TRADITIONS AND INNOVATIONS IN THE REPRESENTATION OF THE "LITTLE MAN" IN R. SENCHIN'S FAMILY SAGA "THE YELTYSHEVS"

Abstract

In R.Senchin's family story "The Yeltyshevs," the portrayal of the "little man" is presented in a novel manner, representing one of the most enduring and ideologically profound themes in 19th-century Russian literature. A meticulous examination of the saga's text, augmented by an analysis of literary scholars' and critics' conclusions, reveals that the "little man" is increasingly not merely a victim of circumstances, but rather an individual attempting to conform to societal norms, ultimately becoming a source of difficulties for both others and his family. In contemporary fiction of new realism, the "little man" transcends the role of a mere societal archetype of suffering, evolving into a protagonist accountable for both family and others. R.Senchin examines the moment at which an individual relinquishes such obligation.