Abstract
The article is devoted to historical and theoretical problems of relations between an artist and the authorities. The work summarizes old methodological principles for studying Russian censorship in the 19th century and formulates the new ones. A comprehensive study of the censorship histories of N. V. Gogol's works introduces significant adjustments to the idea of the exclusively negative role of censorship in his literary fate, and proves the overall positive interaction with the censorship department. The author analyzes the limitations of the "class approach" inherited from the past era in the understanding and assessment of censorship, which in fact represents a system of regulatory norms and restrictions. The social significance of the institution of censorship as the most important component of culture is emphasized. Despite the well-known shortcomings of the censorship department in the 19th century, which was exclusively covered by the radical criticism, Russian censorship was at the forefront of the struggle against negative processes that developed in the subsequent 20th century. The character of Gogol's satire as a form of public service is studied. The correlation of spiritual and pastoral denunciation with state interests is considered among other censorship issues.
Highlights
The author analyzes the limitations of the “class approach” inherited from the past era in the understanding and assessment of censorship, which represents a system of regulatory norms and restrictions
Despite the well-known shortcomings of the censorship department in the 19th century, which was exclusively covered by the radical criticism, Russian censorship was at the forefront of the struggle against negative processes that developed in the subsequent 20th century
The correlation of spiritual and pastoral denunciation with state interests is considered among other censorship issues
Summary
Литературоведение давно нуждается во всестороннем обзоре взаимоотношений писателя и цензуры как одной из важных составляющих проблемы художник и власть, литература и государственность. Вопреки предвзятым заявлениям западнической критики о якобы исключительно жестком, репрессивном характере цензурной политики XIX в., история отечественной и мировой литературы и культуры свидетельствует о преимущественно конструктивном для существования государства и самого общества характере цензуры, о ее насущной необходимости и оправданности в любой стране и в любую эпоху. Согласно этому проекту, «Размышления о Божественной Литургии» предполагалось поместить в девятом томе собрания среди малозначительных и подготовительных гоголевских текстов: «записных книг и черновых заметок Гоголя, не связанных непосредственно ни с художественными, ни с критико-публицистическими его текстами», среди «мелких произведений юношеского периода»: «IX. М. Фридлендера) было сделано примечание, что в издание не включено, наряду с отдельными выписками Гоголя («выписками из сочинений других авторов»1), его собранием русских и украинских песен, текстами, связанными с занятиями «языками, каллиграфией», «небольшое число текстов узко бытового и моралистического характера (“Размышления о божественной литургии” и др.), опубликованных в прежних изданиях, но не представляющих литературного интереса» (заметка «От редакции», открывающая комментарий к девятому тому) [Гоголь 1937–1952.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
