After the Apocalypse comes Utopia? Ivan Kmínek’s "Utopia, the Best Version"

Abstract

In his article, “After the Apocalypse comes Utopia? Ivan Kmínek’s Utopia, the Best Version” Kenneth Hanshew examines the various aspects of one of the three best works of Czech post-apocalyptic science fiction. He focuses on the following: the revelation of the utopian society as problematic, humorous accents regarding the title, exploration of the conflicts in the established utopian society, comparison with the concept of future as presented by other science-fiction authors, departure of Kminek’s world from the notions of utopia’s perfection and eutopian literary conventions, examination of the psychology and siginficance of the narrator and characters, as well as the analysis of the structure, motifs, tropes and themes used in the story itself. It is questioned whether the achieved goals of a utopian society as portrayed in the novel genuinely are foundations for a positive utopia. Hanshew continues to compare and contrast Kminek’s ideas with other authors, as well as reveal the eliterary allusions conveyed within the work. It is explained which science-fiction themes are used in the construction of the presented world and how they depart from the canon. Finally, the author observes and evaluates the non-dystopian aspects of Kminek’s novel (i.e. romance, detective novel, comedy) and the extent to which it is based on allegory.