Faustian story in the context of the fiction of the XX-XXI centuries Cover Image

Фаустовский сюжет в контексте фантастики ХХ–ХХI столетия
Faustian story in the context of the fiction of the XX-XXI centuries

Author(s): Ekaterina Labay Vladimirovna
Subject(s): Recent History (1900 till today), German Literature, Polish Literature, Russian Literature, Ukrainian Literature, Other Language Literature, Theory of Literature
Published by: Instytut Polsko-Rosyjski
Keywords: Faustian story; immortality; the deal with the devil; robot;

Summary/Abstract: In the article on the example of the fantastic works of different national literatures (German, American, Canadian Polish, Russian, Ukrainian) the themes of immortality, robotics, the responsibility of the scientist for the invention combined by Faustian plot are examined. Beginning with the twentieth century, the development of science and technologies has a significant impact on the Faustian story (for example, the desire for immortality leads the protagonist to the use of scientific and technical devices). The purpose of the study is determined by the subject-imagery material in the context of general cultural world. Artificial Intellect in this story is trying to understand the human nature. For example, in the "Faust" by Johann Goethe the stage the successful creation by Wagner of Homunculus that further on is considered in the context of artificial humans, robots is present. The writers in the XX-XXI century bring original interpretations bring to Faustian plot, taking advantage of their time. It is also explained by the fact that the Faustian story is based on the desire of knowledge. Knowledge is a constant variable, so writers try to modernize the variation of knowledge. The authors cover the story with the new sounding, which leads to its modifications, complications and modernizing in fantastic versions.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 6
  • Page Range: 265-275
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Russian