Modern Russian Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in "Red Cavalry", "Envy" and "Kolyma Tales, the prisoners in the labor camp and soldiers in the war were more alike than different because, although they both had little to motivate them and less to live for, these people strove to escape to freedom. The author points out that, nevertheless, for the characters in these novels, death is the ultimate end; although few of the characters were frightened or showed they were frightened. The paper relates that hunger was one of the most compelling and memorable experiences, as illustrated by Babel's passage about the killing of a goose and the camaraderie it brought to Gorky or by Olesha's passage, which referred to a man just about to dig into a huge evening "snack". The paper includes several comparative quotations.

From the Paper:

"In addition, they indicate the tenacity and sheer will of the men. Pugachov has survived a German POW camp, a military trial, and another labor camp, all for fighting for his country and doing nothing wrong. In the "Red Cavalry", the men are all fighting a war they do not think will ever end, and yet they continue to endure terrible conditions to continue with their mission. These men all have an incredible will to live, but they are not stupid, and recognize there comes a time when will is not enough. The men of the Cavalry fight because it is their duty, and they die, as well, like the Rabbi's son, who Gorky calls the "last prince". "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Babel, Isaac. Red Cavalry. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2003.
• Olesha, Yuri. Envy.
• Shalamov, Vaarlam. Kolyma Tales. New York: Penguin Classics, 1995.

More papers on Modern Russian Literature:

• Comparison Essay # 60627 : "English Structure vs. Russian Translation"
• Analytical Essay # 5330 : "Portrayals of Progressivism"
• Analytical Essay # 5346 : "Romanticism versus Realism"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: