Petrov, A. M. THE DIVERSE PETROZAVODSK OF VIKTOR PUL’KIN: ON THE PROBLEM OF THE LOCAL TEXT OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE. Proceedings of Petrozavodsk State University. 2021;43(6):29–40. DOI: 10.15393/uchz.art.2021.654


Literary studies

THE DIVERSE PETROZAVODSK OF VIKTOR PUL’KIN: ON THE PROBLEM OF THE LOCAL TEXT OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE

Petrov
A. M. 		Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Keywords:
Viktor Pul’kin
local text
literature
folklore
mythology
local history
Petrozavodsk
Peter I		 Summary: The article discusses the problem of the “local text” of literature; it is based on the materials of Viktor Pul’kin’s prose. The novels included in the cycle “Petrovskaya Sloboda” (from the book “Tsar’s Fingers”) and connected by the theme of Petrozavodsk are analyzed. The study is based on the methodology of V. N. Toporov, who singled out the substratum elements of the local text based on the texts about St. Petersburg: these are natural, material-cultural, spiritual-cultural, historical spheres. The purpose of the work is to consider the multi-level image of Petrozavodsk based on these elements, but taking into account the regional specifics of the material. The principle of historicism lies at the basis of Viktor Pulkin’s works. The writer relies on a variety of sources and creates an adequate picture of the history of the city. At the same time, he enriches the historical discourse with folklore motives; acts not only as a writerhistorian, but also as a writer-myth-maker. Viktor Pul’kin actively uses images and motives of legends and mythological stories. Recognizable features of the urban landscape are reflected in the works of Viktor Pul’kin: gardens, parks, houses, streets, etc. The writer describes physical sensations: colour, light, smell; highlights a significant time of day; captures an emotional state – usually it is light sadness, nostalgia. The writer creates a number of images of people who inhabited Petrozavodsk and determined its modern appearance. The “Petersburg” inertia is extremely significant: Petrozavodsk appears as a kind of “double” for St. Petersburg. Substantial similarities are found in a creation myth. However, if the “Petersburg” text includes eschatological expectations, then the texts about Petrozavodsk paint a “living” future; Viktor Pul’kin associates it with “living” water. The article proposes to discuss the concept of “Petrozavodsk text” of literature; probably Viktor Pulkin’s novels should be viewed in this context.



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