Analyzing the image of women at war in Russian literature of the XIX century

Ma Yue Master's Degree; Institute of Literature and Regional Geography; Xinjiang Pedagogical University 150,000, China, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin City, Nangang District, Dacheng Street No. 140, Longdian Garden, Building A, House 603 841989314@qq.com

Tsai Vei PhD in Philology Associate Professor; Institute of Foreign Languages; Xinjiang Pedagogical University 14-3-1401 Guanyuan St., Urumqi, Shuimogou District, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, 830017 554535896@qq.com

I. Introduction

The 19th century is considered the golden age of Russian literature, during which many classical works appeared that had a significant impact on world culture. In Russian literature of the 19th century, the image of a woman became more complex and detailed, reflecting profound changes in public consciousness and cultural attitudes [12. p. 10]. One of the important themes widely covered in the works of that time is war, which not only serves as a backdrop for the development of the plot, but also becomes a key element for understanding human nature, social conflicts and historical changes.

In the literature of each country, there are female characters who stand out vividly from the rest [9. p. 62]. Against the background of the war, female images acquire special significance. Their description not only enhances the emotional depth of literary works, but also gives readers the opportunity to look at the war from an unusual, often underestimated perspective — through the eyes of women. Women in the military works of Russian literature of the 19th century are not just minor characters in the shadow of men. In other words, women behaving like men are capable of plunging the world into universal chaos [5. p. 68]. They become symbols of perseverance, sacrifice, love, and even tragedy, embodying the moral and philosophical ideas of the time.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the features of the depiction of female images in the context of war in Russian literature of the 19th century, as well as to consider their role and symbolic significance in literary works of that time. The analysis will allow not only to better understand the contribution of women to military events from an artistic point of view, but also to reveal how writers of the 19th century perceived and interpreted women's fate against the background of military conflicts.

II. Female images in war conditions

The concept of "woman" is very difficult to connect with the concept of "war" [13. c, 111]. Therefore, in the Russian literature of the 19th century, the images of mothers and wives at war are endowed with a special meaning. For example, Natasha Rostova in Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace is presented not only as a loving woman, but also as a symbol of family unity. The war has a devastating impact on her life, but her resilience and dedication embody the strength of Russian women in the face of adversity.

Some works depict women not only as observers, but also as active participants in military events. For example, in Pushkin's The Captain's Daughter, Masha Mironova is not just a key character in the development of the plot, but also a symbol of female courage and wisdom. She not only demonstrates independence against the background of military events, but also changes the course of events by her actions, saving the main character, Pyotr Grinev. Unlike many female characters in literature, Masha does not just depend on men for salvation — her intelligence and determination make her a key figure in surviving the war.

Her bravery is shown at critical moments: she not only helps Grinev avoid death, but also demonstrates the ability to control his fate. In a war where violence and chaos reign, Masha retains her judgment and the ability to act coolly in difficult circumstances. This makes her the epitome of feminine resilience and courage in extreme situations.

Through the image of Masha, Pushkin destroys gender stereotypes, showing that a woman during the war is not just a victim or a bystander, but an active participant in events and a decisive factor in the development of the plot. Even in the most brutal conditions of war, women can play an important role not only emotionally, but also strategically, acting not as dependent characters, but as independent individuals.

The creation of such an image was an innovative step in the literature of that time and served as a source of inspiration for the further development of female characters with inner independence. Masha's courage and intelligence remind us that women in wartime should not be considered only as companions of men, but as independent, strong and intelligent individuals capable of influencing the course of events and changing fate.

Female characters in war often appear as victims suffering from destruction and loss. Gogol's Taras Bulba shows how war destroys families, and women become the bearers of tragedy, pain and suffering. The war in this work is shown as a cruel force that destroys not only the lives of men fighting on the battlefield, but also the fate of women left at home. For example, Ostap and Andria's mother, Taras Bulba's wife, is depicted as a woman who is going through deep grief over the separation from her sons. Her maternal love and fear for their fate underline the tragedy of the situation. She becomes the personification of all mothers who lose their children in wars.

