Information about the author:
Ekaterina A. Markova
Ekaterina А. Markova, PhD in Philology, Senior Researcher, A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Povarskaya 25 a, 121069 Moscow, Russia; Teaching Assistant, The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5954-1440
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Abstract:
The article deals with the issue of the influence of P. Kropotkin’s anarchism on the development of O. Wilde’s social philosophy. The assumption is made about a possible reverse influence (based on some similarities between Wilde’s interpretation of individualism and that of Kropotkin). Another issue discussed in the article is the reception of Wilde’s socialism (The Soul of man Under Socialism) in Russia. The sources of this reception are the works of some prominent writers, poets, literary critics and philosophers of the beginning of the 20th century (K.D. Balmont, A. Bely, N.A. Berdyaev, M.L. Gofman, A.I. Tinyakov, S.L. Frank, K.I. Chukovsky). Their criticism is focused on Wilde’s treatment of individualism, which is key to his socialism. Wilde’s individualism is perceived in the context of the discussion around individualism and conciliarity (‘sobornost’). The object of some criticism is Wilde’s interpretation of Christ and his individualism. Other critics link Wilde’s socialism with his estheticism. Some criticism is aimed at Wilde’s particular ideas and opinions (his understanding of technological progress and its consequences for society, as well as his interpretation of socialism itself).