The Image of Russia and the USA in Political Pamphlets: Culturological Aspect

This article addresses the issue of constructing images of two countries – Russia and America – in a work of the pamphlet genre. The author of the article gives a historical reference to the origin of the pamphlet genre in Russia, particularly focusing on the works of A. Radishchev and M. Gorky. Based on the definitions of literary scholars, the novel “Gene Greene – the Untouchable” can be classified as a political pamphlet. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the book embodies profound philosophical meaning and a moral imperative. Particular attention is paid to the motive of the road, as well as the important cultural opposition “the Self and the Other”, which makes it possible to recreate the images of Russia and the USA of the 1960–70s of the 20th century. The image of the city occupies a large place in the novel, since it is the heroes’ perception of the urban space that allows them to better understand their inner world. The article also analyzes the mechanisms of creating and debunking stereotypes as a means of manipulating public consciousness, as illustrated in the novel. As a result, it is concluded that the work raises important social, ideological and moral issues, the understanding of which allows us to better understand the problems of our time.