Vol. 17 (2024): Contemporary Issues of Literary Criticism Literatures of Small Countries and Challenges of the Modern Global World
International Literary Standard and Georgian Literature

The Christian Understanding of the Meaning of Life in Vazha-Pshavela’s Creative Prose

Khatuna Kalandarishvili
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Published 2024-12-20

Keywords

  • Meaning of life,
  • Christianity,
  • Ethical Ideals

Abstract

Vazha-Pshavela creates a fictional world that is governed by ethical norms informed by Christian teachings. He places readers on a solid moral foundation, conversing about essence and purpose of humanity. He hints that people have strayed from their initial form, being one with the essence of nature through God’s Grace, replacing it by a consumer attitude, bringing death and letting violence and conflict rule the world. Returning to prior harmony is only possible through the solidification of high ethical ideals
and rejuvenation of kindness in human hearts. Through his stories, Vazha strives to display life itself as an ethical phenomenon.