Reception of Malthusian theory in Georgian and Russian literature of the XIX century

Abstract

The  Malthusian  theory,  originating  from  Thomas  Robert  Malthus's  seminal  work  "An Essay  on  the  Principle  of  Population"  (1798),  posits  thatpopulation  growth  tends  to  outpace  the growth of resources necessary to sustain it, leading to inevitable checks such as famine, disease, and conflict.  This  theory  has  significantly  influenced  world  literature,  serving  as  a  thematic  backbone  in various  narratives  that  explore  the  tension  between  human  aspiration  and  environmental  or  societal limitations.   In   literature,   Malthusian   concepts   are   often   employed   to   critique   socio-economic structures,  explore  dystopian  futures,  and  reflect  on  historical  events  characterized  by  scarcity  and struggle.  This  paper  examines  the  manifestation  of  Malthusian  theory  across  different  literary traditions  and  genres,  highlighting  its  impact  on  character  development,  plot  progression,  and thematic depth. By analyzing key texts from diverse cultural backgrounds, the study aims to illustrate how  Malthusian  ideas  continue  to  resonate  in  contemporary  literature,  offering  critical  insights  into the ongoing dialogue between human ambition and the finite nature of resources.