The Politics of Russian Stereotypes in Joseph Conrad’s Under Western Eyes

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Date
2017-10-04Author
McCutcheon, Kayla S 1991-
ORCID
0000-0002-1930-3947Type
ThesisDegree Level
MastersMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In my project, I focus on analyzing Russian stereotypes in Joseph Conrad’s Under Western Eyes. The novel’s oversimplifications stem from centuries of Western biases, which position Russia as partially civilized and partially barbaric. Such emotionally-charged biases are reinforced by Conrad’s depictions. Although the author professes a neutral stance, his Polish background, childhood, and family politics have influenced his perception of the nation. Serving as an extension of Conrad’s critical position, the English narrator incorporates stereotypes when describing Russian men and women, and such ideas are only complicated by Natalia, whose character also embodies Western traits. My project’s revelations are significant because the novel perpetuates stereotypes that illuminate flawed Western beliefs rather than Russian authenticity.
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)Department
EnglishProgram
EnglishSupervisor
Voitkovska, LudmillaCommittee
Ophir, Ella; Banco, LindseyCopyright Date
October 2017Subject
Joseph Conrad
stereotypes
Russia