Fantastic Motifs in the Prose of Vasily Yanovsky

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of fantasy in Russian émigré literature of the first wave on the example of Vasily Yanovsky's prose. The author tries to show that fantasy in Yanovsky's prose has a diverse character. The writer reaches for science fiction motifs and introduces supernatural themes. Regardless of the nature of the fantasy motif, it always becomes a contribution to more serious social and moral considerations. The considerations were based on studies of literary fantasy by Tzvetan Todorov and Roger Callois. The interpretation also shows that Yanovsky's texts are full of intertextual references to the works of other authors.

Keywords

• fantastyka literacka, Wasilij Janowski, emigracja rosyjska, Mikołaj Gogol, groteska, absurd