In the novel  «Arutyun and Manvel» by Ghazaros Aghayan, the events take place in the mid-19th century, in the Armenian-populated village of Shamshulda and in Tiflis. At the center of the novel is the innocent friendship between two boys — Arutyun, gifted with natural talents, and the lively Manvel. With subtle observation, the author depicts the life of a patriarchal village, folk traditions, and the peculiarities of spiritual education. The main theme is the moral development of a person and the striving for the light of knowledge.