The criticism of Soviet reality in literary creation of Alexandra Kollontai

Aleksandra Kollontai did not write too many novels or stories. Although her first attempts took place in 1898, most of them were published in the first half of the 20th century when the first woman in the world performing the function of a minister was a polpred of the Soviet Union in Norway. Later known throughout whole Europe, this leftists activist decided to concentrate on journalism. Until 1923, when she released her first novel, she published only one story. Reasons for Kollontai’s return to writing are unknown. Some authors suggest that she was supposed to help Stalin in a battle for power. Others suggest that it was a desire to criticize the times of the NEP era. The most convincing argument seems to be that Alexandra wanted to reach a wider audience with her ideas of social and political changes. A feminine aspect and criticism of Soviet reality is particularly evident in her literary production. Parallels between Kollontai’s vision of the Soviet Union reality and the program of the Workers’ Opposition formulated previously by her are also visible in her literary creation. Alexandra opposed to the objectification of women and persecution of workers. She was also against the omnipotence of officials and NEP-fans. Her awareness of the tough life of factory workers is visible in many of her works. Kollontai sometimes toned her criticism of the Soviet reality. It could result from her belief in the revolution, fear for her life or political tactics. It is worth noting that this famous revolutionary, as a diplomat, supported the authoritarian regime of Stalin during the creation of the works discussed.Udostępnienie publikacji Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego finansowane w ramach projektu „Doskonałość naukowa kluczem do doskonałości kształcenia”. Projekt realizowany jest ze środków Europejskiego Funduszu Społecznego w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Wiedza Edukacja Rozwój; nr umowy: POWER.03.05.00-00-Z092/17-00