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#Post#: 237--------------------------------------------------
Is there a literary character that could represent your country?
By: Allie Date: May 2, 2018, 2:53 pm
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Every country has its renowned authors that provide good
literary representations of their nation. Although they are
fictional, they can somehow translate the way a people deal with
reality, strong traits, moral values, etc.
If you had to choose ONE character in the literature of your
country to represent it, who would it be and why?
(Discussion inspired by Natalia)
#Post#: 239--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: Alharacas Date: May 2, 2018, 3:15 pm
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Funny. I thought this was going to be hard, if not impossible to
answer. But actually, it was really easy (took me about 10
seconds): Faust (Goethe).
Faust, striving for knowledge, ends up selling his soul to the
devil.
I think it's not far from the truth that both individually and
as a people, we value, we revere knowledge above all else. But
we also have a fatal tendency to sell our soul - both
individually and collectively - to the devil.
Over to you, Allie - which character from all of the literature
written in Otherian dialect would you choose?
#Post#: 241--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: Allie Date: May 2, 2018, 3:35 pm
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I think a lot of people would disagree with my choice and I
actually gave it some thought, as I know someone by Machado de
Assis would be the obvious answer.
Still, after some reflexion, I'd say Leonardo (the son) of
Memoirs of a Police Sergeant, by Manuel Antônio de Alemeida
(it's one of my favourite books).
This is a book from the transition from Romantism to Realism,
and it's when the Brazilian litearature starts to dare more, use
satire and try more challenging and unusal plots.
Memoirs is a satire, so it should be not taken 100% seriously,
but it's depiction of the society is so funny and absurd that
it's realistic.
Leonardo, even though not ill-intentioned, is always amidst
trouble, making mistakes. He has a good heart, loves life (a bon
vivant), and has that passionate nature that is typical.
#Post#: 242--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: Allie Date: May 2, 2018, 3:44 pm
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[quote author=Alharacas link=topic=39.msg239#msg239
date=1525292100]
Over to you, Allie - which character from all of the literature
written in Otherian dialect would you choose?
[/quote]
It had to be +H@rdycs 5umm4|213z of "CUxL4r g3t @R p4r7I 33(]"
by F4q N3vv Dp|33z
It's a classic and the main character... just crazy!
#Post#: 243--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: nataliestpete Date: May 2, 2018, 4:12 pm
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Thank you for the question Allie...and...oh, boy ::)
As I wrote on Skype, I consider Sonya Marmeladova “Crime
and Punishment” by Feodor Dostoevsky is the embodiment of
the Russian soul (though I don't like Dostoevsky due his
pessimism and depressive-darkness)
Being a highly moral person, Sonya sacrificed herself and became
a prostitute in order to have money and save her family from
hunger. No one is less fit for a life of prostitution than is
Sonya.
Though I was taught at a secondary school that Dostoevsky
considered her behaviour as a crime because trying to save her
family, she crossed her soul or made own its a terrible damage.
I don’t remember this novel in details but I remember that
I was fully disagreed with my teacher’s statement. If
Sonya had had any choice, I’m sure she would have chosen
another way.
The Russian people, from time immemorial, have been deeply
religious Orthodox Christians. The basic postulate of
Christianity (as I understand it) is self-denial, forgiveness
and humility without murmuring. I think that self-sacrifice is
genetically inherent in Russians and thus, it’s
considered as a norm. That we can see at Sonya’s life.
Moreover, our history had been always connected ( or even have
been connected….) with eternal suffering which resulted in
forming empathy with others.
In my opinion, Russian brutality, rudeness, slovenliness as well
as others well- known negative qualities are secondary (though
it’s true). I would say that the core of Russian spirit
has changed dramatically but I do hope not irretrievably. I
have a hope because in a face of a real tragedy like WWII,
despite opposition inside of the country, people shown their
best qualities.
I’m really proud to be a citizen of the hero city. 900
days of the Siege of Leningrad during WWII (St. Petersburg).
Could you imagine that had nothing to eat, some saved works of
art, gave the last piece of bread to those who were on the edge
of death and thereby run the risk of their own lives?
I always pray the Lord save me from such circumstances but if
I had to overcome those or when other people’s lives
depend on me, help me not to be a chicken-heart (= I mean
faintheartedness).
Sorry for such poetic words but this is what I think and
this why I consider Sonya Marmelodova to be real Russian.
#Post#: 250--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: Allie Date: May 3, 2018, 5:26 am
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What an amazing answer, Natalia!
Thank you very much!
This discussion was completely inspired by your comment on Skype
and I thank you for all the background information and the
description you gave of the Russian people.
The history and moral values certainly leave an imprint on a
nation. Russia has such a rich history, it must be really hard
to condense all the main characteristics in one single
character.
Dostoyevski is one of the most respected writers there is and
Crime and Punishment is his most well known work, which makes
Sonya's sacrifiece admired throughout the whole world.
#Post#: 255--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: nataliestpete Date: May 3, 2018, 6:49 am
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Though it was challenging and perhaps I wouldn’t push myself to
think about this topic deeply, I was happy to be motivated by
you, Allie. Thanks
It was also great to show another part of Russians ( as well as
being serious :) ).
I know all our issues, which are partly mine, but Russian spirit
is impressive and strong. .. even though I’m often embarrassed
because of my compatriots behavior.
And:) your words about Russians on Skype when you were talking
with Grzybek -thank you😊❤️.
I do hope more people take part at your discussion.
#Post#: 258--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: nataliestpete Date: May 3, 2018, 12:28 pm
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My hairdresser ( who I’ve just been in touch on Facebook as I
wanted to know her opinion about my view here) is an amazing
professional, a nice and spiritual person.
I still cannot believe how lucky I was to meet her. Her name is
as mine:) Natasha graduated from the St Petersburg State.
University and really well-rounded. She recommended to read “
Forged coupon” by Leo Tolstoy
HTML http://www.mbird.com/2009/11/leo-tostoys-forged-coupon/
In terms
of your discussion.
Btw, if someone is interested in Russian philosophy, my by far
favourite philosopher is Ivan Ilyin. In his book “ Resistance to
evil by force” he criticised Tolstoy’s theory about Christiany
and urged to be active without any inner aggression.
PS I attached one of my hairdo she did))
#Post#: 314--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: nataliestpete Date: May 4, 2018, 12:44 am
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HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1mrkV88IE0&app=desktop
Is she amazing? Anna has a real Russian character. Another part
of us:))) Jerry, we are all for fun;)
#Post#: 445--------------------------------------------------
Re: Is there a literary character that could represent your coun
try?
By: Aliph Date: May 6, 2018, 3:45 pm
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Anna is great! I am a big opera fan and would love to see her
once live.
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