Natural Symbolism in Cormac McCarthy’s Novel “The Road” and Ivan Shamyakin’s Work “The Evil Star”

The article examines the specificity of nature symbolism in the novels of American author Cormac McCarthy “The Road” and Belarusian writer Ivan Shamyakin “The Evil Star”. Particular attention is paid to the role of environmental problems that initiate conflict in the narratives. On the basis of comparative-typological, hermeneutic and culturalhistorical methods it is proved that in the books the absolute connection of all things through time and space is emphasized, and natural images are contrasted with a man as the initiator of environmental problems. Moreover, both authors avoid detailed landscape descriptions, while the mentioned natural objects become symbols of spiritual emptiness, decline and death. As well, with the help of natural symbolism ecocentric thinking which presupposes the orientation of a man toward constructive interaction with the environment comes to the forefront in both novels.