"Instruction of Vladimir Monomakh": analysis of the work

In this article, we will examine a will for childrenVladimir Monomakh - "Teachings." The analysis of this work will be very interesting, since this work has almost a thousand-year history. It is imbued with faith for good, elevates moral standards and directs descendants along the path of peace, advising to forget disagreements in favor of a common common goal. To understand this work in its entirety, however, it is required not only to read attentively, but also to know the historical context against which the wisdom of the ruler's recommendations stands out even more vividly.

Biography

Vladimir Vsevolodovich ruled various regionsRussia before in 1113 to become the great prince of Kiev. He was nicknamed Monomakh, because his mother was, in all likelihood, the daughter of the Emperor of Byzantium, Constantine Monomakh.

The future Grand Duke grew up in a politicaltension - he survived and a number of military conflicts with the Polovtsi, which posed a serious threat to the ancient Russian state, and internal strife. When analyzing the text "Instruction of Vladimir Monomakh" it is necessary to note some facts of his personal biography. Unlike many young offspring of the princely family, Vladimir showed amazing peace. For example, he refused to claim the throne of Kiev after the death of his father in favor of his elder brother. Of course, this order was provided for by traditions, but in many other similar situations, the aspirants unleashed conflicts for personal power, weakening the country.

The basis of the text

The main position of Vladimir is the belief inGod, from which follow different strategies of behavior, approved and supported by Christianity: to observe these vows, to help the weak and poor, to honor the elders, to lead a righteous lifestyle. Here he points to the need for prayer.

However, the more ancient motifhis will Volodymyr Monomakh. The analysis of the "Instructions" demonstrates that the reverence of the guest is of great importance for the ruler. Perhaps you have heard that since ancient times there has been an unwritten code, in which the acceptance of a guest in his home was recognized as binding regardless of time of day and living conditions. As in fairy tales, where "feeding, drinking and sleeping to bed" is the only possible option for meeting a stranger, in everyday life the traveler who looked at the light was untouchable. It was not even supposed to ask who he was and where from - he could tell it only at his own will, already being accepted by the masters.

So, the analysis of "Instructions to the children" by Vladimir Monomakh shows that the text is a set of ideas of religious and domestic morality.

Theme of unity

Vladimir, as a wise politician, opposesfragmentation of the state. Of course, he saw throughout his life how often the thirst for personal power undermines the country's stability: in internecine wars, in the struggle for power using intrigues and the involvement of external military forces, he sees only a way of "loosening up" the welfare of Rus. As we know from the biography of the prince, he himself did not take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen his influence until he got a legal right to do so.

Looking into the coming century, we see thanthe unwillingness of the descendants to analyze the "Instructions of Vladimir Monomakh" turned and listen to the advice of a wise ruler: the Mongols, who had passed through Russia in a whirlwind, dared all the troops of princes who had disappeared from each other and established their reign for several centuries.

Theme of war

Vladimir, taking the system of Christian valuesand urging to believe in God and help the needy, does not advocate the rejection of war. Indeed: he is a politician, and without military force to ensure the security of the country and the people is simply impossible. An analysis of the "Instructions of Vladimir Monomakh" as a historical source shows that the prince participated in more than eighty campaigns and concluded dozens of agreements, which he himself narrates.

It can not be said that the author has always acted"Objectively fair", but always - in the interests of his country. For example, having accepted a request for help from an impostor claiming the Byzantine throne, the prince could not help but be deceived. The prolonged hostilities, which were the last between Kiev and Constantinople (Constantinople), ended without any major success, and the agreement was cemented by a dynastic marriage.

References

Vladimir is a highly educated person.The work abounds with quotations, especially from the Bible, which speaks not only of the prince's developed morality, but also about the intentional study of the matter on the threshold of writing his will to children.

When analyzing the "Instructions of Vladimir Monomakh" you cansee the names of many Russian cities. Some of them today are major centers: Vladimir, Novgorod, Kursk, Smolensk, Rostov. Others lost their former significance: Sutyeisk, Kordno, Starodub, Berestye, Turov.

There are other scenes in the text:thanks to the records of the Grand Duke about hunting deer and boar, martens and tours, as well as many other animals, scientists can draw conclusions about the stability of their habitat. Thus, a historical source can serve the needs of the most diverse sciences.

Form of presentation

Unfortunately, in the original you read thistext without preparation can not - the Russian language of the 12th century is very different from the modern one both in writing and in pronunciation. Have you heard about such letters as "yat", "nous large" and "nous small"? Do you know what sounds meant symbols that look like a soft and hard sign? So, to read the text in its original form will be problematic.

Thus, in analyzing the work "InstructionVladimir Monomakh "you should be guided by translations. They are usually accompanied by a large number of notes that will simplify your work. Comments written by professional historians will make it impossible to address encyclopedias and other sources for each issue.

Despite the difference in writing, the grammatical structure of the Russian language has largely been preserved. This will allow you to see the stylistic features and literary techniques used by the author.

Conclusion

The original text of the "Teachings" could not besurvive to the present day. Most likely, he would have died in the Moscow fire of 1812, if not for a lucky coincidence. For the sake of interest, look at the original text and try to decipher what was written.

However, the analysis of the "Instructions of Vladimir Monomakh"can be carried out and the adapted version. This work is an important historical document reflecting both state problems and realities, as well as facts from the personal biography of the Grand Duke.

Be sure to get acquainted with other textsdifferent eras. Only by referring to original documents instead of free interpretations, you are approaching the understanding of the meaning that the author put in the written, as well as the context that caused the creation of the text. And remember that hard work always brings fruit.