This classic novel tells the story of the Golovlev family, a wealthy and powerful clan in 19th-century Russia. Author Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov offers a scathing critique of Russian society and the corrupt nobility that ruled it. With vivid characters and a richly detailed setting, The Golovlev Family is a masterpiece of 19th-century literature that still resonates with readers today.
The narrative centers on the Golovlyov family, an aristocratic clan marked by moral decay and a relentless pursuit of wealth. Porfiry Golovlyov, a tyrannical landowner, drives the family's fate, embodying the corruption and ethical bankruptcy prevalent among the nobility. Through sharp satire and irony, Saltykov critiques the oppressive Russian autocracy, the exploitation of peasants, and the moral failings of the elite. This dark portrayal highlights the consequences of unchecked privilege and serves as a powerful commentary on 19th-century Russian society.
From The Memoirs Of The Retired Conseiller De Cour Stchedrin Saltikow (1861)
Set in 19th-century provincial Russia, this collection of sketches reveals the inner workings of bureaucracy through the eyes of retired court counselor Stchedrin Saltikow. With a blend of satire and humor, the author Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov critiques the corruption and incompetence prevalent among officials, highlighting their impact on everyday lives. This classic work not only entertains but also offers a critical perspective on the social and political realities of the time, making it a significant contribution to Russian literature.
In der fiktiven Chronik der Stadt Dumburg kritisiert Saltykow soziale Missstände und beleuchtet das Leben spießiger Beamter sowie träger Bürger. Die skurrilen Charaktere und absurden Ereignisse schaffen eine groteske Welt ohne echte Geschichte. Saltykows Einfallsreichtum beeinflusste später Satiriker wie Soschtschenkow und Bulgakow.
In der fiktiven Chronik der nicht verzeichneten Stadt Dumburg kritisiert Saltykow soziale Missstände und spießige Beamte. Die skurrilen Charaktere, darunter ein General mit Zinnsoldaten, zeigen die Trägheit und Naivität der Bürger. Die Geschichte endet abrupt, während Saltykows Einfallsreichtum die Satire prägt.
