Dystopian motifs in Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky’s prose

The article examines various models of future development for both the country and society as depicted in the works of Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky, specifically in Memories of the Future, The Letter Killers Club, and Yellow Coal. Although dystopian motifs are prevalent throughout Krzhizhanovsky’s writings, they have not been the subject of a separate study, which highlights the originality of this research. The study’s relevance lies in its exploration of dystopian issues, which are essential for understanding the ideological and philosophical dimensions of the author’s work, as well as the pressing questions he raises. In contrast to the optimistic visions of future society found in Soviet literature, Krzhizhanovsky presents a more pessimistic outlook, capturing the fearladen atmosphere of Moscow during the 1930s through 1950s (Memories of the Future), the implications of a global energy crisis (Yellow Coal), and the potential consequences of bioengineering and the centralized regulation of private life (The Letter Killers Club, Yellow Coal). This article clarifies the unique portrayal of the future crafted by Krzhizhanovsky by comparing his futurological predictions with those of his contemporaries.