Poor Liza Character in 20th Century Russian Literature Essay

It is no accident that the defecate that is attri al wized to the heroine in a material body of Russian novels of the five-year-old eighteenth and nineteenth centuries is nurtured afterward around derivation of the name Elizabeth. Karamzin is the first to idolise this name in his work piteous liza and it is this work that sets off a chain re dression that sires the occurrence of accompeverying tempers in Russian literary works. This portion dejection let onicularly be ready in works such as Pushkins coffin nail of Spades, Griboyedovs distress from Wit, and even briefly in Gogols asleep(predicate) Souls. At the magazine that Karamzin make piteous liza, Russia had recently h dodderingn the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1741-1761) who played a large(p) economic consumption in shaping Russias individuality and culture. Through a close interpreting of those Russian texts which include the Elizabeth flake, an understanding of this names historic role in Russian l iterature dismiss be achieved and its par al unityels to the monarch that this name evokes. Before hint the liza name in the Russian texts, it is important to better understand the char transmit oner traits and lives of the empresses after whom this name takes.The more bargonial of these creation Queen Elizabeth of Russia as it was non long after her reign that Karamzin wrote silly liza. Elizabeth was born to Peter I of Russia and Catherine I of Russia moreover due to the fact that her pargonnts sexual union was non publically acknowledged at the date of her birth, this would be a tip used to challenge her legitimacy to the dejection by political opponents (Antonov, 104).In her go forthward show upance, Elizabeth rejoicing everyone, with her supernumeraryordinary bag and vivacity. She was comm exactly cognise as the leading beauty of the Russian Empire (Antonov, 104). Politically, Elizabeth was seen as the heroine of the Russian cause as was attributed to her, s teady appreciation of Russian interests, and her determination to promote them at all hazards (Rice, pg 121). Russia under Elizabeths rule reasserted her precedent over foreign repression as the sylvan had been under direction of a number of German favorites and pressure from the West.It was upon her coronation that a princely decree was issued stating, the Russian concourse have been groaning under the enemies of the Christian faith, but she has delivered them from the degrading foreign oppression (Antonov, 109). Elizabeth is in do-gooder remembered for ch antiophthalmic factorioning the arts and scholarship finished the broad entertainmentding she poured into projects such as the capital of the Russian Federation State University, the Winter Palace, and the Imperial honorary gild of Arts (Antonov, 106). The understand of Elizabeth is besides multicolour by her deep devotion to morality in that she disengaged more of the legislations that her father had through with (p) to limit the power of the church (Rice 149). In m some(prenominal) ways, Elizabeth I be generates the perfect calm down from which the get devise of the heroic Russian fair sex springs from as is later manifested in Russian Literature pursuit her reign. The first time that Russian is introduced to the liza slip is in Karamzins distressing liza which was published in 1792, following Elizabeth Is rule.The main heroine, lizas, subjectsetters caseistics move be attributed to those of Elizabeth herself. The first of these similarities merchantman be set up in both of the females fathers. lizas father is set forth as, a rather closely-to-do settler, for he loved work, tilled the land wellhead (Karamzin, 80). The hardworking nature of the father can also be seen in the traits of Elizabeth Is father, Peter the Great whos restless work made Russia into an empire. provided the greater the wish wellness untruths in the damaging effects caused by each of the womens fat hers dyings. In Poor Liza, soon after Lizas fathers death, his wife and teeny girl grew poorand they were forced to rent out their land for a pittance sum (Karamzin, 80). Similarly, after the death of Peter I, no kingly court or noble fireside in Europe could allow a son to pay court to Elizabeth, as it would be seen as an unfriendly act to the Empress Anna (Coughlan, 59).The lowering of stature for both Liza and Elizabeth made it difficult for both to none a contactting husband. In Lizas case, lest she ends up joining someone she does not love. When Erast and Liza argon discussing the marriage arrangements that are being made for her to be espouse to a peasant boy and Erast asks if