TL;DR
Doctor Zhivago is a sweeping epic that follows the life of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet, against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and Civil War. The novel explores themes of love, loss, history, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst political and social upheaval.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Boris Pasternak (1890-1960) was a Russian poet, novelist, and literary translator. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958, but was forced to decline it due to pressure from the Soviet government. Pasternak’s writing is characterized by its lyricism, philosophical depth, and exploration of the human condition.
Key Takeaways
The Russian Revolution and Civil War
The novel provides a vivid portrayal of the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution and subsequent Civil War, depicting the social and political upheaval that shaped the lives of millions.
Yuri Zhivago: Physician and Poet
The protagonist, Yuri Zhivago, is a complex and conflicted character who embodies the tensions between intellectualism and political engagement, personal desires and societal expectations.
Lara Antipova: The Love Interest
Lara Antipova, a strong and independent woman, becomes the object of Yuri’s affection and represents an idealized vision of love and beauty.
Love and Loss
The novel explores the themes of love and loss in various forms, including romantic love, familial bonds, and the loss of innocence and ideals.
The Search for Meaning
Amidst the chaos and suffering of war and revolution, the characters grapple with existential questions about the meaning of life, the nature of humanity, and the role of the individual in history.
The Power of Art and Nature
Pasternak’s evocative descriptions of nature and Yuri’s poetry serve as symbols of beauty, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Individual vs. Society
The novel explores the conflict between individual freedom and the demands of society, particularly in the context of the totalitarian Soviet regime.
The Legacy of the Past
The characters are haunted by the ghosts of the past, and the novel reflects on the enduring impact of history and tradition on the present.
FAQ about Doctor Zhivago
What is the historical context of Doctor Zhivago?
Doctor Zhivago is set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Civil War, which lasted until 1922. The novel depicts the social, political, and economic upheaval that transformed Russia during this period.
Who is the main character of Doctor Zhivago?
The protagonist of the novel is Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet who witnesses the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution and Civil War.
What are the main themes of Doctor Zhivago?
Doctor Zhivago explores themes of love, loss, history, the resilience of the human spirit, the search for meaning, the power of art and nature, and the conflict between the individual and society.
Doctor Zhivago Quotes
- ”Man is born to live, not to prepare for life."
- "Poetry is everywhere. It is in the air we breathe, in the sounds we hear, in the sights we see."
- "The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.”