ИСТИНА

An intense interest in national identity is a paradoxical but an utterly human reaction to globalization. This talk will consider the role of national literature in shaping and preserving national identity with Russian classical literature as a source material. The word “classical” is pivotal here because it implies that a work of literature has been read and acknowledged by many generations of the nation despite changes in their way of living, culture, ideology, and world outlook – inevitable in the course of history. Consequently, it is classical literature, among other factors, that moulds a nation, its identity, character and culture. Therefore it may serve as a key to a magic door behind which the nation’s enigmatic soul dwells because all differences of national identities are obscure and mysterious to other nations. The reason for this is ethnocentrism, i.e. perception of one’s own culture as the only right, acceptable and standard one. It causes hostility, xenophobia and aggression thus threatening humanity. The best way to ensure a peaceful life on the Earth is to give the right for self-identity to all nations. We should be grateful to that national literature which stops the word and the hand threatening other peoples. The main questions discussed are: To what extent can national classical literature be regarded as a source and a pivot of national identity? Why do some greatest Russian national classics (like Pushkin, Lermontov) not become international ones (like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov)?