18세기 러시아의 프랑스 연극 수용과정과 양상

Abstract

During the 18th century, France created the foundation for social change and development not only through its culture and art, but through science and technology, to the extent that it was referred to as the Siècle des Lumières. Up until this, Russia was recognized as uncivilized due to its political instability such as coups and assassinations, authoritative ruling systems such as serfdom, and unfamiliar customs and religious beliefs from France's point of view. This situation changed in the 18th century, with Peter I, Elizabeth Petrovna, and Catherine II at the core. Through political and religious reforms, military reinforcements, territorial expansion, and cultural and artistic development, they helped Russia emerge from being at the European periphery and to forming a mainstream culture for a century. The theater played a major role not only in acquiring advanced French culture, but in promoting refinement and etiquette. Writers like Molière, Diderot, or Voltaire drew attention. Among them, Molière had received positive feedback from the Russian royal family and aristocrats for nearly a century even after his passing. It was the comedic elements that caused such positive feedback. Although it was not Molière's famous wit and satire on people or society that caused the accolade, the Russian ruling class enjoyed classical works within their comfort zone. Through these processes, Russia later pioneered modern theater by establishing its own independent culture, producing writers such as Fonvizin, Pushkin, Grivoedov and Gogol.