Trends in the Development of Russian Prose of the 20th Century

Abstract

This article examines the main trends in the development of Russian prose of the twentieth century, a period marked by profound social, political, and cultural transformations. The study analyzes the evolution of prose from early twentieth-century realism and modernism to socialist realism, war and post-war literature, the humanistic prose of the “Thaw,” village prose, and late Soviet and postmodern writing. Special attention is paid to the influence of historical events such as the 1917 Revolution, World War II, and the collapse of the Soviet Union on literary themes and artistic methods. The article highlights the diversity of narrative strategies and ideological approaches employed by Russian writers in response to censorship, ideological control, and changing cultural realities. The research demonstrates that despite external constraints, Russian prose of the twentieth century maintained its artistic depth and philosophical orientation, contributing significantly to world literature.