An analysis of interpretations of F.M. Dostoevsky's the devils by soviet literary criticism during glasnost (1985-1991)
Date
2016-08-18
Authors
Bradley, Jocelyn
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Abstract
This thesis undertakes to examine the interdependence of ideology and literary
scholarship, in particular regarding the legacy of F.M. Dostoevsky, in the Soviet
Union; and to investigate the reflection of political and ideological agenda in Soviet
literary criticism's interpretations of Dostoevsky's novel, The Devils during the era
of glasnost, 1985-1991. I shall isolate, identify and describe the principal,
ideological trends reflected in literary critiques and analyses of this novel, published
in the Soviet Union during this specific period of time.
My thesis will build on and develop previous research conducted around the
analysis of Ideological trends in the Soviet Union through a study of literature and
official literary criticism. Western commentators, such as B J.Simmons,V. Seduro,
and H. Mondry have demonstrated the correlation between. general shifts in Party
domestic and international policy and the ideological viewpoints expressed in
literature and literary criticism. They have found it to be a valid practice to analyse
certain political, social and ideological factors in the Soviet Union through a close
study of literature and literary criticism. In continuing this research, I shall
demonstrate that Soviet literary criticism during glasnost could still be regarded as
a mirror of political and ideological changes in society, and that Soviet criticism's
interpretations of Dostoevsky's The Devils could once again be used to help
distinguish, delineate and clarify the ideological trends that existed in Soviet
Society during this era.
I shall begin my analysis with a consideration of the effects of Gorbachev's
glasnost reforms on Soviet culture in general, and on literary cd]~'cal practice in
particular; and of the role that literary criticism played in Soviet society during this area. I shall then proceed to a brief historical overview of interpretations of The
Devils by Russian and Soviet literary critics, from its publication until the eve of the
glasnost reforms, This will demonstrate both the manner in which literary criticism
has mirrored Ideological trends in the USSR, and the validity of centring my
research on this novel. From there, I shall turn to an examination of how
interpretations Offered by Soviet literary critics of The Devils, as well as attitudes
expressed by them regarding the writer's world outlook, reflected the ideological
trends that existed In Soviet society during glasnost. The interpretations to be
analysed will be taken from a broad range of Soviet literary periodicals, mono
graphs, and discussions, published in the Soviet Union between 1985 and 1992
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree. of Master of Arts
in Russian Studies.
Joharmesburq, 1995