Averchenko and Patriotism

Arkadij Averčenko was one of Russia’s biggest satirists in the 1910-1920s and the editor of popular satirical journals "Satirikon" and "Novyj Satirikon". Social criticism is one of the biggest topics in his work and determining his view on the government seems crucial to understanding his texts which provide us with better understanding of the overall picture of Russian intelligentsia before and after emigration. Averčenko’s political views play significant role in his work. Most clearly it can be seen in the position translated by the journals “Satirikon” / “Novyj Satirikon” where Averčenko’s editorial role influenced the everchanging nuances of opposing government through satire. This opposition resulted in Averčenko leaving the country. The better understanding of Averčenko’s position may serve as a guideline when analyzing the journals as the voice of the intelligentsia in 1910-1920s in Russia and Soviet Union.