Here we are, on the precipice of Part Two of Doctor Zhivago. Read Chapters 5 and 6, then come back here and answer the following questions. (Instead of a quiz this week, don't forget to check out Part 2 of the Weekly Assignment...)
1. What is the significance of the "mystical" deaf-mute? The villagers see him as a sort-of folk hero or legend, capable of great power. Zhivago, however, is more inclined to be skeptical of him, his role, and his power. How does this relate to the oncoming revolution?
2. Does Zhivago "love" Lara? Or are there other, more complicated emotions involved? He certainly is drawn to her, to the point that Tonya recognizes Lara's sway over Yury even via his letter, but Yury himself does not seem to understand the specifics of her lure. Why is he drawn to her?
3. With the first stirrings of revolution, all the old institutions of Russian society are changing. For example, Galiullin's mother is worried she will be judged by the actions of her son and begs Yury to keep her secret. How has the role of family changed in these trying times?
4. How has the revolution affected the role of wealth in Russian life? How does Zhivago feel about these changes?
5. What questions/concerns do you have? What doesn't make sense? What do you like/dislike about Doctor Zhivago so far?
1. The deaf-mute is a symbol for those who are in support of revolutionary change, like Ustinia. I think part of his legendary status comes from the fact that he was capable of doing so much in Zybushino that his physical impediments should have prevented him from accomplishing. Zhivago's skepticism of him asserts the beliefs he stated during the duck party: the revolution is for the people and will become a natural, unquestionable part of society (or at least that's the vibe I got). Maybe part of the reason why he doesn't look at the deaf-mute like the others is because he believes more significance is being put on him than the Russian people as a whole.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think Zhivago loves Lara or even fully understands his feelings for her. He expresses concern and friendly affection toward her when they're together, but it's nothing that would make him abandon Tonia and his son for a secret love affair. He's interested in Lara because of their past encounters and how circumstance has allowed them to not only meet time and time again, but also get to know each other to the point where he casually mentions her in letters to his wife.
3. The role of family has changed in both good and bad ways. The revolution has split up families, in the case of Lara, Pasha, and Katenka, but also brought them closer together, like for Zhivago and Tonia. Relatives who view the changes occurring in Russia differently are divided based on opinion, despite being within the same family. I guess some people are more concerned with their own ideas of progress, traditions, and survival than the setbacks that come with being related to someone of the opposite view.
4. Even the wealthy are being affected by national change. People are restricted by the winters, battles, and other dangers outside of their doorsteps, and are forced to give up luxury for necessities. Zhivago at one point steals a wooden beam, because it's rare and necessary to keep his family alive. He never would have been faced with such a decision prior to the revolution; however, he must feel these changes are crucial, even with the daily struggles. The changes are to be applied to everyone, including the wealthy, if Russian society is to progress.
5. I still find it frustrating to have to keep track of all the different names one character has, but can see the benefits when understanding Russian culture. Ilike how elements of Lara's former life are introduced to Zhivago; it's like the author is hinting at another meeting soon enough. One thing I don't understand, though, is why Galiullina talks so poorly of her son. Is it because he's a lieutenant instead of a worker? Is she angry at him for leaving, or because he doesn't agree with her view of living?
Maria, your answers help me understand parts of the novel I didn't before. They're all great answers :)
DeleteHmmmm I am also unsure of why Galiullina talks poorly of her son.... Any of the reasons you put may be correct. They make sense.
1. The deaf-mute represents the hope that people have in troubling times. Things are so chaotic that people are putting their faith in legends and magic when before, they would have considered it all nonsense. People want a miracle to happen in bad times and their miracle is the deaf-mute having the gift of speech under inspiration. Zhivago is skeptical of the deaf-mute and thinks he is arrogant and taking advantage of Russia's people.
ReplyDelete2. I do not think that Zhivago loves Lara. Yet. He is merely drawn to her for her looks and her familiarity. He may also be drawn to her simply because he misses his wife and Lara is the woman he spends the most time with now. I think he feels that they have a connection because they keep getting pushed together and he feels there's a reason for it.
3. The role of family has changed in that a lot of families are being separated because of husbands joining the army, just like the Lara, Pasha and Katenka situation. However, the revolution has also improved relationships within families. They do not know if they will lose each other and are desperate to spend as much time with each other as possible. For example, Zhivago is beginning to build a relationship with his son who he never really knew before.
4. The role of wealth in Russia has been affected greatly. Those who were once wealthy, including the Zhivago's, are now poor. People have to give up luxuries such as vodka (imagine that, a Russia with no vodka!) and find it difficult to even obtain necessities. Tonya has to sell bread and trade the cabinet for fire wood. The Zhivago's are a wealthy family and I don't think Yury would ever have seen himself in this situation.
5. I understood mostly everything but I think I need to do a bit of research on the revolution that was occurring at this time. I think it would help me to better understand the thoughts of Zhivago on the society.
You make great points yourself, Scout - isn't it strange that Lara and Zhivago keep randomly crossing paths? They're totally going to end up together in the end (which makes me feel kind of sorry for Tonia). And yeah, haha, Russia and vodka are completely entwined!
Delete1. The deaf-mute being able to speak is like a miracle and miracles are what the Russian people are looking for at this time to solve their problems. He symbolizes hope.
ReplyDelete2. Zhivago feels attached to Lara, but he doesn't really love her. Maybe he feels this way because of all the time he's spent with her.
3. The war and revolution are putting serious strain on family relationships like with Zhivago and his wife. His wife says something in a letter about Lara that supports my point.
4. Wealth isn't very important anymore. People struggle to obtain resources in any way they can. In fact, Zhivago even steals a wooden beam. He doesn't like it one bit.
1. They see the mute-deaf being able to talk as a miracle.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think that Zhivago loves Lara. He remembers her from the past and he feels a connection because they seem to keep running into each other.
3.The war and revolution are putting strains on families.
4. Wealth has been affected greatly. People have lost money and became poor.
5.Remembering the characters names is confusing.