Literaturnaja nauka na pod''eme (di B. Mejkach) [26-12-1938] - [D072]

Concise description of the directive:

RAPP, with its magazine Na literaturnom postu, a few years ago tried to discredit the great legacy of the classics and the theory of literature in the eyes of readers. However, vulgar sociology, with Pokrovsky’s pseudo-historical school, was defeated by the Communist Party. The development of the science of literature must be considered in the general context of the development of Soviet science. The Academy of Sciences is working on a book on the history of Western literatures. The science of literature is divided into several areas of research: history of literature, theory of literature, textology, bibliography, etc. Therefore, the term “literaturovedeniye” should no longer be used, as it is too reductive and generalising. We still lack studies that apply the theoretical apparatus of the works of Marx and Engels to the analysis of the problems of literature theory in studies of the works of the classics. “Literaturniy kritik” should correct its treatment of literary scholars. Little has also been done in the field of new theoretical terminology, where concepts such as “narodnost”, “realism” and “romanticism” are not thoroughly studied. The vulgarising approach to literary studies and the attempt to consider historical facts from today’s perspective, rather than from the perspective of historical context, are rightly condemned in the party’s decree on propaganda. Attempts to embellish historical facts instead of presenting their truthful exposition are also condemned. However, these attempts are a rule for those who admire the literature of “round dates”. Many think it is better to “put makeup on” a classical writer than to show the contradictions in his works and his monograph, which are conditioned by class and historical reasons.