CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE SOUL IN F.M. DOSTOEVSKY’S WORK

Abstract

The article regards the basic concept ‘soul’ in the works of F.M. Dostoevsky at the example of such works as ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ and ‘The Idiot’. The study proves relevant due to the lack of enough research in the field of basic concepts of the Russian linguistic culture. The article aims to reveal figurative and evaluative components of this notion as they are represented in F.M. Dostoevsky’s works and thus complements the description of one of the basic concepts of Russian linguistic culture. It is through the concept of ‘soul’ that the writer highlights the problems of spiritual search and solving moral problems. The authors conclude that the figurative component of this concept reflects F.M. Dostoevsky’s understanding of ‘soul’ as a physical organ that can be sick for various reasons. The evaluative aspect of the concept ‘soul’ is represented by the description by F.M. Dostoevsky of what can happen at one’s heart and how people should treat their soul and the souls of other people. Through the concept ‘soul’ the main ideas of F.M. Dostoevsky’s creativity are expressed – the achievement of spiritual harmony through the unity of people and through an appeal to God. The findings contribute to building a comprehensive Russian-language picture of the world.