Russian literary presence in France in the late XIX-early XX century and its role in the development of the dialogue of cultures (historical aspect)

Bystrova Yulia Mikhailovna, Kovaleva Daria Nikolaevna

The article is devoted to one of the most important aspects of Russian-French cultural relations – the problem of the spread of Russian literature in France. The French public perception of classical Russian literature of the late XIX– early XX century is analysed. Various aspects of relating to it on many levels are considered. The role of individual enthusiasts of French origin, such as E. de Vogüé, in the process of popularization of Russian culture is identified and the significant impact of their activities associated with the peculiarities of Russian prose, the undoubted skill of the authors, the novelty of artistic techniques and with the "exotic" subjects of Russian life are defined. The evolution of public interest to and criticism of I. S. Turgenev and L. N. Tolstoy’s works is traced. Some examples show the attention of the French literary elite to innovative trends in Russian writers’ works on the one hand, and the vision of proximity to the traditions of the French artistic word on the other. It is shown that Russian authors have influence on the minds of the French, which leads to the clarity and common use of the definition of "Littérature russe" among wide reading audience.

Keywords:Russian-French cultural relations, translated literature, international relations, Dialogue of cultures, Russian culture. French culture, Russian history, literary contacts