ENG: Yuriy Bespalov: The Last Morlock, or A Passion for Vini Kupalnytsia

1. The "Morlock" Metaphor

The title references the famous creatures from H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine. However, in Bespalov’s work, the "Morlock" is not a subterranean monster, but a metaphor for:

• The Social Outsider: An individual who does not fit into the wild canons of "market relations" and superficial glamour.

• The Inner Beast: Hidden instincts and fears that live within everyone and erupt in moments of crisis.

2. Plot Intrigue and Vinia Kupalnytsia

The central axis of the story revolves around the mysterious Vinia Kupalnytsia. She is the quintessential femme fatale who acts as a catalyst for the events:

• Detective and Adventure: Intrigues, strange disappearances, and magical transformations swirl around the heroine.

• The Love Interest: This thread is delivered with a heavy dose of irony, deconstructing the clichés of classic romance novels.

3. Satire of the "Elite" and the Media

Bespalov masterfully dissects modernity. The work features recognizable tropes:

• Political Manipulators: People who manufacture artificial sensations and control the "crowd of Morlocks."

• Cultural Surrogates: A mockery of pseudo-intellectualism and the pursuit of cheap effects.

• The Urban Environment: Big-city life is depicted as a labyrinth where everyone tries to appear to be someone they are not.

4. Style: Grotesque and the Play on Meanings

The book is written in a rich, sometimes provocative language. The author constantly plays with the reader:

• Literary Allusions: Frequent references to classic literature.

• Linguistic Blend: Mixing high-flown style with street slang.

• Chimerical Atmosphere: Creating the feeling of a "chimera novel," where reality can drift into phantasmagoria at any moment.