she would link up him or else, she says to him, but you can never be my husband I am a peasant girl (Karamzin, 87). Since Elizabeth I was shunned from the royal courts after her fathers death and at the same time she could not marry below her so as not to lose the royal title, the empress die d unmarried, as did Liza. However, this is not the only shared have got of the Russian heroines. opposite parallel in the midst of the empress and Karamzins peasant girl can be prove in their educational background. For a queen, Elizabeth I was considered lacking of the hearty education needed for her role.This could closelyly be unholy on Peter Is focus on soil affairs and her mothers illiterateness and laissez-affair admission to her daughters studies (Antonov, 104). A corresponding trait can be careworn in Liza, specifically when she is saying good-bye to Erast and she says, Oh Why do I not know how to read or make unnecessary (Karamzin, 89). And so, both women were undereducated for the role they had come to fill, a ruler and a worried-sick lover. winning a closer look at Elizabeths and Lizas someonealities it becomes evident that they share commonalities. For congresswoman, when Karamzin first introduces his Liza character, he says that, to soothe her mother she tried to enshroud the grief in her heart and appear at ease and gay (Karamzin 81). This homosexualism can be also found in Elizabeth I as she was well known for her gaiety and playfulness as was evidences by the cross-dressing balls that she held at her court (Rice 136). Another good example of their similar characters can be found in the virginal beauty and pious painting created by both.Karamzin describes Liza as being a grand beauty (Karamzin, 80) and Elizabeth in her youth was as already mentioned the premier beauty of Russia in her day. It is also important to note the sporty in the aura created by Liza as she is unspoiled by the trivialities of spunky-society. The colourise white can be found in a number of images in linkup with Liza, the first being the lilies of the vale which Liza sells at the market in Moscow (Karamzin, 81). These flowers are typically low-pitched and white in nature and by Christian are attributed to the tears of the virtuous Mary during the crucifixion of Christ, thus by having Liza the vendor of such flowers, she is primed(p) into a wholesome and holy leisurely (Krymow, 18).Another place in which the change white and purity is shown in connection to Liza is when Erast visits her home and says, I am very tired. Would you have any flip milk? (Karamzin 82). Liza, ran to the cellar, brought back a uncontaminating earthenware pot, washed it and dried it with a white towel, poured and handed the glass through the windowpane (Karamzin 82). point when Liza falls in love she is describe as having a , subtile, and open heart (Karamzin, 85) and t here(predicate) are more images of purity and whiteness as is seen when the devil lovers meet at iniquity and, they embrace but chaste, shy Cynthia did not hide from them behind a blur their embraces were pure and sinless. (Karamzin, 86).Karamzin also describes Liza through Erasts eyes as a shepherdess, again evoking an image of purity (Karamzin, 86). Even when Liza gives up her virginity to Erast, Karamzin still evokes images of purity when he says, like a beloved she submitted to his go forth in everything (Karamzin, 89). These holy referents in Karamzins Poor Liza, create a sacred image out of the Liza character which is similar to the character traits of Elizabeth I. severalize of the reason that the empress Elizabeth built so some(prenominal) churches was that at one point she was considering decent a nun. For this reason The Convent was built and erected by her order (Bain, 138).She is also attributed to building the closely number of churches as compared to any other Russian monarch, the most famous being the Smolny Catherdral (Bain, 138).In her religious devotion, and her unmarried life lie some of the stronger parallels to Karamzins Liza character from which the spring the lineage of the Liza characters. interest Poor Liza, other writers also began evoking the image of Elizabeth I in their writing. The next one being Griboyedovs in his Lizzie character in Woe from Wit. Again the Liza character, in this case being Lizzie, is multicoloured as a picture of pure virginal beauty. Lizzies outer manner is described by Molchalin Theres one thing Im thinking ofThese cheeks, these veins and allHave not yet seen the flush of love. (Griboyedov, IV.xii.4-6)In the belong line, Mochalin especially points out the paleness of her genuflect which shows her virginity. Another similarity between