Utopian theories in the novel «Aristonomiya» by Akunin-Chkhartishvili

This paper allows the reader to trace the process of creation and destruction of various utopian theories, which becomes the object of reflection of the protagonist in «Aristonomiya». Among all the utopias mentioned in Akunin-Chkhartishvili's novel, only one (the one that is described in detail and put in the book's title) is believed to be worthy of implementation, although Aristopolis is supposed to be created in some unknown future. The other utopian projects are criticized and rejected. The utopian theories mentioned in the novel are characterized in this paper by using intertextual analysis, i.e., by considering the allusions, quotes, and reminiscences connecting «Aristonomiya» to other works of fiction («The Island of Crimea» by V. Aksenov, «Feat» and «Gift» by V. Nabokov, and «Children's Book» by B. Akunin) that develop, directly or indirectly, the theme of the creation of utopian ideals.

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