MANIFESTATION OF EXISTENTIALISM IN THE STORY «JUDAS ISCARIOT» BY L. N. ANDREEV IN THE CONTEXT OF THE POETICS AND PROBLEMS OF THE WORK

Ren Jizhao

The article is devoted to existential manifestations in the story «Judas Iscariot» by L.N. Andreev, in which the biblical plot is originally rethought. The results of the rethinking can be interpreted as a platform for expressing existential ideas. The image of Judas, traditionally perceived as the embodiment of evil and betrayal, in the hands of Andreev is transformed into a complex, tragic and paradoxical figure. The writer questions the usual moral assessments, demonstrating the close interweaving of good and evil in the human soul. The paper provides a detailed analysis of key existential categories, such as freedom of choice, responsibility, alienation and absurdity, which are reflected in the character and actions of the protagonist. Special attention is paid to the artistic means that contribute to the disclosure of the existential issues of the work, as well as to the specifics of the interpretation of the Gospel plot in the context of the philosophical quest of the early 20th century.

Keywords:Andreev, «Judas Iscariot», existentialism, gospel plot, existential hero.