Images of holy fools in the artistic world of Ivan Shmelev (“The Pilgrimage”, “Kulikovo Field”, “The Blessed”)

This article is devoted to understanding the images of holy fools who perform a special feat for Christ’s sake in the works of Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev: “Pilgrimage”, “Summer of the Lord”, “The Blessed”, “Kulikovo Field”. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of fools in the artistic system of I. S. Shmelev’s works. Scientific novelty is determined by the fact that for the first time, through the study of the functioning of the image of the fool in works of various genres, the role of the holy fool in the lives of other heroes is revealed, and attention is focused on the biblical prototypes of the characters. As a result, it was established, firstly, that there is continuity in I. S. Shmelev’s traditions in describing the phenomenon of foolishness, while relying on the experience of ancient Russian and classical literature of the 20th century. Secondly, the significant role of biblical motifs in the depiction of the daily routine and life of fools is noted. Thirdly, the article reflects the dynamics of the change in the worldview of the main characters after the encounter with the fools and the miracle. Fourthly, the autobiographical nature of these works is shown regarding the matters of coming to faith after personal tragedies and trials among the holy fools and I. S. Shmelev himself, who came to God through suffering.