International Journal Of Literature And Languages
35
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue01 2025
PAGE NO.
35-39
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue02-10
Victor Pelevin is an existentialist writer
Agata Osipova
Associate Professor of the Department of Russian literature and teaching methods Uzbek State University of World Languages,
Uzbekistan
Received:
14 December 2024;
Accepted:
16 January 2025;
Published:
18 February 2025
Abstract:
The article is devoted to examining the existential aspect in the works of Viktor Pelevin. An attempt is
made to determine the distinctive features of Pelevin's existential philosophy compared to the generally accepted
concept of classical existentialism. Special attention is given to the writer's later novels, where the existential
dimension manifests itself through reflections on being, loneliness, the search for the meaning of life, and the
confrontation of an individual with the absurdity of the surrounding world: «iPhuck 10», «Secret Views of Mount
Fuji», «Invincible Sun», «Transhumanism Inc.», «KGBT+», «Journey to Eleusis», «Cool».
Keywords:
Existence, philosophy, crisis, search, self-identification, simulation.
Introduction:
Victor Pelevin is a contemporary Russian
writer whose works can be viewed through the lens of
existentialism. His writing deeply explores questions of
human existence, the meaning of life, and the search
for identity in a world full of absurd and paradoxical
phenomena.
In his works, Pelevin frequently turns to the philosophy
of existence, contemplating the nature of reality, the
place of the individual in the world, and their role in
society. Existentialist themes can be traced in his early
works, such as Chapayev and Void, where the
protagonist searches for his path in a world filled with
mirages and illusions, or The Blue Lantern, which
explores the philosophy of perceiving the surrounding
reality. These themes are also evident in his later
novels, including «iPhuck 10», «Secret Views of Mount
Fuji», «Invincible Sun», «Transhumanism Inc.»,
«KGBT+», «Journey to Eleusis», «Cool».
Main Part
In Viktor Pelevin’s latest novels, existential motifs are
prominently present, reflecting his philosophical
reflections on the nature of being, consciousness, and
personal freedom. Let us examine some of them.
In the novel "iPhuck 10" (2017), Pelevin explores
spiritual quests through the lens of existential
discourse. The protagonist, a police-literary algorithm
"ZA-3478/PH0 Bilt 9.3," an artificial intelligence named
Porfiry Petrovich, grapples with questions of self-
awareness and the essence of human existence in the
digital age. The novel raises themes of identity, reality,
and simulation, prompting the reader to ponder the
boundaries between the artificial and the human.
In the equally fascinating novel "Secret Views of Mount
Fuji" (2018), the author delves into Buddhist
philosophy, exploring the path to enlightenment and
the search for the true self. The main character,
businessman Fedya, disillusioned with worldly
pleasures, turns to a startup offering various forms of
happiness, leading him to profound meditative
experiences and a reevaluation of his life. The novel
raises questions about the nature of happiness, the
illusory nature of the material world, and the pursuit of
spiritual liberation.
Thus, existential motifs in Viktor Pelevin’s latest nov
els
manifest through deep philosophical reflections on the
nature of reality, consciousness, and personal freedom,
encouraging the reader to engage in self-discovery and
a reassessment of the surrounding world.
In Viktor Pelevin’s novel "Invincible Sun" (2
020),
existential themes manifest in several aspects:
1.
The Search for the True “Self” and the Illusory
Nature of the World
The protagonist finds herself in a strange and enigmatic
reality where her very existence is constantly
questioned. The world she inhabits is a game of
simulations, blurring the line between the real and the
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
fictional. This idea aligns with existentialist philosophy,
where an individual is forced to define their own
essence in a state of uncertainty.
2. The Symbolism of the Sun as an Existential Choice
"Invincible Sun" is not only a mythological or esoteric
symbol but also a reflection of the philosophical search
for the meaning of existence. In the existential
tradition, light and the sun often serve as metaphors
for enlightenment and awareness, or conversely, as
something that blinds and prevents one from seeing
the truth.
3. Death and Freedom
Like Sartre and Camus, Pelevin employs the concept of
death as a key existential experience. In the novel, the
protagonist
constantly
faces
the
threat
of
disappearance
–
whether through physical death or
dissolution within the simulation. The freedom to
choose between submission to the system and an
attempt to comprehend it becomes a central
existential dilemma.
