The elements of ecological humanism in the “country- side” prose
Iwona Ostaszewska
Abstract
The article addresses the issue of ecology in the Russian “countryside” prose. Authors of the rural theme started to perceive the greatest threat to mankind in man abandoning Nature and even turning against it. Thus, their works oftentimes emphasize the ideas of ecological humanism – a less consumption-oriented approach to natural resources, sensitivity towards the beauty of nature, acknowledgement of unity between man and Nature, and responsibility and respect towards all forms of life. Writers, such as Siergiej Zalygin, Wiktor Astafjew, Wasilij Bielow or Walentin Rasputin continually call for smart and thoughtful coexistence with Nature. Besides the ecological theme, “countryside” works also express concern over the spiritual well-being of man, the socio-cultural problems of the Russian countryside, relations between the people and the state, conflict between the socialist culture and the civilization of technology, and the threat to Russia’s future from the influence of western ideas.
