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I.S. Shmelev During the Emigration Period: The French Cultural Context

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.37816/2073‑9567‑2026‑80‑158‑169
  • УДК / UDC: 821.161.1.09
  • Publication Type: Research Article
  • For Citation:

    Gudzova, Ya.O. “I.S. Shmelev During the Emigration Period: The French Cultural Context.” Vestnik slavianskikh kul’tur, vol. 80, 2026, pp. 158–169. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.37816/2073‑9567‑2026‑80‑158‑169 
  • Author 1: Yaroslava O. Gudzova
  • Information about the Author 1:

    Yaroslava O. Gudzova — DSc in Philology, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Humanities, Moscow International University, Leningradsky Ave., 17, 125040 Moscow, Russia.

    ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000‑0001‑6441‑8156 

    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Abstract: Shmelev's admiration for national ideals and the traditions of Russian clas‑ sical literature only intensified in exile. However, life confronted the writer with the necessity of mastering a foreign cultural environment. The importance of studying Shmelev's attitude toward French literature is connected both with the formation of a holistic concept of his literary works and paths of further development of the traditional artistic issues and patterns of Russian literature in emigration. The autobiography, epis‑ tolary works, artistic and journalistic heritage of the novelist represent valuable research material. Shmelev quotes textbooks, draws parallels between Russian and French writ‑ ers, comments on literary novelties or reacts to public speeches, listens to the opinions of French writers regarding their own literary works or the quality of their translations. The oppositional sentiments of the author of “The Sun of the Dead” found their expres‑ sion in a hostile attitude towards the part of the French literary community loyal to the Soviet power. Nevertheless, artistic principles were a priority for Shmelev in his attitude towards French writers, and the idea of mutual influence of literatures was obvious to the novelist. Proust was the only French writer about whom Shmelev left a detailed statement in the form of Q&A of the questionnaire on the literary analecta called “Num‑ bers”. Against the backdrop of a large number of Proust's admirers, Shmelev's position stands out for its distinct coldness.
  • Keywords: I.S. Shmelev, French literature, Russian literature in emigration, continuity
  • Страницы / Pages: 158–169
  • Received: August 23, 2024
  • Approved after Reviewing: January 23, 2026
  • Publication Date: June 25, 2026
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