Yet -- one still holds out that the man-v-man, and/or man-v-universe may only last 2-3 more months. Akaky is not a "hard-nosed revolutionary communist worker." it's getting cold, so he saves over 500 rubles to purchase a "Good Quality Soviet made Coat." The coat, sad to say, turns out to be part of the Black Market. He is afforded a few moments of stardom as he comes into the office and all view his wonderful coat; but then it is stolen and Akaky finds himself in the system -- where did you get it, etc. and, as a symbol, shows that without this material "good" he cannot attain happiness.
There are also dual themes in this -- the man vs. society -- society as both the peers and as a vast and complex bureaucracy more interested in punishing him than in recovering the coat; and man vs. self -- just as with Gogol, the material coat seems to take upon mythic proportions; certainly pining of the nostalgia works, but do does the very idea that a person's work ethic, ability, and personality can change by them wearing something of status.
Entry #6 -- What Men Live by -- Leo Tolstoy -- "Another year passed, and another, and Michael was now living his sixth year with Simon. He lived as before. He went nowhere, only spoke when necessary… He never now asked him where he came from, and only feared lest Michael should go away."
This story reads a bit like an Aesop Fable, or an ancient Greek myth. In it are several archetypes of behavior, or towards what should humans aspire: goodness, sharing, truth -- and when good works are done one will be paid back more than the original investment. In contrast to some of the earlier stories, this is rather optimist, and if man against man it is only the baser nature of individuals that must be overcome.
For instance, Tolstoy does not expect his characters to be perfect -- witness spending 20 kopeks on vodka instead of needed skins. However, also witness the kindness of the family and their willingness to take Michael in -- no questions asked. When it turns out that Michael is really the Angel Michael, the surprise idea of doing good for people unbeknownst to their status in life proves that at least on some level, it is the peasant (and this might be romanticized) in Russia that holds the key to the future -- for Tolstoy at least. While Tolstoy romanticizes the peasants, he is also a heartfelt optimist -- clearly understanding that humans have the capacity for both good and evil in their world.
Entry #6 -- Anna on the Neck -- Anton Chekhov -- "But little by little the huge officer, too, broke out; he grew lively, excited, and, overcome by her fascination, was carried away and danced lightly, youthfully, while she merely moved her shoulders and looked slyly at him as though she were now the & #8230;, with their hands at their sides…"
In many ways quite similar to Tolstoy, this short Chekhov story focuses on the emotions surrounding a wedding and the communication between people at quite different stages of their lives (Alexetch at 52 and Anna at 18). The contrasts between the two physically, mentally, and most especially in
Russian & Chinese Intelligence PRC & RUSSION INTELLIGENCE: Any reviewer of the intelligence structures of Russia and the People's Republic of China can see that size and complexity still matter. They each have intensive and comprehensive structural forces with targeted elements designed to achieve certain aims. While it is likely that each has grown with an eye toward the other, often it is said that the Chinese Ministry of State Security
Russian Orthodox Religion The Russian Orthodox Church has been through many evolutions and challenges along the way to being more than a thousand years old. The Church originally emerged from a pagan society and was greatly influenced by existing Christian beliefs from other regions. This paper reviews the changes that the Church has gone through -- including the attacks on its beliefs and buildings and its monasteries by the Bolsheviks, who
Russian Tobacco Health Promotion Plan: Reducing Tobacco Use Amongst Members of the Russian-American Culture Russian Cultural Synopsis There are several unique or otherwise noteworthy practices in the Russian culture that could have an impact on areas of health. Consumption practices tend towards the extreme, with food and drink supplied amply for guests and families alike, resources permitting, and with the extending of hospitality a common and expected practice in the culture (Ries, 2012).
Russian Organized Crime in America The fall of Soviet Union worked as a catalyst for the spread of crimes throughout the world. Not only the countries connected to the Russia are vulnerable to "Russian Mafia," but entire world is facing the threat of criminal activities originating from Russia. Crimes like human trafficking, money laundering, trading stolen automobiles, arms and ammunition, and drug trafficking are among the major activities, which is being
On the other hand, competition brings about order, whereby the consequences of a particular behavior determine its selection and the most successful becomes the leader of the group (Dunne, 2007, p.49). 5. What does it mean to say that a theory is useful? How should one approach the question of determining the relevance and value of a theory (theory-testing), according to Waltz? Waltz emphasizes that a useful theory must have the
Russian Revolution Sheila Fitzptrick Author's Writing Style and Book Organization Author Point-of-View Sheila Fitzptrick is a well-known writer who has written more than ten books on modern Russian society and its history. 'Russian Revolution' is one of her recent books. This paper will highlight some of the facts in relation to the October Revolution in Russia as highlighted in a more opinionated manner by the author. Author's Writing Style and Book Organization There is no
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now