In addition, the Polish girl, beloved Andria, also becomes a victim of the war. Her relationship with Andriy leads to his betrayal, which highlights how the war destroys not only families, but also personal bonds, love and loyalty. The women in Taras Bulba are not directly involved in the battles, but their suffering and loss are an integral part of the tragedy.

By portraying female victims, Gogol, like other writers, visualizes the brutality of war into vivid individual experiences so that readers can better experience the devastating effects of war on ordinary people. The image of a female victim in war reminds us that war is not a stage for heroism, but a holocaust that consumes everything. Their grief and silence are both a silent accusation of the atrocities of war and a deep call for peace.

III. The symbolic meaning of female images

Female images in art and literature were generously endowed with the best qualities of women [11. p. 3]. And they symbolized steadfastness, bravery and loyalty to the Motherland in the fight against enemies.

The 19th century is a time of social upheaval, and the change in women's roles in literature reflects the destruction of traditional foundations and the advent of the new age. The image of Natasha Rostova in War and Peace symbolizes a woman's transition from family dependence to independence and social participation.

Natasha, one of the most striking female characters in the novel, gradually transforms from an innocent girl into a strong woman capable of taking responsibility for her family. During the War of 1812, she demonstrated not only love for her loved ones, but also calmness and courage during the evacuation of her family from Moscow. Her participation in helping the wounded and her active participation in the sufferings and troubles of others demonstrates the courageous deeds and spiritual strength of women in war.

Everyone knows that Turgenev was one of the first in Russian literature to refer to the image of an active, independent, independent woman [2. p. 67]. In his works, female characters are also often associated with social change. For example, the heroine of the novel "The Noble Nest" not only takes care of family matters, but also begins to take an interest in education, social responsibility and other problems of the public sphere. This description reflects the influence of Enlightenment ideas in Russia in the second half of the 19th century, when women gradually transformed from passive observers into active participants in social development.

Images of women against the backdrop of war also highlight the conflict between traditional values and new ideas. In Taras Bulba, women's helplessness and sacrifice symbolize the oppression of the weak by the old order, while in War and Peace, women's growth and independence foreshadow the emergence of a new way of life. Their actions and destinies are not only individual stories, but also a reflection of social contradictions and transformations.

These changes in female characters metaphorically reflect the difficult process of Russia's transition from feudal traditions to modern society in the 19th century. Their resilience, initiative, and sense of responsibility during the war provide an impetus for gender equality and social transformation in a new era. This metaphorical meaning not only gives women's images a deeper symbolic value, but also makes them an important symbol of the transition period in Russian society, foreshadowing a more progressive and open future.

In many works, women play the role of a moral guide, bringing light and virtue. For example, in Dostoevsky's works, female characters often represent forces of goodness and spiritual enlightenment.

In Crime and Punishment, Nastasia, the cook, meekly cared for Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, despite his mental anguish caused by the crime. Nastasia's generosity and dedication allowed Raskolnikov, who was in a state of extreme loneliness and despair, to feel the warmth of human involvement again. Her love and sacrifice had given him a chance at redemption. In this process, Nastasia became not only his spiritual support, but also the embodiment of that steadfast moral force that is inherent in Russian society: even in conditions of violence and decay, kindness and love can change a person and inspire hope.

In addition, in the novel "The Idiot" Maria Ivanovna also symbolizes moral strength. Her holy and selfless love defies social cruelty and hypocrisy. In this world full of injustice and greed, Maria's kindness teaches people to remain sincere and tolerant even in the most difficult circumstances. She voluntarily goes to war to heal the mental and physical wounds of suffering people [7. p. 95]. Her actions not only bring spiritual comfort to Prince Myshkin, but also give readers moral guidance. Her sacrifice and selfless love represent a high moral ideal that awakens in people the desire for goodness and beauty.

