Zorin А. V. Ivan Minayev and “Heart of Darkness”: an Indological dimension of J. Conrad’s tale // Mongolica. Том XXIV, 2021, №4. СПб.: Петербургское Востоковедение, 2021. С. 33–39.
This paper proposes a hypothesis that the image of the young Russian sailor in J. Conrad’s tale “Heart of
Darkness” partially relates to the outstanding Russian Buddhologist I. P. Minayev. The first factor behind this idea
was their common Tambov origin. This choice of the birth-place for a fictional character created by a foreign
author (albeit connected with Russia) requires an explanation. While external features of the Russian sailor do not
correspond to Minayev’s portrait, a number of other details could be based on personal impression made by him
on Conrad in early January 1886 in Calcutta. The latter could witness conversation(s) between Minayev and
several British officials at the Bengal Club. As follows from Minayev’s diary, they discussed issues related to
Indian religions (including the role of charismatic leaders in the genesis of religious movements) and political
topics such as the British suppression of Burmese resistance. Minayev’s main subjects of interest — Buddhism
and Indian manuscripts — could be touched upon, too. This paper attempts to find traces of their talk(s) in “Heart
of Darkness” and its Russian character. The suggested hypothesis explains use of the iconography of the Buddha
in Conrad’s tale and proposes a new interpretation of its title.
19 мая 2023 г. (пятница) в 12:00 состоится расширенное заседание Ученого Совета, на котором будут заслушаны шесть выступлений по теме «Востоковедение: учителя и ученики».
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