10 - Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov

from Oblomov · host Ivan Goncharov

Dive into the world of Oblomov, the renowned novel by Russian author Ivan Goncharov, first published in 1859. At its heart lies Oblomov, a character often regarded as the epitome of the superfluous man, a poignant symbol in 19th-century Russian literature. This young, kind-hearted nobleman struggles with the simplest of lifes decisions and actions, having been so pampered in his youth that he can hardly manage even the most basic tasks. In his restless dreams, he confronts the term Oblomovstchina (Oblomovism), which encapsulates his deep-seated awareness of his own paralysis in the face of lifes challenges. This captivating novel serves as a biting satire of the Russian nobility at a time when their societal role was under scrutiny, and it is from this work that the term Oblomovstchina was coined, forever altering the Russian lexicon. (Summary by Wikipedia and Kevin Davidson) Note This 1915 edition was abridged by the translator.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 19, 2025

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10 - Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov

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Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov (1812 - 1891) LibriVox Oblomov is the best known novel by Russian writer Ivan Goncharov, first published in 1859. Oblomov is also the central character of the novel, often seen as the ultimate incarnation of the superfluous man, a symbolic character in 19th-century Russian literature. Oblomov is a young, generous nobleman who seems incapable of making important decisions or undertaking any significant actions. Spoiled as a child to the point of not even being able to put on his own socks, Oblomov is unprepared to deal with the smallest difficulty of adult life. In his fevered dreams he sees the words "Oblomovstchina" ("Oblomovism" or in this translation "the disease of Oblomovka") in flaming letters on the ceiling putting a name to the disability of which he is all too aware.This romantic novel was considered a satire of Russian nobility whose social and economic function was increasingly in question in mid-nineteenth century Russia, and from it the word "Oblomovstchina" entered the Russian vocab Burak's podcast Oblomov Precipice, The by Ivan Goncharov (1812 - 1891) LibriVox The Precipice is a story of the romantic rivalry among three men, condemning nihilism as subverting the religious and moral values of Russia. It was originally published in 1869 in Vestnik Evropy. Later critics came to see it as the final part of a trilogy, each part introducing a character typical of Russian high society of a certain period: first Aduev ("A Common Story"), then Oblomov ("Oblomov"), and finally Raisky, a gifted man, his artistic development halted by "lack of direction". According to scholar S. Mashinsky, as a social epic, The Precipice was superior to both A Common Story and Oblomov. Goncharov considered The Precipice to be his best work, in which he managed to realize his artistic ambition to the full. "Dreams and aspirations of Raisky for me sound like a sonorous chord, praising a Woman, Motherland, God and love," he wrote in a letter to Mikhail Stasyulevich. ( summary by tovarisch, based on Wikipedia articles) Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov Loyal Books Oblomov is the best known novel by Russian writer Ivan Goncharov, first published in 1859. Oblomov is also the central character of the novel, often seen as the ultimate incarnation of the superfluous man, a symbolic character in 19th-century Russian literature. Oblomov is a young, generous nobleman who seems incapable of making important decisions or undertaking any significant actions. Spoiled as a child to the point of not even being able to put on his own socks, Oblomov is unprepared to deal with the smallest difficulty of adult life. In his fevered dreams he sees the words "Oblomovstchina" ("Oblomovism" or in this translation "the disease of Oblomovka") in flaming letters on the ceiling putting a name to the disability of which he is all too aware.This romantic novel was considered a satire of Russian nobility whose social and economic function was increasingly in question in mid-nineteenth century Russia, and from it the word "Oblomovstchina" entered the Russian vocabulary.

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