I'm reading Crime and Punishment now and I find it to be very interesting. But to understand it I have to go back and reread chapters because it feels like I'm missing some points or key events. All in all, I believe that Crime and Punishment is really good.
It's very interesting to read all your "remarks" about Russian literature
The topic I'd like to discuss is "Master & Margarita". I'm re-reading it right now (in Russian).
Last edited by Elpis; 01-23-2007 at 06:36 AM.
Hello Elpis
Below is a link to a discussion of Master and Margarita,
I guess if you're not finished it though you might want to
be careful reading it in case of spoilers
http://www.online-literature.com/for...ster+margarita
Thanks, but it seems to be "of 2d freshness"
Anyway, I'll try it.
Russian literature is my favourite literature, as well. I think the reason a lot of people like it is because Russian writers describe their characters with so much sympathy, insight and love. There is a lot of warmth and humanity in most Russian works--particularly the 19th century ones---be it in the character development, in the description of scenes and nature, or the philosophizing which makes you feel as if you're reading about real life and living it in the moment that it's happening, rather than post-factum, "remembered" descriptions.
Tolstoy is a great master of this technique, and it's also interesting that while being very realistic in his descriptions and character development, he's also great at poeticizing the situations which imbibe them with more importance and meaning. That, I think, is also a characteristic of most Russian works---the simplest event or character is presented as very unique or special and, in turn, memorable.
This particular technique is what makes a big difference between works like "Anna Karenina" and "Madame Bovary". Although the intrigue and the situations are similar, the character of Anna Karenina creates the impression of a multi-dimensional, flesh-and-blood individual, whereas Emma Bovary lacks to a great degree individuality and uniqueness. The whole work of "Anna Kareinina" sparkles, despite the tragedy of its heroine, whereas " Madame Bovary" , although detailed and insightful, is a somewhat dull and pessimistic work.
A tough question: what do you think about Russian lit?
I think it is great on the one hand and terrible on the other. Just as any other. There're its heroes and those who have failed. It's just a matter of taste. I enjoy reading in Russian once in a while, but I confess I read the old stuff...so, if anyone's willing to recommend works of contemporary authors--please do!
Among Russian classics i love Dostoievsky and Lermontov's poems. Dostoievsky is the best ever, one can almost say he is contemporary. I wolud be interested to read something modern though, so if someone has some recommandations that would be much appreciated.
Bye
I can unreservedly say that 19th century is the finest for literature. However Tolstoy, Turgenev, Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Goncharov et al excelled in creating timeless themes and characters. Russian novels and novellas of this period were social and political commentaries for people who wanted to express their ideas and thoughts.
Originally Posted by PrinceAndrei
I fully agree with you ! I think that Russian writers created a wonderful world of flesh-and-blood characters. They're so real that one can even speculate about their further growth once the book is finished. I take it from your user name that you really like Prince Andrei ( is that the Bolkonsky one ? ). Now, there's a character that captures the imagination !
What do you think his life would have been like if he didn't die at that particular place in the book ?
The Russians were obsessed with delving into human interaction and the psyche. They probably did it better than anyone. Just read a book like The Idiot by Dostoevsky or Ward.9 and other stories by Chekov or Fathers and Sons by Turgenev. Russian stories are bleak and very psychological. They are also some of the most well crafted as far as characterization and dialogue goes. This is just my opinion, but I really believe that Russia produced the best and most abundant authors of the 19th century.
I believe that the Russian literature, specifically in Dostoyevsky’s work, has made unrivalled the effort to underline the reactions of human souls who are under pressure. The heroes are almost between options of morality or religious issues that make them feel unstable. That creates a state of isolation and misery for them and thanks to Russian authors we are able to see those people of the 19th century to strive for a better life under Tsar government.
Anyway, the point is what one likes to read and help him feel nice or live him in a soul-searching situation.
Has anyone read Greek literature?
Olichka
Prince Andrei Bolonsky was my favourite character from Tolstoy's masterpiece War and Peace. If Tolstoy did not kill off Andrei in a valiant but rather slow and painful death I think he would have lived an unhappy life, growing old and cynical. Andrei was searching for the meaning of life and found peace and maybe happiness in the last few days alive.
A part from War and Peace, which still touches me deeply, is scene between the eccentric Prince and his daughter Maria Bolkonskaya. The Old Prince calls for his daughter when he is dieing to try and explain that he may have seemed like an overbearing father but it was because he loved her. Just thinking about this makes me emotional.
Olichka
Prince Andrei Bolonsky was my favourite character from Tolstoy's masterpiece War and Peace. If Tolstoy did not kill off Andrei in a valiant but rather slow and painful death I think he would have lived an unhappy life, growing old and cynical. Andrei was searching for the meaning of life and found peace and maybe happiness in the last few days alive.
A part from War and Peace, which still touches me deeply, is scene between the eccentric Prince and his daughter Maria Bolkonskaya. The Old Prince calls for his daughter when he is dieing to try and explain that he may have seemed like an overbearing father but it was because he loved her. Just thinking about this makes me emotional.
If you are going to read Russian, you have to read The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. It is by far the best book I have ever read.
I have been checking these forums for quite some time now but I never really posted anything. I want some advise from people who are interested in reading Russina Litrature in the old days (Dostoevskey and Tolstoy's days) I have read War and Peace and Anna karanina for Tostloy and Crime and Punishment and The Brothers karmazov for Dostoevesky but I was wondering if there are any other famous novels/novelists from that era and I really would appreciate if anyone would suggest a few for me.
Thank you in advance
There's already a topic on this but here's some...
Gogol - Petersburg Tales, Dead Souls, The Revizor
Gontcharov - Oblomov
Dostoevsky - The Idiot, Notes from the Underground, The Possessed, The Gambler
Tolstoy - Resurrection, The Death of Ivan Illitch, The Cossacks
Lermontov - A Hero of Our Time
Turgenev - Fathers and Sons
Chekhov - Short Stories and Plays
Pushkin - Eugene Onegin, Short Stories
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