The Archetype of Judas in Russian Literature of the 20th Century: On the Base of the Novels «Judas Iskariot» by L. Andreev and «The Sixth Procurator of Judea» by V. Pautov

Abstract

The Gospel plot of treachery is often interpreted in foreign and Russian literature so as the key figures of the New Testament involved in this storyline. The article analyzes the concept of Judas’ character formed in Russian literature of the 20th century and reveals distinctive features that differ it from the concept represented in the New Testament. The research is based on two novels: «Judas Iskariot» by L. Andreev and «The Sixth Procurator of Judea» by V. Pautov summarizing main tendencies in reflecting and interpreting of Judas and Christ characters in Russian literature of a given period. To explore the problem, the author uses methods of contrastive analysis and screening technics that help him to draw the following conclusions: the concepts of Judas character formed in the novels of Andreev and Pautov are compatible with the Evangelists’ appraisal of the character in a whole but contrast with them considering analysis of reasons and motives made Judas betray Christ.