The “eschatological word” in Nikolai Zabolotsky’s poem A City in the Steppe

The article analyzes the poem by Nikolai Zabolotsky A City in Steppe, which was written poet after returning from exile 1946. unfolds before reader a grand panorama of Kazakh city Karaganda. appears as kind epic and even mythological that has replaced timeworn era. It is shown there are several metaphysical layers plot poem: along with description real Karaganda, biblical symbolism both Old New Testaments present text. poetic word unique feature. This feature can be metaphorically described “multi-readability”. reveals all facets being, it able to contain embody fullness meanings controversial era, embedded broad historical context, primarily one. triumph socialist labor, creates earthly kingdom, turns into vision fiery hell construction Antichrist kingdom – Babylon. But at same time, sufferings thousands people who called erect walls Babylon, center idol Lenin, building Heavenly Jerusalem. “many-read” acquires pleroma testimony eschatological Kingdom God. becomes “eschatological”. Thus, poet’s “manyread”, “eschatological” always located two time spaces: space specific revelation. chronos permeated Zabolotsky’s kairos, kairos his works acquire reveal their true, innermost, eminent meaning.