Russian Imperialism in the Aesthetic Reflection of the 19th Century (Based On the Prose of Vladimir Odoyevskiy)

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyze the formation of the imperialist image of the world in Russian literature of the 19th century (specially in the works of Vladimir Odoyevskiy). The undertaken topic makes it possible to demonstrate the usefulness of literary research in historical reflection on the contemporary imperialist activities of the Russian Federation. Russian literature, especially in the 19th century, was a unique place to express one's views, which was encouraged by progressive critics (especially Vissarion Belinsky). The most important writers of the 19th century pursued a great „colonial project”, as did supporting writers, including Vladimir Odoyevskiy. The analysis of fragments of the writer's works allows us to see the ways of presenting oppressive ideas in the literary work, but also a reflection on the point of view of the conquered nations. Many mechanisms of glorifying the Empire turn out to be valid also in contemporary Russian propaganda.