Return from the U.S.S.R.

Author:

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Published:

ISBN: 9780156762304

Genre: literature

Pages: 94

Format: eBook

Language: en

Description

Andre Gide's critical observations and reflections on his journey to the Soviet Union in 1936, questioning the realities of Soviet life versus the initial utopian ideals.

Topics

Soviet Union, Communism, Travel, Social Commentary, Political Criticism

Detailed Description

In 'Return from the U.S.S.R.,' Andre Gide, a once ardent admirer of the Soviet Union, chronicles his journey in 1936 and offers a critical analysis of the realities he encountered. Gide examines various aspects of Soviet life, from the enthusiasm of the youth and the achievements in culture and recreation to the pervasive conformity, suppression of dissent, and the stark contrast between the proclaimed ideals and the observed realities. The book raises important questions about the nature of utopia, the role of the artist in a totalitarian society, and the compromises made in the pursuit of political ideology. Gide's personal reflections and incisive observations provide a valuable historical document and a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of communism in practice.

About the Author

Andre Gide

Andre Gide (1869-1951) was a Nobel Prize-winning French author renowned for his novels, essays, and plays, exploring themes of individual freedom, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. A prominent figure in 20th-century literature, Gide challenged societal norms and conventional thinking. His notable works include 'The Immoralist,' 'The Counterfeiters,' and 'Strait is the Gate.' He was initially sympathetic to communism but later became disillusioned, as reflected in 'Return from the U.S.S.R.,' which sparked controversy for its critical assessment of Soviet society. Gide's literary contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal voice in modern literature.

Key Characters

  • Andre Gide: The author and narrator, providing his personal perspective and critical analysis of the Soviet Union.
  • Unnamed Soviet Citizens: Represent a collective character embodying the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of individuals living under the Soviet regime.
  • Stalin: A symbolic figure of authority, power, and the centralized control within the Soviet system.

Keywords

Return from the U.S.S.R., Andre Gide, Soviet Union, USSR, Communism, Travel Literature, Political Commentary, Social Criticism, Stalinism, Propaganda, Conformity, Freedom of Speech, Utopia, Dystopia, Totalitarianism, Red Square, Moscow, Leningrad, Kolkhoz, Besprizornis, Maxim Gorki, Cultural Revolution, Socialism, 1930s, Political Ideology, Literary Analysis, Historical Context, Ideology, Soviet Society, Cultural Observations, Economic Conditions, Quality of Life, Russian Literature, Cold War Era

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