ELEMENT SYSTEMU O BOHATERZE NOMINACJI ALEKSANDRA BEKA UWAG KILKA
ELEMENT OF THE SYSTEM: A FEW REMARKS ON THE PROTAGONIST OF ALEKSANDER BEK’S THE NEW APPOINTMENT

Summary/Abstract: This article offers an analysis of the conduct and character of Aleksandr LeontyevichOnisimov, the protagonist of The New Appointment by Aleksandr Bek.Onisimov, a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Industry during the heightof Stalin’s rule (1938–1953), is portrayed as someone whose traits – such as servility,caution, ruthlessness, and total subordination to the party leadership underStalin – enabled him to maintain his position during the era of terror andpurges. YetOnisimov is also marked by personal honesty, modesty, and a sensitivityto the plight of the repressed. His career trajectory is primarily shaped by fearand the unconditional execution of orders from the party leadership. It is this lifemarked by constant fear that ultimately leads to his fatal illness. As the analysisdemonstrates, Onisimov’s attitude was typical of the beneficiaries of the Stalinistera – writers, artists, scholars, and scientists who, in various ways, supported thetotalitarian Soviet regime. Many of them helped construct and benefit from thecriminal system, only to become its victims later. Such was also the fate of Onisimov,although he himself managed to avoid direct repression.

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