Genius loci Petersburga w świetle Opowieści petersburskich Mikołaja Gogola

Abstract

This paper continues the tradition of thinking about urban space in anthropological terms. Urban anthropology takes up a crucial issue of space uniqueness, which is considered as a distinctive place experienced by individuals and communities. An individual way of experiencing space allows one to associate the uniqueness of a specific location with the term genius loci, which is equated with an aura, atmosphere or even a sense of nostalgia of a given place. In this regard the city of Saint Petersburg will be seen from the angle of “St Petersburg Stories” by Nikolai Gogol. In The Petersburg Stories the author of “The Nose” depicts a gloomy vision of the northern capital, ruled by evil forces. Such demonic quality does not only deform a human nature, suppressing an organic aspiration for perfection, beauty and nobility but also arouses selfishness, a lust for riches and a desire for a higher position in the Table of Ranks. Nikolai Gogol’s perception of the capital is closely linked with a romantic quest of inner harmony in a civilized world, heading for capitalism. Above all, Nikolai Gogol in “St Petersburg Stories” shows the doom of some mysterious force hanging over the city along with the consequences of having been wrapped up by mundane earthly goods, outer beauty or even by having been controlled by the Table of Ranks. According to the writer, St Petersburg is a home of commonness and triviality. Thus, the writer was enchanted by the “eternal city”, the admiration of which he expressed in the tale “Rome”. The apology of Rome is in fact a complete negation of the Russian capital.