of Shtoss.