The Pushkin celebrations of 1949 and Konstantin Paustovsky’s "Our Contemporary"

The article tends to grasp the Pushkin Myth in Konstantin Paustovsky’s works. author explores influence of official commemorative discourse celebrations 1949 (the 150th anniversary Pushkin’s 26 birth) on play “Our Contemporary”. She also examines essays which depict writer’s visits Pushkinskye Gory, where poet’s estate was located. enlightens historical and cultural context method analysis applied speeches Simonov Sergey Vavilov. is based conception Pierre Nora’s lieu de mémoire as well. first part describes key components 1937 celebrations. During postwar period, a certain allusiveness emerges texts Pushkin, could be explained consequence manipulation with linear time that resulted definite parallels between 1812 War Great Patriotic War. At time, were focused regional lieux mémoire. Thus, Tsarskoye Selo Gory quickly restored after war demonstrate power growth USSR. second pinpoints an inner opposition works solemn rhetoric 1930s–1940s. In his essays, Paustovsky decreases ritual pathos about places contain. He emphasizes metaphors devastation abandonment unusual discourse. prevalent image monumental replaced by depiction real man who transformed death into genius loci Mikhailovskoye estate. third architectonics two locations – Odessa constitutes composition play. However, scenes occur Pskov Governorate include hidden materialize common motifs, locations, personage’s functions. issue explored concluding research how refers campaign against “cosmopolitanism”. blending poems ideological implications produces complicated interaction authenticity artificiality. applies Cold period broad (e.g., use adjective “rootless”). provides different interpretation myth object people’s love worship. Personages referred people are regarded witnesses give testimony life. They positively appraise “words”. concludes Contemporary” reflects pivotal issues motifs Soviet Nonetheless, poet not monument but loci. Focus everyday life incorporation reinforce private person. Other characters testimonies constitute biography.