Abstract
<jats:p>The article examines the realization of the linguocultural image “student” using two short stories by A. P. Chekhov — “Heavy People” and “Student.” The study identifies characteristic features of Russian studentship in the 19th century, including poverty, a propensity for suicide, melancholy, and loneliness. It is established that in the aforementioned stories, the images of students are formed, directly or indirectly, through these features. In the story “Heavy People,” the image of Petr represents a pessimistic perception of the world. In contrast, the image of Ivan in the story “Student” appears. The character studies at a theological academy, and therefore the religious motif occupies a dominant position, necessitating consideration of the realization of the linguocultural image with regard to this component. As a result, it is established that, despite the feelings of loneliness, melancholy, lack, and pessimism inherent in Ivan and typical of students, the hero finds solace and personal salvation in religion, which makes him more a typical student of a theological academy and distinguishes him from Petr, who represents a student of a regular university with a much weaker influence of religion. In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the examined stories by A. P. Chekhov present different ways of realizing the linguocultural image of “student.” However, both ways form the images based on the same cultural concepts — the differentiating factor, as noted above, being the educational profiles of Petr and Ivan.</jats:p>