Representation of the Peoples of the Caucasus in 20th Century Russian Literature and Cinematography

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Date

2011-06

Authors

Pyanzina, Elizaveta Anatolyevna, 1981-

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

For centuries, Russian writers have stressed the important role the Caucasus played in the Russian Empire. In the last few decades, much attention has been directed at the Caucasians in literary works and movies as a result of the two Chechen wars. This thesis addresses the evolution of the Caucasian theme in Russian literature beginning from the 18th century with a focus on the contemporary representation of the peoples of Caucasus, mainly Chechens, in three works: a Soviet-era movie by Leonid Gaidai, <italic>Kidnapping, Caucasian Style</italic> (1966); Vladimir Makanin's story, <italic>Captive of the Caucasus</italic> (1994) and Viktor Pelevin's story, <italic>Papakhi na bashniakh</italic> (1995). The central research question is to what degree contemporary authors have transformed the image of the Caucasians compared to the Romantic period. Of particular interest is the issue of Russia's self-representation in these works.

Description

ix, 67 p.

Keywords

Slavic literature, Russian history, East European studies, Caucasus -- In literature, Chechens, Chechnia (Russia), Gaidai, Makanin, Pelevin, Caucasus -- In motion pictures

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