Evolution of men and women images in the character system in science fiction works of the Strugatsky brothers
The science fiction works of the Strugatsky brothers are considered as a common artistic world undergoing a certain evolution over time. One indicator of this change is the correlation of male and female characters in character systems of works. A similar change is traced (starting from the early works - “The Way to Amalthea”, “From Beyond” - to the later ones - “Beetle in the Anthill”, “Snail on the Slope”). At first, it can be seen in the quantitative transformation (the appearance of female images in character systems), and then in the influence they have on the plot, narration (including the “author's”digressions), in general - on the image of the world in the works of the Strugatsky. At the same time, an attempt is made to distract from the correlation of the Strugatskys’ work with political and feminist theories, the conclusions are formulated on the basis of an analytical consideration of the artistic form of literary works themselves. Heroines appear in their traditional roles. But then they from “helpers” become opponents in the character system, acquiring traits hostile to male characters. Such a change, in turn, affects the plots of the works, transforming the adventurous plot (now not just a plot-study, but conquest and transformation) and deepening the internal conflict of the Strugatsky brothers’ artistic world.