| Abstract [eng] |
In the history of human development, stone (as well as gemstones) always played a very important role. From the ancient times, gemstones were used not only as the elements of decoration, but also as a reliable means against various diseases. Magic properties were attributed to gemstones, their mysterious relationship with a human being was emphasised. It was considered that a stone could make influence on the fate of its owner by bringing him happiness, love, wealth or misfortunes and even death. Gemstones have inspired poets and writers to create masterpieces of literature for centuries. Gemstones also play a considerable role in the works of one of the famous masters of Russian prose of the 20th century – Alexander Kuprin (1870–1938). An indisputable and obvious relationship between a gemstone and a human being exists in the author’s texts. It must be emphasised that the writer pays a special attention to the magic properties of gemstones and their influence on the human being. Gemstones influence the fates of Kuprin’s characters and even the motives of their actions. Very often, a stone warns or even protects a character from threatening danger, adversity and often determines their future. It must be noticed that introducing gemstones, their properties into a story, the writer reveals the main features of his characters, their feelings, experiences and even secret intentions. |
