Rudin: Exploring the societal clashes and personal ambitions in 19th century Russia
Ivan Turgenev
Apr 2021 · Good Press
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About this ebook
In "Rudin," Ivan Turgenev explores the intricacies of intellectualism and the disillusionment of the Russian gentry in the 19th century. This novel is characterized by Turgenev's exquisite prose and deep psychological insight, reflecting the tensions of a society on the brink of monumental change. Through the character of Dmitry Rudin, an eloquent yet indecisive intellectual, Turgenev delves into themes of romantic idealism, social responsibility, and the complexities of moral integrity, all set against the backdrop of a rural estate that symbolizes both stagnation and the potential for progress. Turgenev, himself a key figure in the Russian literary canon, was deeply influenced by the sociopolitical climate of his time, particularly the growing divide between the aristocracy and emerging democratic ideals. His experiences in Western Europe and engagement with the Russian intelligentsia contributed to his nuanced understanding of character motivations, allowing him to craft Rudin as a portrait of both promise and failure, embodying the struggles of a generation grappling with the consequences of their convictions. I highly recommend "Rudin" to readers interested in the precursors to Russian existential literature and the subtle art of character development. Turgenev'Äôs exploration of idealism versus realism not only incites reflection on societal obligations but also resonates with contemporary dilemmas, making this novel a timeless meditation on the human condition.
About the author
Ivan Turgenev, 1818 - 1883 Novelist, poet and playwright, Ivan Turgenev, was born to a wealthy family in Oryol in the Ukraine region of Russia. He attended St. Petersburg University (1834-37) and Berlin University (1838-41), completing his master's exam at St. Petersburg. His career at the Russian Civil Service began in 1841. He worded for the Ministry of Interior from 1843-1845. In the 1840's, Turgenev began writing poetry, criticism, and short stories under Nikolay Gogol's influence. "A Sportsman's Sketches" (1852) were short pieces written from the point of view of a nobleman who learns to appreciate the wisdom of the peasants who live on his family's estate. This brought him a month of detention and eighteen months of house arrest. From 1853-62, he wrote stories and novellas, which include the titles "Rudin" (1856), "Dvorianskoe Gnedo" (1859), "Nakanune" (1860) and "Ottsy I Deti" (1862). Turgenev left Russia, in 1856, because of the hostile reaction to his work titled "Fathers and Sons" (1862). Turgenev finally settled in Paris. He became a corresponding member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in 1860 and Doctor of Civil Law at Oxford University in 1879. His last published work, "Poems in Prose," was a collection of meditations and anecdotes. On September 3, 1883, Turgenev died in Bougival, near Paris.
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