Profanation as a Manifestation of the Trickster Function of the Werewolf in a Novel by V. Pelevin

This article analyses the use of trickster motivation in the behaviour of the werewolf in Victor Pelevin’s postmodernist novel The Sacred Book of the Werewolf (2004). The dominant manifestation of tricksterism is evident in the profanation of fundamental institutions, moral attitudes, and universally accepted norms of communication and behaviour. The author examines three aspects of the profane behaviour of the werewolf, leading to the trickster semantics of the image: 1. The profanity of the werewolf in relation to religion directly refers to the dilemma faced by religion in modern society. The difficulties of coexisting religious traditions and beliefs in Russian society are shown on the one hand, and confusion and interpersonal conflicts in their metaphysical manifestations on the other. 2. In terms of morality, the werewolf’s disregard for traditional moral norms reflects the pluralism and conflict of moral concepts in contemporary society. In the context of the transformation of society, different values clash with each other, and the original moral norms are questioned. 3. Regarding the social order, the image of the werewolf as a saboteur emphasises the fragility of the social order in the face of all kinds of changes. It is concluded that the profane behaviour of the werewolf is the main manifestation of the werewolf’s trickster function. At the same time, the novel explores profound problems of contemporary society under the guise of a fantastic and absurd plot, providing rich material and deep revelations for the study of contemporary Russian literature. This makes readers ponder human nature, beliefs, and crises of contemporaneity.