National self-identification of the emigrant hero in the emigrant prose of Georgy Ivanov and Henry Miller. Article One: Loss of primordial national world and love

The research material is Tropic of Cancer, a 1934 novel by the American novelist Henry Miller, and “Disintegration Atom”, 1938 story Russian poet Georgy Ivanov. aim article to compare plot situations self-identification emigrant heroes in terms manifestation their national identity order understand how problem selfidentification person modern era exile exacerbated. first draws attention stories central characters, difference way life emigration, world relations, love conflicts. are united formation personal native crisis foreign environment (although it not at center narration). According person’s determined primarily biological factor (“blood”). An (more broadly, with blurred identity) voluntary who does live offered community (clan, nation), but independently chooses motherland, looking for one’s own value space. However, change identity, according impossible. In character’s self-identification, his tested: he approaching discovery (American) self-consciousness, although remains Paris. Ivanov, person, on contrary, associated soil (territory) culture, separation from creates state total disconnection any matter. “Atom” an has broken away whole (Russia), retaining eroded emigration), doomed spiritual decay outside homeland, environment. dominant traits Americans that Miller’s hero rejects himself others optimism pragmatism, trait true (himself) vitality. features character idealism striving beyond (according Ivanov hero, “metaphysical masturbation”). line significant Miller since nostalgic experiences come down loss beloved, symbolizing lost world. both works, heroes’ attempts overcome memory beloved given, unsuccessfully try compensate unrequited feeling relations reduced substitutes (mistress, prostitute). destruction myth about woman brings closer liberation, Ivanov’s cannot exist without makes existential choice death.