Images of women mistresses in Russian literature as a symbol of "eternal femininity"

Gan HaiQuan

The article analyzes two images of woman-mistresses in Russian literature – Vera from the novel “Hero of Our Time” by M.Yu. Lermontov and Aksinya from the novel-epic "Silent Don" M.A. Sholokhov. The similarities and differences of these images are identified, due to the moral environment in which the heroines lived, their living conditions, even geographical location and climate. It is revealed that both heroines have feminine beauty and the ability to love contrary to the rules of religion and ethics. Writers show, through these images, humanistic principles, express their views on the specifics of female happiness. In their opinion, a beautiful woman has the right to happiness, even if it is contrary to generally accepted rules. This shows the idea of "eternal femininity" in Russian literature.

Keywords:woman's image, woman-mistresses, Vera, Aksinya, “eternal femininity”, humanistic tradition, feminism