1. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn:
* Known for: His powerful works exploring the Soviet system's brutality, most notably *One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich* (1962) and *The Gulag Archipelago* (1973).
* Impact: Solzhenitsyn's unflinching portrayal of the Gulag system exposed the Soviet Union's dark underbelly to the world, contributing significantly to the dissident movement and challenging the official narrative. He was exiled in 1974 for his writings, but his works remain influential and continue to resonate with readers around the globe.
2. Mikhail Sholokhov:
* Known for: His epic novels, particularly *And Quiet Flows the Don* (1928-1940) and *The Don Flows Home to the Sea* (1949-1960).
* Impact: Sholokhov's works capture the tumultuous social and political changes of the early 20th century in Russia, particularly the Russian Revolution and Civil War. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1965 for his "epic power and artistic integrity in depicting a historical period of his country."
It's important to note that:
* Other prominent writers: There are many other prominent writers from the Soviet period, including Boris Pasternak, Yevgeny Yevtushenko, and Vasily Grossman.
* Subjectivity: The choice of "major authors" is inherently subjective and depends on individual interpretations of literary significance and influence.
* Changing perspectives: Literary criticism is a dynamic field, and opinions about the most important authors can shift over time.
While Solzhenitsyn and Sholokhov are widely recognized as major figures, it's essential to acknowledge the rich and diverse literary landscape of the USSR post-WWII and the contributions of many other talented authors.