The Phenomenon of Propaganda as Reflected in Victor Pelevin’s novel S.N.U.F.F.

Abstract

In this paper, we set out to analyse how modern cultural trends in Russia are reflected in Viktor Pelevin’s novel S.N.U.F.F. Propaganda as a phenomenon of public life is gaining increasing importance in Russian politics and Russian culture. We aim to investigate this phenomenon within the framework of propaganda mechanisms as defined by Jose Antonio Maravall, who has described the cultural mechanisms of the Baroque epoch. We will compare this interpretation with the image of modern Russian society as presented in Pelevin’s novel. Referring to Pelevin’s text, we attempt to demonstrate how concepts such as novelty, spectacle, theatricality, and secrecy are utilised to subjugate and control the will of the spectator. We will also consider how the text in itself is a reaction to this phenomenon.