Evolution of the Image of the Armenian People in the Works of Vasily Nemirovich-Danchenko

<jats:p>The purpose of this study is to analyze how the image of Armenians evolved over decades in the works of Vasily I. Nemirovich-Danchenko (1845-1936). Using biographical and comparative methods, this study analyzes literary works and documentary essays, including poetry. The study draws on is Nemirovich-Danchenko’s lifetime publications, analyzed chronologically. The results showed that initially, the image emerged of the Armenian people, described through stereotypical features, emerges in Nemirovich-Danchenko’s works alongside other peoples (second half of the 19th century). Then, the writer attempts to understand the essence of Armenian culture and history more deeply (at the turn of the 20th century), and subsequently comes to identify his own destiny with that of Armenians. This study is the first to examine the image of the Armenian people in the works of this author not only in his poetry but also in his prose. The evolution of a distinct artistic image in this author’s work is also explored for the first time. The study concludes that Vasily I. Nemirovich-Danchenko gradually, throughout his career, evolves from depicting Armenians through archetypal images created by popular culture to a characteristic image - an individual creation of the writer, formed through his creative exploration of existence.</jats:p>