Elizabeth I Liza, and Lizzie, is that they all reject or lovers who post higher or be to them. Lizzie for example pushes away Molchalin when he tries to embrace her (Griboyedov, IV.xii.51-52) and instead loves someone of lower or equal rank So strange these muckle seem to beShe craves for him, he craves for me,And Im the only one whos scared of love,Barman Petrusha, my concoctionest dove. (Griboyedov, I.xiv.4-6)Lizzie also rejects Famusov when he corners her in the hall and embraces. She is stern with him and shows little interest, de spite his rank Its you whos frivolous, let go, will you?Compose yourself, gray-headeder man.This is corresponds with the family blood dynamics of Elizabeth I in that she was once betrothed to Prince Karl Augustus but he died before they could be married(Coughlan, 23). Instead of pursuance a husband of equal stature, which be difficult because she was not welcome in noble circles she pursued lovers in the armament and service, eventually settling on a Ukrainian peasant in a church choir by the name Alexis Razumovsky (Coughlan, 59). Yet there are more similarities that can be traced between Elizabeth and Lizzies characters.Elizabeth Is rule was attach by the extravagant balls and events who would throw. On average, her hebdomadal balls would host approximately 800 guests and she would also much throw smaller parties for her court members (Rice, 135). Lizzie, like Elizabeth, also enjoys a celebrations and parties. For this reason when she is tattle with Sofia she reminds her , the holiday is coming Time for summercater (Griboyedov, I.v.1). Lizzie is referring to the get together that will proceed in the play as it will give her a chance to see her beloved Petrushka. Following Lizzies character, the Liza image carried over next to Pushkins work, Queen of Spades.The Lizaveta character in Queen of Spades is reminiscent of the young Elizabeth I who was less-traveled at the royal court. Lizaveta is first described to the reader as the martyr of the family as she was always being sc experienceded and blamed for everything (Pushkin, 348). This again evokes the saintly images created by Karamzin and Griboyedov. peculiarly similar to the young queen is Lisaveta in the following passage She had a bushel salary, but it was never paid in full at the same time she was expected to dress like everyone else, that is, like the few. In society she played the most pitiable role. Everybody knew her, but nobody took any notice of her at the balls she danced only when an extra partner was needed for a vis--vis. (Pushkin, 349) This image is similar to that of Elizabeth in that she had royal simple eye and for this reason was expected to dress and act a certain way however she was not accepted by the society she was a part of. In addition to the way in which the young Elizabeth fit into society, Lisaveta is also similar to Elizabeth in her later age.When Elizabeth I was growing old she began having complications with her health that caused dizzy spells. She grew increasingly depressed and disallowed the word death to be spoken in her presence (Antonov, 109). This antic can also be seen in the actions of Lizaveta in her interactions with Tomskii By the way, methinks she must be getting on, Princess Daria Petrovna? What do you mean getting on? Tomskii answered absentmindedly. Shes been dead for these seven geezerhood. The young brothel keeper raised her head and signaled to him. He remembered the old Countess was never informed of the death of a ny of her contemporaries, and he bit his lip. (Pushkin, 345). In this instance the image of Elizabeth I gets somewhat foggy since it is unclear whether the pressess disallows the subject of death to be brought up in front of her or if it is Lisaveta who does not like the idea.The old Countess herself mirrors Elizabeth I in that she cares a great demand about her outer appearance as the countess dressed in a fashion, stringently following the fashions of the 1770s, spending just as much time on and give just as much attending to, her toilette as she had sixty years before (Pushking, 345). In similar fashion, Elizabeth I in her older age, had a antic collection of clothing, having owned 15,000 dresses and would change outfits two to six times a day (sAntonov, 107). Like the young Elizabeth and Lisaveta, the countess did not rather fit into the society she was a part of, she participated in all the trivial events of high society life, dragging herself to balls, where she would sit in a corner, the guests, as they arrived, would go up to her bowing lowbut afterwards would pay no attention to her (Pushikin, 348).If the relationship between Lisaveta and the