4. Simulation and the Absurdity of Existence
As in many of Pelevin’s works, reality in "Invincible Sun"
is a simulacrum, a digital illusion, or a form of false
being. This resonates with Jean Baudrillard’s concept of
hyperreality but also echoes an existential question: if
the world is an illusion, is there any meaning in the
search for authentic existence?
Thus, existence in Pelevin’s novel is expressed through
the motifs of identity search, freedom of choice,
acceptance of the absurdity of the world, and the
contemplation of death. The protagonists find
themselves
in
situations
where
traditional
philosophical categories become blurred, and
existence turns into a metaphysical quest.
In Viktor Pelevin’s novel "Transhumanism Inc." (2021),
existential themes are vividly expressed through
reflections on the nature of human existence,
consciousness, and the boundaries of reality. The work
consists of seven interconnected stories set in a distant
future, where technology allows the human brain to
exist independently of the div, granting immortality
in virtual reality. However, access to this technology is
reserved only for the wealthiest and most influential
individuals, emphasizing themes of alienation and the
absurdity of existence. Ordinary people live under strict
control, with implants and collars that collect data and
influence their behavior, raising questions about free
will and the authenticity of human experience. These
aspects align with existentialist philosophy, which
explores the meaning of life, freedom, and individuality
in an absurd world.
The blurring of boundaries between reality and
virtuality allows the author to play with the idea that
the world around us might be a simulation. The
protagonists, realizing they exist within a digital reality
or a controlled social matrix, confront questions of the
authenticity of their existence. This resonates with the
ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger, who
argued that humans are constantly in search of
authentic being.
The protagonists of the novel exist in a world where
technology, corporations, and digital simulations
undermine traditional notions of identity, creating a
crisis of selfhood. The question “Who am I?” becomes
central to their existential struggles. Pelevin explores to
what extent a person remains themselves if their
consciousness can be reproduced in another
environment or subjected to external algorithms.
Existentialists asserted that freedom is the essence of
human existence. In the fictional world of the novel,
people face constraints imposed by the digital age:
social networks, propaganda, and artificial intelligence
shape their worldview. Freedom becomes an illusion
–
individuals are embedded in a system that controls
their thoughts and desires. This highlights the problem
of freedom in a technologically advanced society.
In Viktor Pelevin’s novel "KGBT+" (2022), as in many of
his other works, the central theme is the illusory nature
of being and the impossibility of distinguishing reality
from simulation. Existence is expressed through
reflections on the nature of consciousness, reality, and
human existence in a world governed by hidden
mechanisms of power and informational control.
The protagonists find themselves in a space where the
boundaries between virtuality and reality are erased.
The existential crisis manifests in the realization that
their existence might be part of a global algorithm
controlled by invisible forces
–
an idea closely related
to Jean Baudrillard’s philosophy and his concept of
simulacra, where reality is replaced by its digital
projections, and existence becomes a game of
consciousness.
One of the key aspects of existentialism is the feeling of
isolation and the meaninglessness of existence unless
it is filled with personal choice and awareness. The
novel’s characters seek a way out of a state where their
reality is determined by external forces, but each
attempt leads to a new level of simulation, ultimately
resulting in solitude
–
a solitude that, paradoxically,
motivates them to search for meaning.
In the spirit of Sartre and Camus’ philosophy, the
characters confront a fundamental question: are they
truly free agents, or is their fate predetermined? Viktor
Pelevin develops this dilemma through the lens of total
control
–
where the state, corporations, and digital
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
technologies increasingly constrain individuals, shaping
their reality. Death emerges as the ultimate existential
question
—
the final point of self-awareness. In the
novel, the theme of death manifests as the realization
of the illusory nature of the self: if a person can be
replaced by lines of code, then what, ultimately, is
death?
Thus, in "KGBT+", Pelevin continues his reflections on
the nature of existence in the digital age. The author
illustrates how individuals become prisoners of
simulation, their freedom limited by algorithms, while
their search for true meaning is constantly confronted
with the unsettling idea that any "reality" may be part
of a greater deception. This makes the novel yet
another philosophical parable about the modern
world, where existential questions take on new, digital
forms.
