The Philosopher in Front of the Speechless Horror (on “Viy” by N.V. Gogol)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of N.V. Gogol’s novel “Viy” as a representation of
his philosophical concepts of evil, human nature and society. We analyze its main character, the
only philosopher in Gogol’s works. Thomas Brutus fi nds himself at the intersection of real world
and fantastic reality, which makes him horrifi ed. But we can describe this situation in terms of
political philosophy, like Hannah Arendt’s concept of totalitarian society. It is not the reality of
horror that deprives Thomas Brutus of the speaking ability and breaks his connection with the
rest of society. Instead the society itself chooses not to confront obvious evil but to exclude the
hero from its own ranks and to ignore his attempts to tell what is happening.