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Russian Literature: the 19th Century.
The Golden Age of the national literature. Russian literature obtained the tradition, history and interesting language. "The century of classics" – that’s how we call the period of these core writers...
Griboedov Alexander Sergeevich, 1795-1829
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The hope of Russian diplomacy, a brilliantly educated person, the author of the famous play – “Gore ot Uma” (“The sorrow by the brains”). He could be the country intellectual leader, but he was killed during the riot, when Russian embassy was fired in Persia (Iran). Anyway, you can find his only play in repertoire of any Russian dramatic theatre. Every year somebody of the famous theatre producers restyles this play and they get the “house full” notices. The play is about a person who is thinking much on his own existence and the way he can improve himself and society. Thus the hero is a rich noble and the action takes place in the 19th century – the story of the individual who can’t follow the beaten way of life is still interesting for modern people. |
Recommended Books by Griboedov and about Griboedov:
Pushkin Alexander Sergeevich, 1799-1837
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He is the main poet of the country. There is even a Russian proverb “Pushkin means all for us”. However, most of us read him in schools only - like an obligatory part of literature course. He made Russian poetry face the life by addressing poems not only to the emperors and pure feelings, but also to the usual women and usual life. In fact, you can’t skip him if you want to know what Russian literature is – his brilliant lyrics, interesting stories and even historical research on Pugachev are Russian Literature in itself.. |
Recommended Books by Pushkin:
Lermontov Mikhail Ureyvich, 1814-1841
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The Hero, Love, Pain and Existence – these are the phenomenons Lermontov was exploring. His lyrics and his novels devoted to the Man who can feel much and act like he feels, to the Man who accepts the pain and responsibility for his actions. |
Recommended Books by Lermontov:
Gogol Nikolay Vasilevich, 1809-1852
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He managed to be the classic of Russian literature, the successor of the traditions, and the writer, who followed his own way at the same time. He used unusual language – a magic mix of strange and lost Russian and Ukrainian words. Furthermore, he declined to follow the realism so popular in 19th century, but proclaimed his own vision of indeterminate, mystical life. His main novel “Dead Souls”, his small life stories, his funny and simple play (“The government inspector”), his unique tales – make Russian literature so different and unpredictable.. |
Recommended Books by Gogol:
Turgenev Ivan Sergeevich, 1818-1883
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He was a realist. Turgenev describes a determinated life. If you’d like to find out what was the main ideology conflict of his time, you should start with “Father and Sons” or “Rudin”. If you want to get familiar with life of usual people you better read “Sketches from a Hunter’s Album”, “First Love” or “The diary of a superfluous Man”. |
Recommended Books by Turgenev:
Goncharov Ivan Andreevich, 1812-1891
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You probably heard that Russians are lazy and don’t like to work or that they are different in a way. Goncharov wrote his “Oblomov” trying to find and define this specific difference. So, this is a great psychology survey on Russians and their types, but apart it is very interesting saga about two friends, their friendship and their life going on. If you like his style, continue with Goncharov’s other novels: “Obyknovennaya istoria” (can be translated like “A Common story” or “Same Old Story”), and “Obryv”. |
Recommended Books by Goncharov:
Ostrovsky Alexander Nikolaevich, 1823-1886
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A famous playwriter. Every classical theatre in Moscow performs his play. It can be the world famous “Groza” (“The Storm”) or more Russia related “Les” (“Forest”) or any other from the dozens of his plays. Most of the plays are about money, their distracting power and well-paid feelings. The context of the 19th century, when ambitious Russian businessmen became the leading class, made these eternal themes quite interesting. |
Recommended Books by Ostrovsky:
Nekrasov Nikolay Alekseevich, 1821-1877
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This man was concerned about the social problems and unfair state policy (it was the time when most of the population didn’t even have the basic freedoms). So, his lyrics and main poem “Komu na Rusi zit horosjo” (“Who can be happy and free in Russia” in English) are more manifests than literature. For this reliable social position he obtained the status of the important national writer. |
Recommended Books by Nekrasov:
Dostoevsky Fedor Mikhaylovich, 1821-1881
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Dostoevsky -- you can either like his novels, his philosophy and his religious feeling, or dislike his style, language and attitude to people. There is much sorrow and love in his novels – much of life. Perhaps, if you have much of your own life – you will find his teaching novels too complicated and boring for yourself. He teaches that you will get the feedback for any action your commit – so you have to be responsible every minute of your life. |
Recommended Books by Dostoyevsky:
Leskov Nikolay Semenovich, 1831-1895
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This talented journalist hoped that Russia had its own way and it was no use for our country in copying the western models. He also believed in the individuals who can give up their own happiness for the motherland. |
Recommended Books by Leskov:
Tolstoy Lev Nikolaevich, 1828-1910
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The count Tolstoy proposed his own philosophy to the society and it was quite popular in Russia. But his novels got far more popular. I think “War and Peace” is one of the best known books of the 19th century. Tolstoy brilliantly describes the context, when you are reading his books you have a true feeling of that time. The plot of his novels is very dynamic. It can be both useful and quite interesting reading. |
Recommended Books by Tolstoy:
Chekhov Anton Pavlovich, 1860-1904
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A doctor, who explored Russia (he traveled even to Sakhalin island) and the Russian mind as well. His stories and plays are all dedicated to everyday life. Every time I read him I have a feeling as if someone smart tells me a bit ironically about myself. He is a kind, but pretty honest person, so if you believe that a Man is the perfect undoubting creature who makes no mistakes, don’t read him or your confidence will collapse. I advise you to start with his philosophical and intelligent stories and then move to plays where his philosophy is a bit smashed by obligatory theatre dynamics. |
Recommended Books by Chekhov:
Your Comments:
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Comment (posted 24/03/03): "This is a fantastic
resource -- when I'm preparing a trip, I read about 50% literature,
50% history. You've added a few references I must add to my collection.
Sandra Molyneaux"
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