The moral strength of these female characters, especially their self-sacrifice, becomes a symbol of human conscience and hope in the face of war and social upheaval. They not only play the role of companions and supportive figures in men's lives, but also become key characters leading to moral awakening and spiritual salvation. Through love and compassion, they not only awaken remorse in the male characters, but also force the whole society to rethink the value of virtue, mercy and the bright side of the human soul.

Fyodor Dostoevsky conveys an important moral idea through these female images: despite the prevailing evil and corruption in society, every person has a moral force deep inside — boundless love and forgiveness. These women become the moral pillars of society and the last ray of light in the human soul. They light the fire of hope in the dark and point the way to spiritual salvation.

IV. Literary techniques in depicting female images

The contrast of male and female images helps to emphasize the difference in perception of war. In Taras Bulba, Gogol contrasts the militancy of men and the vulnerability of women, thereby revealing the tragedy of war.

Writers of the 19th century also paid special attention to psychologism. An example of this is the images of Captain Tushin and Platon Karataev in Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace [3. c, 23]. The psychological description of characters in literary works not only helps to understand the text itself, but also reflects the cultural and value representations of society, and also makes us think about human nature [14. p. 61].

The literature of the 19th century strongly influenced the further development of the literary process in Russia and abroad [6. p. 48]. Psychological depth was a key means of creating complex images and revealing the inner world of the characters. Especially during the war, women's experiences often became a tool to demonstrate the profound impact of military events on the human soul. So, Natasha Rostova in "War and Peace" shows strong concern and anxiety for her relatives, her inner conflict between fear and hope is revealed through a detailed description of her emotional state. Natasha Rostova is one of the most important female characters in the novel "War and Peace". Leo Tolstoy considered her the epitome of everyday life [10. p. 24]. Her inner world reflects the general experiences of women during the war. Natasha is an energetic, passionate young girl, but at the same time a person who deeply worries about the fate of her loved ones. Everyone who comes into contact with Natasha is captivated by the amazing harmony of the natural and moral in her, the exciting element of happiness and the thoughtless integral experience of life [1. c, 26]. Her state of mind is filled with contradictions: fear of war is mixed with concern for her family. When her fiance, Prince Andrew, goes to war, Natasha is overcome with anxiety, her insecurity and fear of the future increase. Her gestures and emotional outbursts convey a sense of helplessness and vulnerability — she cannot influence the course of the war, but has to endure its consequences. It should be emphasized that the basis of Natasha's portrait – psychological and external – lies in dynamics, not in statics, like all portraits of the central characters of War and Peace, as Myshikovskaya writes about it: "In Tolstoy we rarely find such a clearly sculpted portrait of the central character in statics" [8. p. 234].

Tolstoy describes Natasha's anxiety for her loved ones and her helplessness in the face of circumstances with special care. For example, when she finds out that Prince Andrew is injured, her internal conflict becomes especially obvious. On the one hand, she's trying to be strong, but on the other, she can't hide her anxiety and fear of the future. This description allows the reader to feel her pain more deeply and realize that war is not only about fighting on the battlefield, but also the suffering of those who wait in the rear.

In addition, Natasha's internal contradictions relate not only to caring for her loved ones, but also to her feelings. She loved Andrey, but then became close to Pierre, and this change is closely related to her experiences against the background of the war. The war made her future uncertain, which caused even greater emotional fluctuations. The rich world of her feelings is revealed through a subtle psychological description, making her image vivid and multifaceted.

Through psychological portraits of Natasha and other female characters, Tolstoy shows the impact that war has on a person's inner world. In fear, pain, sacrifice, and love, women's experiences become particularly complex. Such a detailed description not only gives the characters emotional depth, but also makes the impact of the war more tangible, penetrating into the daily lives and souls of people. Thanks to these subtle touches, the author makes it clear that war is not only an external historical event, but also a wound that leaves an indelible mark on people's hearts.

