jun 16, 1934 - "The Soviet Novel" -- Katerina Clark

Description:

An analysis of Soviet socialist realism as understood in the novel: includes the "positive hero" whose life mimics the stages of history as outlined in Marxist/Leninist ideology. Understands that there existed an acceptable canon of symbols, characters, language and plot as part of socialist realism. Also introduces the spontaneity/consciousness model: "consciousness" as politically guided and controlled actions; "spontaneity" as sporadic, uncoordinated, and unguided action. Novels were supposed to work out the tension between these two.