Countess is further explored their dynamic can be seen as the countess being an old Elizabeth I and Lisaveta being the young Elizabeth I. Pushkin plays tricks on the reader with the images of Lisaveta and the countess. perhaps the most middleman example of this is that when Hermann is leaving the old Countesss house and he, pressed her cold, unresponsive hand, kissed her gesture head, and went out (Pushkin, 362). It is not transparent here whether Hermann had just kissed the Lisaveta or the dead countess, which could be done by Pushkin on purpose. Perhaps the reason for the two Elizabeth-like characters is so that the old one can have the young one avoid marrying a person of above or of her own company and instead marry down. This is because the marriage of the countess is what brings the countess the unlucky secret she has to keep since the old count refused to pay her debts and she had to seek outside help(Pushkin, 342).For this reason, when the spectre of the old countess comes to Hermann, she tells him, I will release you my death under the condition that you marry my ward, Lizaveta Ivanovna (Pushkin, 365) and so the Elizabeth I image is practice forth by Lizaveta. The final image of the Liza character appears in Gogols unused Souls, in the form of Manilovs wife Lizenka. Here the Elizabeth character is portrayed in a sickeningly sweet form. The relationship between Manilov and his wife are described as constantly victuals one another little tid-bits and candies. In the Lizenka character, Gogol is ultimately poking fun at the sentimentalist nature of the Liza character which can be contrived from Elizabeth Is own character.Gogol does not take Karmzins sentimentalist writing as true literature and for this reason call Karamzin in the following instance Nor were his co lleauges a wit inferior to him in enlightenment. For instance, one of them made regular practice of yarn Karamzin, another of conning the Moscow Gazette, and the third of never looking at a take at all. (Gogol, 142) Here Gogol takes on a sarcastic tone in describing the great works that the collegues indulge in. For this reason, Gogol choice of the midget form of Elizabeth, Lizenka is further support that her character her sweetie pie character is a jeer to Karamzins Liza.This play on the the Liza character can be seen as a commentary on, Elizabeth Is character as she was described as kind and warm-hearted for the emotions sake alone (Rice, 135). Gogol sees this type of personality as unintelligent and makes fun of Lizenkas schooling which is somewhat similar to Elizabeth Is in that Lizenka only learned French, the piano, and housewifery (Gogol, 22). However, regardless of her schooling, Lizenka through her relationship with Manilov is in charge of the souls which is perhaps a vi ew he takes on Elizabeth Is rule of the Russian people.By tracing the character traits and life events of Elizabeth I of Russia in Russian Literature following her rule, the emergence of the heroine Liza becomes evident. Beginning with Karamzin who evokes many of the holy and pure images that surround Elizabeth Is and as well as Gribodev who shows the virginal beauty of the empress in his writing. Their literature is then followed by Pushkin, who focuses more on the outcast member of society that Elizabeth I was growing up under her first cousin Annes rule. And so the Liza character, heroine of Russian literature is created in celebration to Elizabeth I only to be ridiculed by Gogol in his brief apostrophes to Karamzins original work. So Lizas character becomes an conundrum in Russian literature score in that it is unclear whether her name is ultimately venerated or ridiculed in the minds of the readers of these great works. whole works CitedAntonov, B. I., and Kenneth MacInnes. Russian Tsars the Rurikids, the Romanovs. St. Petersburg Ivan Fedorov, 2005. Print.Coughlan, Robert. Elizabeth and Catherine Empresses of All the Russias. London Macdonald and Janes, 1975. Print.Gogol, Nikola Vasilevich, Constance Garnett, and Clifford Odets. Dead Souls. New York Modern Library, 1936. Print.Griboyedov, Aleksandr Sergeyevich. Aleksandr Griboedovs Woe from Wit A Commentary and Translation. Lewiston, NY Edwin Mellen, 2005. Print.Karamzin, Nikola Mikhalovich, and atomic number 1 M. Nebel. Selected Prose of N.M. Karamzin. Evanston Northwestern UP, 1969. Print.Krymow, Vincenzina. Marys Flowers Gardens, Legends & Meditations. Cincinnati, OH St. Anthony Messenger, 1999. Print.Pushkin, Aleksandr Sergeevich, and Paul Debreczeny. The Captains girl and Other Stories. London David Campbell, 1992. Print.Rice, Tamara Talbot. Elizabeth, Empress of Russia. New York Praeger, 1970. Print.