Henrietta Mondry Bücher

Since the publication of formerly forbidden und unpublished texts constitutes the main trend of Glasnost', this study has as ist aim the isolation of main trends in the process of the re-evaluation of the cultural heritage of the past by Soviet literary scholarship. The analysed authors will be divided into four main groups: 1. Accepted 19th century classics (e. g. Goncharov); 2. Formerly forbidden 20th century writers (e. g. Zamiatin); 3. Formerly forbidden 19th century writers (e. g. Rozanov and Leontiev); 4. Hagiographic classics of the 20th century Soviet period (e. g. Gorkij).

The book delves into the transformation of Jewish representation in Russian culture from the 1880s onward, highlighting how the rise of biological and racialist discourse reshaped perceptions. Jewish characters evolved from being seen as religious or class Others to being portrayed as biologically distinct, with inherent traits deemed unchangeable by education or social status. This shift established enduring stereotypes that persist in contemporary Russian society, influencing literature, film, and other cultural texts.

The book explores various analytical approaches to understanding literary works, focusing on themes, character development, and narrative techniques. It delves into the interplay between text and context, examining how historical and cultural factors influence literary interpretation. Through detailed examples, the author highlights the significance of different literary theories, encouraging readers to engage critically with texts and appreciate the depth of literary analysis.