Yama · Chapter
Author's Postscript explained
In the author's postscript, Kuprin reflects on the global success of 'Yama' and his dissatisfaction with the book.
What happens
In the author's postscript, Kuprin reflects on the global success of 'Yama' and his dissatisfaction with the book. He discusses the pervasive evil of prostitution, the failure of mere words to effect change, and the censorship and criticism the novel faced in Russia. He finds consolation in the positive reception from French critics and émigrés, and expresses joy that the novel will be published in America in its restored form.
Themes in this chapter
Prostitution and Exploitation
Kuprin directly addresses the traffic in women's bodies as the most evil of societal ills, emphasizing the exploitation inherent in prostitution.
Hypocrisy of Society
The author condemns the hypocrisy of men who visit prostitutes while protecting their own female relatives, and criticizes society's refusal to confront the problem.
Illusion of Reform and Redemption
Kuprin admits he found no recipe against prostitution, highlighting the difficulty of reform and the inadequacy of mere words to change deeply entrenched social evils.
Key passages
“But to me it seemed that mankind’s ancient malady—prostitution—is the one most amenable to a speedy and successful cure.”
Kuprin once believed that prostitution, an age-old problem, could be quickly and effectively solved.
Reflects the author's initial optimism about reform, which he later questions.
“I was accused of shaking the foundations of society, of corrupting youth, of pornography, etc.”
Critics charged Kuprin with undermining social order, corrupting young people, and writing pornography.
Highlights the hostile reception the novel faced in Russia.
“The critics, with that finesse which is peculiar to French writers, pointed out the shortcomings, but their general opinion was unanimous: the work, despite certain coarse and bizarre features, was fully moral, and filled the readers’ needs, inasmuch as it was permeated with a warm, human compassion.”
French critics acknowledged the novel's flaws but agreed it was moral and compassionate, meeting readers' needs.
Shows the contrast between the French and Russian receptions of the book.