Introduction

Abstract

Two of the world’s most distinct cultures exhibit a set of broadly similar characteristics in the conceptions of literature that were prevalent in them during the twentieth century. In both, literature enjoyed a standing of extraordinary importance in society—a position earning it the suspicion and persecution of succeeding political regimes, as well as the esteem and passionate attention of readers. In both, the voice of the writer carried moral weight—and was assumed to be entitled to instruct and edify those to whom it spoke. These two cultures were China and Russia.