Authors

Discussion

This paper explores the literary representations of Joseph Stalin in Georgian literature, focusing on two contrasting perspectives: from within Soviet Georgia and from exile. The Blue Horns (Tsisperi Qantsebi), the first literary group of Symbolist poets established in Georgia in 1916, initially shared aesthetic and ideological values with their conceptual leader, Grigol Robakidze. Both the Blue Horns and Robakidze embraced European modernism and sought to redefine Georgian identity through literature.

However, as Stalin’s regime consolidated power, the Blue Horns were forced to navigate Soviet political realities and, from the late 1920s, began to depict Stalin as the "Father of the Nation," a symbol of national protection and progress. Their poetry and essays reflect this tension, at times glorifying Stalin as a protector while also revealing, through archival sources, personal letters, and diaries, the constraints imposed by the regime. Stalin’s portrayal in their work became a complex blend of conformity and fear, as the poets adapted their creative expression to align with the demands of Socialist Realismto secure their place within the Soviet literary establishment.

In contrast, Grigol Robakidze, who fled into exile to escape persecution, offered a much more critical perspective on Stalin. Free from Soviet censorship, Robakidze’s writings depict Stalin as an oppressive figure, emphasizing the repressive nature of his rule and dismantling the myth of Stalin as a benevolent leader. His work presents a stark counter-narrative to the glorified depictions prevalent in Soviet Georgian literature, often using mythological and symbolic imagery to critique Stalin’s authoritarianism.

By comparing these two perspectives, this paper reveals the duality of Stalin’s representation in Georgian literature and underscores how political ideology can shape, suppress, or challenge cultural narratives both within the Soviet Union and from exile.