Attempts at Biography. Four Narrative Strategies in the Woroszylski’s Biographies of Russian Writers

This paper is an analysis of four Wiktor Woroszylski’s biographical books in terms the narrative strategies adopted each these biographies. The taken into consideration are: Sny pod śniegiem (about life Michaił Sałtykow-Szczedrin), Życie Majakowskiego, Sergiusza Jesienina (co-written with Elwira Watała) and Kto zabił Puszkina. Narration recognized as main category biography, which responds text construction, author’s perspective, presentation hero, introducion minor narratives (statements, dialogues, quotes). Additionally, narration also figure understanding. On one hand, it connected seeking truth about another person, on other could be attempt at biographer’s self-understanding. Woroszylski uses such incarnation, lighting, explanation researcher-interpreter strategy. They present ways telling fate hero. show a different understanding biography genre role self. However, undertaken this article not intended to validate adherence principles that are crucial biography. Demonstrating differences similarities between reveals constant tendencies evident attempts. Moreover, shows genre. tries answer question why author repeatedly (not only mentioned books) returned issue Russian writer’s fate. What important must treated “unfulfilled project”. It emerges from considerations itself piece work cannot separated its author. included biographer, too. means subject reformulations affecting depending historical or political situation.