Image of the Russian Tsar Peter in the works by Strindberg and other Scandinavian fin de siècle writers

Abstract

The article deals with the image and the characterization of Russia’s tsar Peter the Great in a number of texts by some prominent Scandinavian writers from the turn of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The main focus is though on a short story “The Great” (English transl. “The Great Czar”) from the collection “Historical Miniatures” (1905) by August Strindberg. Surprisingly enough this text proofs to be an example of a highly apologetic narration of the famous Russian ruler and his doings. In the analysis suggested the reception of Peter is set against the background of Strindberg’s complicated relation to Peter’s foe Carl XII of Sweden, as well as to the Swedish writer’s self-perception within the contemporary literary circles. Moreover, “The Great” proves to be a manifestation of a providential view of history proclaimed by the author. In contrast to Strindberg his fellow nationals Selma Lagerlöf and Verner von Heidenstam suggest a much less complimentary interpretation of both tsar Peter and the time of his rule. On the other hand, the Danish Georg Brandes and Norway’s Knut Hamsun express quite acclamatory, though in the case of Hamsun vaguely based, views of Peter I. This lets us to conclude that the depiction of the monarch by the authors mentioned tells us more about themselves than about the tsar in question.