K. Simonov’s unfinished play. Based on archival materials

Abstract

The article focuses on one of K. Simonov’s final and unfinished works, the play An Evening of Reminiscences [Vecher vospominaniy]. Mentioned only briefly in existing studies of literature, this play now undergoes meticulous analysis. Among other aspects, the author examines its relation to Simonov’s other play The Fourth [Chetvyortiy], as well as works by Western playwrights, particularly J. B. Priestley and A. Miller. Quoting extensively from the play, the scholar hypothesizes that the cited extracts are united by a common plot: to show Simonov from the viewpoint of his four identities, or ‘egos’ (pre-war Simonov, Simonov during the war, Simonov during Stalin’s dictatorship, and, finally, Simonov in the last years of his life). Importantly, the study attempts to tie the plot turns of the play to the actual conflicts of Simonov’s life. His love for V. Serova, relationship with the youngest daughter, and thoughts about Stalin’s political repressions constitute the themes that preoccupy the protagonist of An Evening of Reminiscences as well as the real Simonov. The scholar argues that the analyzed play serves as a prelude to Simonov’s posthumous memoir Through the Eyes of My Generation [Glazami cheloveka moego pokoleniya], published years after his death.