Space-time in George Sand’s novel “Lelia”

The research is devoted to the consideration of the philosophical understanding of time, as well as space in the aspect of its philosophical specificity. The theoretical basis of the research is Nonna Kopystyanska’s work on the features of space-time in a work of art of the romantic period. The material for the study was George Sand’s novel «Lelia», which was first published in 1833 and later, in 1839, was revised. The philosophical vision of time in the work is realized mainly through the prism of reproducing the image of the main character. For Lelia, the present is devoid of essence, she is disappointed by the lack of spirituality in her contemporary society and the desire for material goods. The heroine divides people into separate categories, depending on how time affects them. Lelia is interested in the future, the understanding of which she seeks in the past. The heroine attaches great importance to the search for truth, which is timeless and eternal. Solitude contributes to the comprehension of truth, as well as the essence of life, it sets the tone for reflection and indicates value orientations in life. This position is confirmed by another character in Trenmore’s work, who conditionally places Lelia’s life in three days, or three time periods, emphasizing the extreme – future time. The time-space of the novel is specified with the introduction of the image of Trenmore and is expanded through such elements as a hymn and a song. The expansion of space is also carried out through an appeal to nature and its elements. A separate place is given to the time-space of the road, which is associated with the time-space of travel and life as a journey in time and space. The romantic positions of Lelia and Trenmore are consonant with the understanding of time, the search for truth and the appeal to the time-space of the road in George Sand’s dilogy «Consuelo» and «The Countess Rudolstadt».