Major 20th Century Russian Novels around 1957

The 19th century Russian literature was an important period in the history of Russian literature. During this period, literary styles underwent many changes and some important literary schools appeared. The main representatives of Russian literature in the 19th century were Chekhov, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and others. Chekhov's works focused on describing social life and people's lives, emphasizing the refinement and expressiveness of short stories. He was known as the "father of Russian novels." Tolstoy's works, on the other hand, described war, aristocratic life, and human nature. His works were grand and full of depth of thought, and he was known as the "master of Russian literature." Dostoevsky's works explored the complexity of human nature and guilt. The characters in his works were profound and infectious. The representative works of 19th-century Russian literature include War and Peace, Crime and Punishment, and The Brothers Karamazov. These works had a profound influence on Russian literature and world literature, and became classics in the history of Russian literature.

One of the best is 'Doctor Zhivago' by Boris Pasternak. It beautifully portrays the life in Russia during the revolutionary period. The love story of Zhivago and Lara is intertwined with the historical events. Another great one is 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov. It's a complex and satirical work, full of magical realism elements. And 'Cancer Ward' by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is also notable. It shows the life in a Soviet hospital, while also making profound statements about society.

They often have complex characters. For example, in 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky, Raskolnikov is a deeply troubled and multi - faceted character. The novels also tend to explore big social and moral issues, like the divide between the rich and the poor, and the nature of sin and redemption.

A common theme is the changing concept of the American Dream. In many novels, like Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath', the dream of prosperity and a better life is shattered by economic hardships and social inequalities. The Joad family's struggle during the Dust Bowl era shows how difficult it was for ordinary people to achieve their dreams.

One major theme is the disillusionment after the World Wars. Novels often showed the shattered hopes and the psychological trauma of the people. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', the horror of war was vividly depicted.

Caste and class differences are also significant themes. Novels like 'Untouchable' by Mulk Raj Anand highlight the plight of the lower castes in India. These works aim to create awareness and bring about social change. They show how the caste system affects every aspect of people's lives, from their opportunities to their relationships. In addition, the theme of love often intersects with caste, creating complex and often tragic storylines.

One major trend was the exploration of the human psyche. Writers like Virginia Woolf delved deep into the inner thoughts and feelings of characters. Another trend was the reaction to modernity. Many novels showed the impact of industrialization and urbanization on individuals and society. Also, the use of experimental narrative techniques, such as stream - of - consciousness, became popular.

One major theme was social class. Novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen explored the differences between the upper and middle classes, showing how class influenced relationships and social mobility.

Boris Pasternak is a notable author. He wrote 'Doctor Zhivago', which is famous for its exploration of love and the impact of historical events on individuals. Mikhail Bulgakov is another. His 'The Master and Margarita' is a unique blend of the supernatural and the historical in a Russian context.

One important Russian novel from around 1957 might be Boris Pasternak's 'Doctor Zhivago'. It is known for its complex portrayal of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. The novel shows the impact of the political upheavals on the lives of ordinary people. It has vivid descriptions of the Russian landscape and the inner turmoil of the characters, which is characteristic of many great 20th - century Russian novels.