Abstract:

In the article the problems of determining the genre of novels about Neolithic people in the works of J. Rosny the Elder and A.M. Linevski are examined. The problem of classifying these novels as science-fiction, adventure and historical literature is investigated. The distinctive features of these genres are traced. The synergy of fantasy and didactic, scientific and pseudoscientific, fairy-tale, allegorical, utopian, adventure components of the fiction form of novels is investigated, and the similarities and differences in functioning of these genre modalities of writing are emphasized which can be interesting for the research. The novels by J. Rosny the Elder from the cycle “Wild Ages”: “Vamireh” (1853), “Eyrimah” (1893), “Fighting for Fire” (1911), “The Cave Lion” (1920) tell us about the complicated life of people of the Stone Age. These novels have a number of common features, among which are similar themes and genre of narration, as well as the presence of a didactic component. Both authors share a humanistic and engaging style of writing. However, in “Vamirech”, J. Rosny the Elder does not always rely on solid scientific knowledge, giving way to fairy-tale and pseudoscientific fiction, whereas Linevski, who had received a brilliant education and was certainly inspired by the ideas of his French predecessor, uses the genre of science fiction more often. His work seems to be more thoughtful, profound and scientifically grounded. The works of both authors under study are gems of the world science fiction, and need to be considered in detail.