key term - 19th-century Russia

Definition

19th-century Russia refers to the period in Russian history characterized by significant political, social, and cultural changes from 1801 to 1900. This era saw the rise of Russian Realism in literature, which emerged as a reaction against Romanticism and sought to depict everyday life and the struggles of the common people with a focus on social issues and moral dilemmas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The period marked the transition from serfdom to modernity, culminating in the Emancipation Reform of 1861 that freed millions of serfs.
2. Notable authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy emerged during this time, contributing significantly to world literature through their exploration of morality, society, and human psychology.
3. The 19th century was marked by political unrest and revolutions, with events like the Decembrist uprising reflecting growing discontent with autocratic rule.
4. Russian Realism was influenced by broader European trends while maintaining distinctively Russian themes related to social class and the moral responsibilities of individuals.
5. The late 19th century saw an increase in cultural institutions and intellectual movements, leading to the rise of critical thinking about governance, society, and national identity.

Review Questions

• How did the abolition of serfdom in 1861 influence Russian literature during the 19th century?
  • The abolition of serfdom significantly impacted Russian literature by providing writers with new themes to explore. Authors began focusing on the lives of the newly freed peasants, examining their struggles and aspirations. This shift allowed for a deeper exploration of social issues, which became central to Russian Realism as writers sought to reflect the changing realities of Russian society.
• In what ways did Russian Realism challenge or differ from Romanticism in 19th-century literature?
  • Russian Realism challenged Romanticism by rejecting its emphasis on idealized emotions and heroic individuals. Instead, Realist writers concentrated on everyday life, portraying ordinary characters and their struggles within a complex social framework. This focus on reality aimed to raise awareness of social injustices and moral dilemmas faced by people, marking a shift towards a more critical examination of society.
• Evaluate the impact of the Decembrist uprising on subsequent political movements in 19th-century Russia and its relationship with Russian Realism.
  • The Decembrist uprising had a profound impact on subsequent political movements by highlighting the growing demand for reform and a constitutional government in Russia. The ideals expressed by the Decembrists resonated with writers of Russian Realism who sought to reflect societal issues through their works. As these literary figures engaged with themes of freedom, justice, and social responsibility, they contributed to a broader cultural discourse that questioned autocratic rule and inspired future generations to pursue political change.

Related terms

Russian Realism:

A literary movement that developed in Russia during the 19th century, emphasizing realistic portrayals of life, society, and human experience, often highlighting social injustices.

Decembrists: A group of Russian army officers who led an unsuccessful uprising against Tsar Nicholas I in December 1825, advocating for constitutional reform and the end of autocracy.

Serfdom: A socio-economic system in Russia where peasants were bound to the land and required to serve landowners, which was officially abolished in 1861 but had lasting impacts on Russian society.