The article focuses on the analysis of the phenomenon of happiness in V. Astafyev?s work, one of the brightest representatives of rural prose and continuer of the traditions of Russian classics. The connection of Astafiev's concept of happiness with his idea of life, with his moral and philosophical convictions is revealed. The closeness of the writer's position to the views of A. Schweitzer, who states that reverence for life must become the basis of ethics, and it must define human relations not only to people but also to all living beings. Happiness for Astafyev's characters is associated with joining something important, interacting with someone or something important for the common good, often happiness goes together with misfortune, suffering, grief. For Astafyev's favourite characters, happiness lies in unity with nature. On the contrary, a breakdown in their relationship with nature leads to unhappiness. Happiness for Astafyev's characters is in love, which, born in the heart, transforms a person's life and increases from the desire to make the other - the loved one - happier. Happiness for Astafyev's characters is connected not with egoistic desires, but with the readiness to give and create something beautiful for their near and dear ones. Astafyev reflects on the importance and significance of love even in war, on the connection of this state with the world of happiness in The Shepherd and the Shepherdess, in the novels Life to Your Live and So I Want to Live. The author also considers the concept of happiness, imposed by a totalitarian system and opposed to individual ideas of happiness. The work also offers an analysis of the miniature Happiness.
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