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Essays on Russian Novelists   By: (1865-1943)

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William Lyon Phelps presents a captivating collection of essays in his book Essays on Russian Novelists. A professor of English literature, Phelps provides a thorough analysis and insightful commentary on various Russian novelists, making this book a valuable resource for both scholars and enthusiasts of Russian literature.

Phelps's writing style is engaging and accessible, which makes the book an enjoyable read for those who may be new to Russian literature. He begins by discussing the works of Ivan Turgenev, delving into the themes of love and nature that permeate his novels. Phelps offers an impressive analysis of Turgenev's characters, shedding light on their complex psyches and motivations. Through Phelps's interpretations, readers gain a deeper understanding of the social and political context that influenced Turgenev's works.

Moving on, Phelps explores the genius of Fyodor Dostoevsky, arguably one of the most renowned Russian novelists. Phelps's essays on Dostoevsky's works, such as Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, are thought-provoking and illuminating. He delves into the psychological and philosophical depths of Dostoevsky's characters, unraveling their inner struggles and moral dilemmas. Phelps's analysis helps readers comprehend the profound philosophical ideas embedded within Dostoevsky's novels, making these complex works more accessible.

The book also covers other prominent Russian novelists like Leo Tolstoy and Ivan Goncharov. Phelps’s discussions of Tolstoy's works, particularly War and Peace and Anna Karenina, provide a comprehensive examination of Tolstoy's narrative techniques and unique storytelling style. Phelps unveils the complexities of Tolstoy's characters and their societal roles, allowing readers to appreciate the deeper layers inherent in his novels. Additionally, Phelps's exploration of Goncharov's masterpiece Oblomov offers valuable insights into the novel's exploration of societal ennui and the complexities of the human condition.

One of the most impressive aspects of Phelps's writing is his ability to provide historical context. He skillfully relates the social, political, and cultural climate of Russia during the time these novelists were writing, highlighting the impact of these elements on their works. Phelps's research and knowledge are evident, adding depth and richness to his analyses.

However, one drawback of this book is the absence of female Russian novelists. While Phelps's focus on male authors may reflect the dominant canon of Russian literature during his time, it would have been enlightening to include discussions on remarkable female writers such as Anna Akhmatova or Marina Tsvetaeva. Their works have made significant contributions to Russian literature and deserve recognition in a comprehensive study.

In summary, Essays on Russian Novelists by William Lyon Phelps is an engaging and immersive exploration of the works of Russian literary giants. Phelps's expertise shines through his analyses, offering readers valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Russian literature. Despite the absence of female authors, this book is a remarkable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Russian literary tradition.

First Page:

etext by James Rusk (jrusk@mac email.com)

ESSAYS ON RUSSIAN NOVELISTS

By William Lyon Phelps

I

RUSSIAN NATIONAL CHARACTER AS SHOWN IN RUSSIAN FICTION

The Japanese war pricked one of the biggest bubbles in history, and left Russia in a profoundly humiliating situation. Her navy was practically destroyed, her armies soundly beaten, her offensive power temporarily reduced to zero, her treasury exhausted, her pride laid in the dust. If the greatness of a nation consisted in the number and size of its battleships, in the capacity of its fighting men, or in its financial prosperity, Russia would be an object of pity. But in America it is wholesome to remember that the real greatness of a nation consists in none of these things, but rather in its intellectual splendour, in the number and importance of the ideas it gives to the world, in its contributions to literature and art, and to all things that count in humanity's intellectual advance. When we Americans swell with pride over our industrial prosperity, we might profitably reflect for a moment on the comparative value of America's and Russia's contributions to literature and music.

At the start, we notice a rather curious fact, which sharply differentiates Russian literature from the literature of England, France, Spain, Italy, and even from that of Germany... Continue reading book >>




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