What is Russian Literature?
Russian literature is a broad and diverse field that encompasses a variety of genres and authors It is considered to be one of the most influential and successful literary genres in the world. Generally, Russian literature is celebrated for its use of symbolism and vivid imagery; its portrayal of the human condition, its exploration of various themes, and its ability to capture the essence of life. Russian literature is also deeply rooted in history, as it is often a reflection of the time period in which it was created.
The history of Russian literature is long and complex, with authors from different periods contributing to its development. During the 19th century, Russian literature experienced a period of intense growth and began to garner international attention and acclaim. This is largely credited to the Romantic movement, a literary movement that rejected traditional conventions and embraced emotion, imagination, and the human experience. Famous Russian writers of this period include Leo Tolstoy, Alexander Pushkin, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
The 20th century saw a shift in Russian literature, as it slowly moved away from its romantic roots and embraced modernist and avant-garde approaches. This was a period of experimentation and exploration, as writers such as Vladmir Nabokov, Boris Pasternak, and Andrei Bely sought to push the boundaries of literature. Since then, Russian literature has continued to evolve, with authors such as Olga Bergholz, Venedikt Yerofeyev, and Mikhail Shishkin writing stories that explore a variety of themes and topics.
Five Examples of Russian Literature to Analyze in an Essay
1. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: One of the most famous works of Russian literature, War and Peace is an epic novel by Leo Tolstoy. It follows the lives of five aristocratic families during the Napoleonic era and explores themes such as the nature of war, the human psyche, and the nature of time. A classic of Russian literature, it is considered to be one of the most renowned works of 19th century literature.
2. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky: The Brothers Karamazov is another classic example of Russian literature. The novel follows the lives of four brothers and their interactions as they grapple with existential questions related to morality and faith. It is considered to be one of Dostoevsky's greatest works, as it captures the complex emotions and struggles of living in a modern world.
3. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov: The Master and Margarita is a satirical novel by Mikhail Bulgakov. It follows a famous writer and his lover, Margarita, as they navigate the strange and dangerous world of 1930s Moscow. The novel is renowned for its wild and chaotic narrative, as it blends fantasy, realism, and the supernatural.
4. Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak: Doctor Zhivago is a novel by Boris Pasternak that follows the life of a poet and medical doctor during the Russian Revolution of 1917. It is a story about love, loss, and the power of revolution, and is considered one of the greatest works of Russian literature.
5. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Anna Karenina is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that follows the life of a young married woman, who has an affair with a wealthy count. The novel is renowned for its exploration of morality and the human condition, and is considered one of the greatest works of all time.