In "Journey to Eleusis" (2023), Pelevin turns to the
theme of existence through the lens of ancient
mythology, consciousness, and virtual reality. The
central motif is the idea of a spiritual and philosophical
journey undertaken by the protagonist, who explores
the boundaries of perception
—
both of reality and of
himself.
The existential themes in the novel are realized through
the search for the true “self.” The protagonist finds
himself in a world where the lines between reality and
illusion are blurred, forcing him to question his own
nature and existence. He is compelled to reconsider
familiar models of perception, asking: Who am I, really?
What is the nature of reality?
One of the key themes of existentialism is freedom of
choice and the responsibility that comes with it. In the
novel, the protagonist, Markus Sorgenfrey, is
confronted with the possibility of transcending
ordinary perception, but this path is fraught with risks.
As in traditional existentialist philosophy, freedom here
is a burden rather than a blessing. The surrounding
world is filled with mysteries and irrationality,
reminiscent of Camus’ concept of the absurd. Markus
must navigate a state of uncertainty, facing the
possibility that everything around him is merely an
illusion. This reflects the existentialist dilemma of a
person searching for meaning in a world that offers no
definitive answers.
As in many of Pelevin’s works, the theme of death in
this novel is not just about the physical end of life but
also about the transformation of consciousness and
personal identity. In this sense, death is not an ending
but a beginning
–
a transition to a new state of
awareness, aligning with existentialist ideas that view
death as a crucial step toward authentic existence.
Thus, in "Journey to Eleusis", Pelevin masterfully blends
existentialist philosophy with artistic narrative, creating
a novel where the protagonist finds himself in a space
where conventional categories of being lose their
stability, and the boundaries of reality and
consciousness dissolve. Through this, the author invites
the reader to reflect on their own existence, the nature
of perception, and the search for meaning in a world
where everything may ultimately be an illusion.
Viktor Pelevin’s novel "Сool" (2023) is a multilayered
work in which he continues to explore themes of
illusion, simulacra, power, consciousness, and
existential loneliness. As in his other works, "Cool"
raises the question of existence in a world that is not so
much material as it is virtual and simulated.
The protagonist is a representative of a post-human
civilization that exists in a digital space. Pelevin
examines the existential conflict between free will and
the total control of the system. His characters often
find themselves in situations where they believe they
possess freedom
—
only to realize that invisible forces
are manipulating them. This reflects key existentialist
ideas about fear, alienation, and the impossibility of
attaining true freedom.
The novel’s characters come to understand that their
existence lacks an objective meaning and that the
reality surrounding them is merely the product of
algorithmic processes. This echoes Sartre’s famous
assertion: “Man is condemned to be free,” but in the
context of "Cool", freedom becomes a trap
–
it exists
only nominally, while in practice, everything is
predetermined.
The existential crisis in the novel manifests in the
dissolution of individuality and the loss of uniqueness.
The protagonist is forced to confront the realization
that his identity is nothing more than a set of
programmed directives.
Existence in Cool’ is a state on the edge of illusion and
reality
–
a struggle to understand oneself in a world
where the boundaries between the self and simulation
have blurred. Once again, Pelevin demonstrates that
being is a process dependent on perception and that
any attempt to make sense of oneself in this world
ultimately leads to the recognition of its absurdity.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The existential foundation in Viktor Pelevin’s work is
undeniable. His characters often find themselves in a
state of inner crisis, where questions about the
meaning of life become central. Interestingly, the
author blends existentialism with elements of irony and
satire, prompting the reader not only to reflect on
profound philosophical issues but also to perceive
them through the lens of absurdity and surrealism.
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
Certain fundamental existential traits can be identified
in Pelevin’s works, allowing us to assert that the writer
follows the traditions of existential aesthetics:
1. The Problem of Identity and Freedom
Pelevin’s characters frequently struggle with questions
of their own existence, the search for meaning, and the
boundaries of freedom. In novels such as Chapaev and
Void, Life of Insects, Generation P, and others,
protagonists attempt to understand who they truly are.
