The Origin of Species

The Origin of Species is a 1993 short story by Victor Pelevin. Plot The title of the story, "The Origin of Species," refers the reader to the major life work of Charles Darwin, the founder of the all-conquering doctrine of the origin of species, who was a cult figure in Soviet society. In the materialistic and atheistic society that was the Soviet Union, Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is attributed a major role. The author of the theory himself seemed to be a cult figure, as the founder of the all-conquering doctrine of the origin of species as opposed to the divine creation of the world. In this cultural context, the absurdist atmosphere of Pelevin's story becomes clear. In the story, Darwin travels on the brig Beagle in the general adulation of the crew on a scientific expedition. The bosun follows him with a bucket of frozen champagne bottles.