The symbolism of the novel's subtitles in a biblical-christian context (based on Nodar Dumbadze’s novel «The White Banners»)

Abstract

The present paper is part of a complex study of the work of Georgian writer Nodar Dumbadze. This time, our aim is to explore one particular aspect of his novel White Flags from a different perspective. Specifically, the novel is structurally divided into chapters, each of which the author has individually titled. These titles are highly expressive and thought-provoking, though at times they may seem vague at first glance. Through our research, we have determined that these titles should be interpreted metaphorically. This reveals that each one emphasizes a biblical-Christian context, which, during the Soviet era—an "age of godlessness"—represents a bold and counter-current move on the part of the writer. Our goal is to clarify the symbolic significance of the novel’s chapter titles in order to contribute to a more complete understanding of the work, both for general readers and for scholars interested in Dumbadze’s literary legacy.