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An In-Depth Exploration of Nikolai Chernyshevsky's Seminal Novel: "What Is to Be Done?"

Gerald Parker

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Nikolai Chernyshevsky, Author Of 'What Is To Be Done?' What Is To Be Done?

Published in 1863, Nikolai Chernyshevsky's "What Is to Be Done?" is a landmark work of Russian literature that has profoundly influenced generations of readers. A blend of utopian socialism, social commentary, and female emancipation, the novel has sparked controversy, inspired revolutionary movements, and shaped literary and political discourse in Russia and beyond.

What Is To Be Done?

by P.G. Van

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	647 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	123 pages
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Historical Context

"What Is to Be Done?" emerged during a tumultuous period in Russian history known as the "Epoch of Great Reforms." Following the abolition of serfdom in 1861, Russia experienced a surge of social and intellectual ferment. Chernyshevsky, a prominent radical thinker and editor of the influential magazine "The Contemporary," played a leading role in the heated debates about the country's future.

The novel reflects the hopes and aspirations of the progressive intelligentsia, who yearned for a more just and egalitarian society. It challenged traditional norms, advocating for women's rights, self-determination, and the pursuit of intellectual freedom.

Literary Analysis

"What Is to Be Done?" is structured as a series of conversations between the novel's main characters, Vera Pavlovna, Dmitri Lopukhov, and Alexander Kirsanov. Vera, a young woman yearning for a life beyond the confines of traditional marriage, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and social transformation. She joins a sewing cooperative and becomes a vocal advocate for women's education and independence.

Lopukhov, a medical student and ardent revolutionary, becomes Vera's mentor and protector. Together, they navigate the challenges of a society steeped in inequality and oppression. Kirsanov, a wealthy landowner, is initially presented as a romantic rival but ultimately becomes an ally in Vera's pursuit of social justice.

Chernyshevsky employs a realistic narrative style, grounding the novel's utopian ideals in the everyday experiences of its characters. He deftly weaves together personal stories with broader social commentary, shedding light on the complexities of Russian society. The novel's central dilemma revolves around the question of what constitutes true happiness and fulfillment. Vera's search for a meaningful life leads her to challenge conventional wisdom and embrace a path of social activism.

Utopian Visions

At the heart of "What Is to Be Done?" lies Chernyshevsky's vision of a utopian society. He presents a detailed description of a future where scientific advancements, communal living, and universal education have created a harmonious and equitable world. This utopian vision serves as a catalyst for Vera's transformation and inspires her to work towards a better future for herself and others.

The novel's utopian ideals have sparked both admiration and critique. While some readers have praised Chernyshevsky's bold imagination and his unwavering belief in human progress, others have criticized the novel's excessive idealization and its neglect of the complexities of human nature.

Themes and Motifs

"What Is to Be Done?" explores a multitude of themes that have resonated with readers over the years. These include:

Female Emancipation: The novel is a powerful advocate for women's rights and education. It challenges the traditional gender roles that confined women to domestic life and promotes the idea of women as independent and self-sufficient individuals.
Social Justice: Chernyshevsky's utopian vision is predicated on the belief that all individuals deserve equal opportunities and that poverty and injustice are preventable. The novel critiques the social inequalities of Russian society and calls for a more just and equitable system.
Revolutionary Ideas: While "What Is to Be Done?" is not explicitly a revolutionary text, it contains subversive ideas that resonated with the radical intelligentsia of the time. The novel's emphasis on self-determination, social activism, and the potential for a better future inspired many young revolutionaries.
Intellectual Freedom: The novel places great emphasis on the importance of intellectual freedom and the pursuit of knowledge. Vera's journey of self-discovery is intertwined with her quest for knowledge and understanding.

Legacy and Impact

"What Is to Be Done?" has had a profound impact on Russian literature and political thought. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the utopian genre and has influenced generations of writers, including Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Vladimir Lenin.

The novel has also played a significant role in the history of revolutionary movements in Russia. Its utopian ideals and critique of social inequality resonated with many young revolutionaries, who saw in it a blueprint for a better future. The novel's message of social justice and the need for radical change continues to inspire activists and revolutionaries to this day.

Nikolai Chernyshevsky's "What Is to Be Done?" is a seminal work of Russian literature that continues to captivate and provoke readers over a century after its publication. As a blend of utopian socialism, social commentary, and female emancipation, the novel offers a powerful critique of the inequalities of its time and a vision of a better future. Its themes of social justice, intellectual freedom, and the pursuit of individual fulfillment resonate with readers today as they did at the time of its publication. "What Is to Be Done?" remains a timely and thought-provoking novel that challenges us to question the status quo and strive for a more just and equitable world.

What Is To Be Done?

by P.G. Van

5 out of 5