A “CONFESSION” OR A “CHALLENGE” – AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ATTITUDE OF MARIA ARBATOVA

The contemporary publishing market in Russia is characterized by the expansion of the “autobiographical element”. In the era of fashion for egodocuments, it's worth pondering on the motivations of authors which persuade them of the need to write about their own lives. The autobiographical prose of Maria Arbatowa will serve as an example. Among all the Russian writer's texts, we will take into consideration memories, autobiographical stories and travelogues. The starting point for reflection will be the concept of M. Czerminska's “autobiographical triangle” with the two main attitudes: “confession” and “challenge”.