Reading list: Russian Literature 
Russian literature is world-renowned for its profound psychological depth, philosophical exploration of morality, and intense realism, peaking during the 19th-century "Golden Age". Key figures like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov defined the genre, addressing existential questions, social change, and the human condition.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica
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Key Authors and Masterpieces
Leo Tolstoy: Known for epic realism, War and Peace and Anna Karenina.
Fyodor Dostoevsky: Explored psychological turmoil and morality, Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov.
Anton Chekhov: Master of the short story and drama, The Seagull and Uncle Vanya.
Alexander Pushkin: Often considered the founder of modern Russian literature.
Nikolai Gogol: Known for satire and the surreal, Dead Souls.
Ivan Turgenev: Fathers and Sons.
20th Century: Mikhail Bulgakov (The Master and Margarita), Vladimir Nabokov, and Boris Pasternak.
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Core Themes and Characteristics
The "Big Three": Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov form the backbone of the classical canon.
Existentialism & Psychology: Deep dives into guilt, redemption, faith, and the nature of good and evil.
Social Reality: Often reflects harsh realities, political unrest, and the divide between Western ideas and traditional Russian life.
Length and Depth: Classic works are often long, detailed, and philosophical, such as War and Peace.
Medium
Medium
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Key Periods
Golden Age (19th Century): Poetry and prose flourished, setting the standard for global literature.
Silver Age (Early 20th Century): A surge in poetry, including Akhmatova and Blok.
Soviet/Modern Era: Literature influenced by political censorship and socialist realism, as well as dissident literature.
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Commonly Recommended Starting Points
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Psychological drama)
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy (Short, powerful philosophical work)
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (Satire/Fantasy)
Short stories by Anton Chekhov
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