Sanine: Analysis of Major Characters
"Sanine: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by a group of interconnected individuals influenced by the character Vladimir Petrovitch Sanine. Sanine is depicted as a young man who embraces a philosophy of self-reliance and freedom, often disregarding the consequences of his actions on those around him. His sister, Lidia, is drawn to Sanine's ideals but ultimately suffers from her romantic entanglement with Captain Sarudine, leading to tragic outcomes, including a suicide attempt that Sanine intervenes in. Captain Sarudine, characterized as insensitive and lascivious, faces dire consequences from his actions, culminating in his own suicide. Other characters, such as Dr. Novikoff and Sina Karsavina, navigate their feelings of love and regret amidst the turmoil instigated by Sanine's influence. The narrative also includes the tragic fate of Yourii Svarogitsch, whose struggles with love and societal expectations lead him to take his own life, alongside the despair of Soloveitchik, a Jewish friend of Sanine. This exploration of character dynamics reveals themes of freedom, moral responsibility, and the often devastating impact of personal choices.
Sanine: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mikhail Artsybashev
First published: Sanin, 1907 (English translation, 1915)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Russia
Plot: Philosophical
Time: 1906
Vladimir Petrovitch Sanine (vlah-DIH-mihr peh-TROHvihch SAH-nihn), a young man who believes only in himself. Following his inclinations wherever they take him and claiming the same freedom for others, he influences several people to take actions with tragic consequences, for which he refuses to accept any moral responsibility. Finally, at Yourii Svarogitsch's funeral, he horrifies the townspeople with his insensitivity and hardness of heart. Soon afterward, he leaves the town on a train, from which he jumps to his death.
Lidia (Lida) Petrovna (peh-TROHV-nah), Sanine's sister. Although fearful of her brother's ideas, she is nevertheless attracted to them and, under their influence, gives herself to Captain Sarudine. Expecting her lover's child, she learns that he is through with her. She attempts suicide, from which she is dissuaded by Sanine, who urges her to live and to marry Dr. Novikoff.
Maria Ivanovna (ee-VAH-nohv-nah), Sanine's mother.
Captain Sarudine (sah-REW-din), an insensitive, lascivious officer who seduces Lida Petrovna with no opposition from her free-thinking brother Sanine. When he is ordered from the house by Sanine, he challenges the young man to a duel, but his challenge is refused. Later, when he is knocked down on the street by Sanine, the additional blow to his pride and honor is so great that he hangs himself.
Dr. Novikoff (NOH-vih-kov), Lida Petrovna's sincere but awkward suitor.
Sina Karsavina (SIH-nah kahr-SAH-vih-nah), a young schoolteacher who is in love with Yourii Svarogitsch but is strangely attracted to Sanine, to whom she briefly gives herself. She immediately regrets her surrender.
Yourii Nicolaijevitsch Svarogitsch (YEW-ree nih-kohLAH-yeh-vihch svah-ROH-gihch), a young student in love with Sina Karsavina. Although his need for her is great, the problems with which marriage confront him are so much greater that he takes his own life.
Soloveitchik (soh-loh-VAY-chihk), a Jewish friend of Sanine. He takes his own life.