Judas Iscariot. Psychology of betrayal

The main theme of the novel by Leonid Andreev "Judas Iscariot" can be defined as an attempt to understand the psychology of the most important betrayal in the history of mankind. The author interprets the plot in his own way, tries to penetrate into the very depths of the human soul, tries to understand the nature of Judas' inner contradictions, to study his psychology and, possibly, even to justify his actions.

The gospel story, centered on the image of Jesus Christ, is described by Andreev from a different angle, his attention is completely focused on only one disciple, one who for thirty pieces of silver condemned his Master to the suffering of death and death. The author proves that Judas Iscariot is much more noble in the love of Christ than many of his faithful disciples. Taking upon himself the sin of betrayal, he allegedly saves the work of Christ. He appears before us sincerely loving Jesus and immensely suffering from a misunderstanding of his feelings by others. Departing from the traditional interpretation of the personality of Judas, Andreev complements the image with fictional details and episodes. Judas Iscariot divorced his wife and abandoned her without a livelihood, forced to wander in search of food. God did not give him children, because he did not want his offspring. And there is not in the Holy Scripture a story about the contest of the apostles in throwing stones, a victory in which was won by the deceitful Judas Iscariot.

Traitor personality analysis

The author offers the reader to evaluate Judas not from the standpoint of his actions, but in accordance with the experiences and passions raging in the soul of this self-interested, deceitful and treacherous Jew. Much attention in the book is given to the appearance of the traitor, his duality began precisely with the face. One, alive, his side had a sharp all-seeing eye and curved wrinkles, the other was dead still, and the blind eye was tightened with a white veil. And the whole skull for some inexplicable reason was divided in two, showing that in his thoughts there is no consent. Red hair gave him a demoniac look, as if presented by the Devil.

The proximity of such an image to the divine beauty of Jesus amazed and caused misunderstanding from other students. Peter, John and Thomas are unable to understand the reasons why the Son of God brought this ugly man closer to himself, this is the embodiment of a deceitful vice, and pride seizes them. And Jesus loved his disciple, as well as everyone else. At a time when the heads of the apostles are occupied with thoughts of the Kingdom of Heaven, Judas lives in the real world, lies, as it seems to him, for good, steals money for the poor harlot, saves Teacher from the mad crowd. It is shown with all human advantages and disadvantages. Judas Iscariot sincerely believes in Christ, and even deciding to betray him, in his heart he hopes for God's justice. He follows Jesus until his death and believes that a miracle will happen, but no magic happens, and Christ dies as an ordinary person.

The inglorious end of a red-headed Jew

Having realized what he has done, Judas sees no other way out than to end his life. By his suicide, he always bids farewell to Jesus, for the heavenly gates to him are now forever closed. Thus appears another, a new Judas Iscariot. Andreev tried to awaken the human consciousness, to make him think about the psychology of betrayal, to rethink his actions and life guides.