This detailed psychological study makes the internal conflicts and experiences of the female characters more realistic. They are no longer just victims of war or minor figures, but appear to the reader as complex and multifaceted personalities. Their choice and resilience in the face of historical upheavals become one of the most powerful moments of the work, deeply revealing the multi-layered impact of war on human nature. Their experiences and choices in conditions of war or social upheaval become an important element of the plot, which not only deepens the understanding of their characters, but also reveals the complex interaction between personal tragedies and historical events.

Such an image of women not only makes their images more vivid and memorable, but also emphasizes their importance in the context of historical changes. They become not just witnesses, but also active participants in events, whose actions and decisions influence the course of history. This allows the reader to see how war and social upheaval affect different aspects of human life, including family relationships, love, faith, and personal identity.

Thus, the psychological depth of female characters not only enriches literary works, but also makes them more universal, allowing readers to better understand the complexity of human nature and its ability to overcome difficulties.

V. Prospects for further research

In the course of this study, many interesting aspects have been identified concerning female images in the context of war in Russian literature. However, for a deeper understanding of these topics, several areas for further research should be considered.:

1. Comparative analysis: An in-depth comparative analysis of the characteristics of female images in the works of various authors and periods will reveal common features and differences. For example, it is worth exploring how war affects the images of women in Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, Fyodor Dostoevsky's Eternal Husbands, and the works of 20th-century Russian women writers such as Marina Tsvetaeva and Tatiana Tolstaya.

2. Studying the evolution of the image: The study of the evolution of female images in the context of war will be especially relevant. It is important to find out how ideas about the female role in society and in war have changed in different historical eras. The image of a woman as a mother, victim, or heroine can vary depending on the time and social environment.

3. The influence of cultural context: Contextual analysis that takes into account cultural and social factors that influence the creation of female images can enrich the study. It is important to understand how traditional notions of femininity and masculinity shaped the perception of female characters in the context of war.

4. Modern interpretations: An analysis of modern interpretations of military themes and female images in current literature, cinema, and other art forms can help assess how the legacy of classical literature continues to influence modern perceptions of women in the context of military conflicts.

These areas of research will certainly be of interest to both scientists and a wide readership seeking to better understand the complex relationship between war, gender identity, and literary art.

VI. Conclusion

Military female images in Russian literature of the 19th century are not only part of the narrative, but also serve as a reflection of social and historical processes. The study of these characters allows us to understand how the war changed the perception of the role of women in society.

In the novel "War and Peace," Natasha Rostova at first glance seems to be a gentle and fragile woman, but after going through the trials of war, she gradually shows independence and courage. Life always combines joys and sufferings, and Natasha did not break down under the blows of fate and military hardships, but, on the contrary, through persistent searches she found the meaning of life — love and peace. [4. p, 93] Her growing up is inextricably linked with the historical upheavals of Russia, and she symbolizes the delicate balance of the 19th century between family, love and company. In later works, women no longer limit themselves to the traditional maternal role, but by participating in war and resisting violence and oppression, demonstrate more vivid personal strength and social responsibility.

In war literature, female characters are often depicted as having an indomitable fighting spirit both at the front and in the rear. They not only endure suffering and loss, but also face a transformation of their identity and responsibility to their family. In such works, the image of a woman ceases to be exclusively tragic and becomes a symbol of strength and hope.

In a broader sense, female images in military literature reflect the process of rethinking the role of women in society. They are no longer just weak creatures in need of protection, but are becoming important historical figures capable of influencing the course of events and changing social structures. Thanks to deep psychological analysis and complex emotional disclosure, these images go beyond the simple narrative of war and turn into a means of exploring human nature, history and social transformations.

Thus, female characters in Russian literature not only complement military stories, but also serve as a mirror of social changes and cultural transformations. Over time, these images have evolved from victims to active participants in history, from emotional companions to independent historical figures. They become an integral part of understanding Russian history and literature, representing an important aspect of studying the era and its literary heritage.