The Light and the Darkness in V. F. Odoevsky’s “Russian Nights”

The article discusses the problems and symbolism of light and darkness in V. F. Odoevsky’s “Russian Nights.” The title and the beginning of the novel bring up the issues of darkness and gloom, both physical and spiritual. The core motif of the “Russian Nights” is the incessant striving for light. It is directly related to the problems of enlightenment. The Russian word “enlightenment” has various meanings. They refer to both Western European and Orthodox Church traditions: this is both the “light of reason” and the “Light of Christ.” Both meanings should be taken into account when interpreting Odoevsky’s fictional and journalistic works (as well as Russian classics in general). Odoevsky advocated the development of science and technology, but warned that the exclusive fascination with material interests and rationalism will lead humanity to moral ruin. Odoevsky considered the path to the truth to be fundamentally important. According to him, it had to synthesize intelligence and “instinctual” power, be irrational and based on an inner feeling. The highest source of “instinctual” power is God’s revelation. The main text of the novel (namely, the “nights”) contains more doubts and questions than answers. Only in the Epilogue does the writer show the way out of the darkness and towards true enlightenment. Odoevsky believed that it was Russia that is destined to save the European world since it retained its true faith and youthful strength. Odoevsky saw the source of genuine enlightenment in religion. It is the light of faith that can lead humanity out of the dark impasse of rationalism.