기차, 전기, 물: 안드레이 플라토노프의 사회주의 리얼리즘 작품에 나타난 유토피아적 상상력

This paper aims to analyze the utopian themes in the less-known works of Andrei Platonovich Platonov (Андрей Платонович Платонов, 1899-1951) from the period from and after 1934 particularly in relation to the images of the train, electricity, and water. In Platonov, electricity and related installations and/or machines appear as the symbol of a utopian future where humans have overcome death through the magical power of electric energy; at times electric devices and apparatus are described as instruments in discovering or excavating water, which is the source of life. On the other hand, trains, especially steam locomotives, are depicted as though a living being that constantly needs human attention and care. However, the image of the steam locomotive in Platonov is rather ambiguous: it often appears as an object of human affection and emotional attachment, but may become fatigued and “sick,” leading to accidents that put human lives in danger. And water, which human beings obtain through the use of electrical machines or through hard labor, appears as a source of life and a symbol of hope. In the Soviet Union, after Socialist Realism was formulated and officially accepted, Platonov seems to “adapt” to Socialist Realism. However, the images of the train, electricity and water constantly appear in his works as symbols of an ontological utopia that Platonov has depicted in his earlier works. In this sense, even during the high Stalinist era Platonov does not completely lose his distinctly unique tendencies. Platonov’s works do not subjugate to Socialist Realism; one must say Platonov has subjugated Socialist Realism.