Iril Hove Ullestad

About Iril Hove Ullestad

Project

My project, ”After the Apocalypse: The Construction of Dystopia as Space and Idea”, will investigate a central theme in Russian literature: the apocalypse – the end of the world – and the new societies that arise in its ruins. This theme has gained huge popularity in recent years, especially within the fantastic genres, such as in science fiction, fantasy, and fables. My project has two main focus areas: I wish to analyse the post-apocalyptic dystopian society, which is both frightening and intriguing. I also wish to investigate where the idea of the world coming to a dramatic end is coming from. The apocalypse has been central in Russian religious and intellectual life for centuries. Deeply rooted in the spiritual tradition, this motif resurges in recent popular culture and reflects ideas central to Russian culture.