A Tale of Russian Love – Amidst War
Boris Pasternak’s Dr Zhivago is a classic which was denied publication in Russia – then USSR, the author who was one of the prosecuted many under Stalin’s hegemonic regime, this novel created furor and was considered to be his Masterpiece. The book was first published in Italy in 1957; in 1958 it won the Nobel Prize for Literature, but the author was forced to give up the Prize due to Soviet criticism. The novel was subsequently published in Russia in the year 1987 and today its popularity cannot be suppressed. There is also a movie edition of this classic.
A peep into the Russian History:
After the world famous Bolshevik revolution - overthrow of Tsar of Russia, Marxist (Lenin) seized the power. The Bolsheviks changed their name into Communist Party and then the Soviet Union was formed in the year 1922. After the death of Lenin – Stalin, the dictator came to power. He either killed or exiled the old Bolsheviks and in the 1930’s he began the Great Purges suppressing political movements, executing and exiling almost all who opposed him – even the freedom of speech was restrained. The emergence of World War II made Stalin enter into pact with Germany- Poland was shared – because of which there happened large ethnic cleansing- remember the Jews in Russia.... Amidst this background was this novel written. (Details from en.wikepedia.org
Dr Zhivago:
The novel revolves around Yuri Zhivago, the protagonist – giving only the outline- Yuri Zhivago is medical officer enrolled in the army but also a vivid poet- In the town where he is stationed he meets Lara (already married) – falls in love with her – though already he is married and has children- onset of war- Yuri and his family move to another place- there he meets Lara again – the immortal affair begins-Yuri captured by army- remains in the army as medical officer till the war ends (War between Tsars and Bolsheviks[communists) – returns after War – spends time with Lara – his family exiled to Paris- Lara goes elsewhere and Yuri returns to Moscow – meets Marina – has children – he dies- Lara comes for funeral (accidental) – she absconds – Zhivago’s old friends meet Lara and Yuri’s daughter during the world war II.
(Note: For Lara – her husband- her uncle –and Zhivago’s family details – Read the novel).
Why did it become a classic?
Yuri Zhivago and Lara’s love is a symbol of hope amidst futility. The aspect of love here makes one forget that there is actually war going on nearby –Love knows no time and moreover need to belong during these times is necessary to overcome ennui. Zhivago as a medical officer in the army is separated from his family, Lara’s husband is missing, and now these two find solace in each other and love sincerely. Their Love is strong and it is able to survive even in absence. Lara’s accidentally coming into a house – where Zhivago’s funeral is happening, is one of the finest portrayals of malady in English Literature - an exceptional portray of the power of True Love despite circumstances.
Lord! Lord! He whispered, and all this is for me? Why hast Thou given me so much? Why hast Thou admitted me to Thy presence, allowed me to stray into Thy world, among Thy treasures, under Thy stars, and to the feet of my luckless, reckless, uncomplaining love, who fills my eyes with perpetual delight?
It is the resurrection of this Love that brings back their daughter Tanya- a laundry girl who tells her story to Zhivago’s friends who at last recognize her during the World War II.
The social aspect of the novel is strikingly bizarre. The onset of civil war separates the family, there is widespread migration as it is depicted through Zhivago and family relocating to another place- the compulsory encryption into the army – Zhivago’s capture in the novel, Lara’s disappearance – which is related to her dying in the concentration camp necessitated by Germany-Russia agreement, the beginning of World War II – and the symbolic surviving hope of the millions is Tanya’s reunion.
The novel captures the succinct of its contemporary times and there lies its greatness
The Light is burning