The historical narrative of 19th-century Russian Caucasian literature

this article examines the role of historical narrative in 19th-century Russian Caucasian literature. While simultaneously recording and reinterpreting history, literary works such as Pushkin’s "The Prisoner of the Caucasus", Lermontov’s "A Hero of Our Time", and Tolstoy’s "Hadji Murat" not only vividly depict the Caucasian War and social realities but also selectively highlight historical events and figures, endowing them with new meanings. The study concludes that literature is not merely a reflection of history but also a powerful force shaping historical memory. Through personalized narration and detailed description, Caucasian literature profoundly influences readers’ perceptions of historical events and national identity. By employing a romanticized narrative style, it portrays the struggles of the Caucasian peoples as a symbol of national heroism, creating a discourse that aids public understanding of history. The interaction between literature and history demonstrates that literature is not just a recorder of the past but actively participates in the construction of historical memory, shaping cultural identity and social consciousness.

Caucasian text, historical narrative, literature as a witness of history, 19th-century Russian literature