Ivan A. Esaulov. Two Facets of Comedic Space in Russian Literature: Holy Foolishness and Buffoonery

Ivan A. Esaulov. Two Facets of Comedic Space in Russian Literature of the Modern Period: Holy Foolishness and Buffoonery // Aspects of Humour in Russian Culture. London: Anthem Press, 2004. P. 73-84.

In resent Russian literature there is a name that, as it were, symbolises comedic deviancy: „V. Erofeev“. At the same time this name also offers a perfect illustration of the theme of this article. In fact it embodies two comedic poles of Russian literature both in its unity, and at the same time also by its splitting into two: the late Venechka Erofeev, noted author of the cult text Moskva-Petushki, was drawn towards holy foolishness in his work, while another writer, Viktor Erofeev, still alive, is fully enrolled in the ranks of the buffoons.
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