This theme is closely linked to existentialist thought.
2. The Absurdity of the World
The worlds Pelevin constructs are filled with grotesque
elements, illusions, and simulacra, reminiscent of the
absurdist ideas of Camus and Sartre. For instance, the
protagonist of Chapaev and Void questions whether he
even exists, while in S.N.U.F.F., people live in an
artificial reality.
3. Crisis of Identity
Pelevin’s characters are often uncertain of their own
reality, unable to distinguish the authentic from the
simulated. This aligns with the ideas of Jean-Paul
Sartre, who argued that a person must create their own
essence.
4. The Motif of Enlightenment and Nirvana
Many of Pelevin’s works conclude with the
protagonist’s transition into a sta
te resembling Zen-
Buddhist enlightenment or dissolution, as seen in The
Hermit and Six-Toes and Invincible Sun. From an
existentialist perspective, such an ending can be
interpreted as the character’s final choice in
confronting the absurdity of existence.
Viktor Pelevin is difficult to classify as a traditional
existentialist in the vein of Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert
Camus, or Martin Heidegger. However, his works
undeniably contain a strong existential foundation. The
unique aspects of Pelevin’s existential
philosophy,
which distinguish it from classical existentialism, lie in
his ability to seamlessly blend:
1. Metaphysics and Buddhism
Unlike European existentialists, who were primarily
influenced by Western rational philosophy, Pelevin
actively incorporates Eastern thought, particularly
Buddhist philosophy.
2. Irony and Postmodernism
Pelevin’s works do not merely pose existential
questions; they simultaneously expose and satirize
them, undermining the seriousness of existential
philosophy.
3. Simulacra and Virtual Reality
Instead of exploring the meaning of human existence in
the real world, Pelevin illustrates how this meaning
dissolves within postmodern culture and simulations.
Unlike traditional existentialists, he portrays the world
as a collection of illusions manipulated by marketing
and ideological forces.
Thus, Pelevin is undoubtedly an existential writer, but
in his own distinct postmodernist style. He merges
existentialism,
Buddhism,
and
postmodernism,
creating narratives where the fundamental question
–
"Does human existence even matter?" - remains open-
ended.
CONCLUSION
Pelevin’s existential perspective is revealed through his
exploration of being, loneliness, the search for
meaning, and humanity’s confrontation with the
absurdity of the surrounding world. His works are
infused with philosophical themes that resonate with
the ideas of Sartre, Camus, and Nietzsche. By blending
Western existentialism with Eastern teachings, Pelevin
constructs a unique literary space where individuals
attempt to comprehend their nature but inevitably
encounter emptiness. This reflects a core existential
dilemma: a person does not exist in an objective reality
so much as in their interpretation of that reality. It is
the recognition of this fact
–
and the struggle to
transcend the illusory world
–
that makes Pelevin’s
work profoundly existential.
REFERENCES
Berdyaev, N. A. The Philosophy of Freedom. The
Meaning of Creativity. Moscow: Pravda, 1989.
–
608 p.
Camus, A. The Rebel: Philosophy, Politics, Art /
Translated from French. Moscow: Politizdat, 1990.
–
415 p.
Kierkegaard, S. Fear and Trembling. Moscow:
Prosveshchenie, 1993.
Pelevin, V. iPhuck 10. Moscow: AST, 2022.
–
384 p.
Pelevin, V. KGBT+. Moscow: Eksmo, 2024.
–
560 p.
Pelevin, V. Transhumanism Inc. Moscow: Eksmo, 2023.
–
608 p.
Pelevin, V. Сool. Moscow: Eksmo, 2024. –
496 p.
Pelevin, V. The Invincible Sun. Moscow: Eksmo, 2024.
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704 p.
Pelevin, V. Journey to Eleusis. Moscow: Eksmo, 2024.
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448 p.
Pelevin, V. Secret Views of Mount Fuji. Moscow: Eksmo,
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416 p.
Sartre, J.-P. Existentialism Is a Humanism / Translated
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Politizdat, 1990.
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384 p.
Shestov, L. Overcoming Self-Evidences // Shestov L.
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
Works: In 2 Volumes. Moscow, 1993.
