The Phenomenon of Conscience in Vazha-Pshavela’s „Host and Guest“

Abstract

The article analyzes the artistic and philosophical aspects of the phenomenon of conscience in Vazha-Pshavela’s poem „Host and Guest“ (Stumar-Masp’indzeli), which is not merely an epic work depicting ethnic-religious confrontation, but also a dramatic artistic portrayal of the human being’s inner world — of conscience, moral responsibility, and free choice.

The poem’s central characters, Aghaza and Joqola, reveal — by different, though equally tragic, paths – the conflict that arises between a person’s inner voice and the demands of community and religious norms. Aghaza’s spiritual struggle is especially noteworthy, in which the conflict between the community’s collective moral code and universal humanism is clearly drawn out. Although differing interpretations exist in literary criticism concerning the episode of Aghaza’s mourning over Zviadauri, the article argues that this act of Aghaza’s is motivated not by erotic impulse, but by pure human compassion and empathy.

An analysis of the characters’ conduct and inner motivation in the poem makes clear that the poet attaches particular importance to the moral foundation of the human being – conscience and honor (sindisi-namusi) – which is not a product of ethical rules established by the community, but rather an action revealed through the individual’s inner imperative, something that comes „from the heart“ of the person. Such a view removes conscience from the bounds of cultural-historical determination, and from this perspective Vazha-Pshavela emerges as a representative of transcultural humanism, in whose work inner human freedom and universal moral values surpass communal and confessional boundaries.