"... And i can't live the way i used to live anymore": correspondence of N.N. Platonova with her niece Elena (1912-1923)

Abstract

The life of the eldest daughter of the Shamonins, Elena, changes dramatically in the summer of 1912, she, having been preparing for monastic service for many years, goes into novitiate. A new period of her life begins. After a short break, her correspondence with her beloved aunt N.N. Platonova resumes. The letters allow us to judge Elena's getting used to monastic life, after a 5-year novitiate, she takes vows – ryasophor. The dramatically changed political conditions in the country led to a change in the attitude of the new government to the church as an institution. Persecution begins, monasteries are closed, residents have to adapt to changing legislation and organize an agricultural artel, which is soon dispersed.

A large place in the letters is occupied by family problems, the fate of Elena's brothers and sisters, which develop in different ways, as it happens in years of upheaval.

A lot of little-known facts are also given about the Platonov family. Nadezhda Nikolaevna appears to be a caring mother for her children, but she is also concerned about the troublesome fate of the nephews of her brother who died early.