Seven Russian Archetypes: Recurring Types in Russian History and Culture

Seven Russian Archetypes is a description of seven seminal Russian figures: the Victim (zhertva), the Fool (iurodivyi), the Rebel or the Bandit (buntar' ili razboinik), the Wanderer (strannik), the Mother (mat'), the Peasant (muzhik), and the Intellectual (intelligent). Drawing from Russian history, folklore, literature, visual arts, and religion, these seven profiles are analyzed and presented in vivid and evocative detail. The seven portraits help to explain the Russian character and especially the groundedness of Russian culture in Orthodox Christianity. Many experts on Russian politics, business and culture, as well as admirers of Russian spirituality are aware of different features, both favorable and condescending, which display Russian mentality and temperament such as paternalism, messianism, collectivism, poor ability for self-organization, dogmatism, tendency toward asceticism and the penchant to bear suffering, radicalism, and inclination to extremes. From an external point of view, this is all accurate to a certain extent; nevertheless, these features explain neither the origin nor motivation behind the most evident behavioral manifestations. The more profound characteristics can be found only on the level of internal representations, which can best be revealed in symbols and archetypal characters. Seven Russian Archetypes explains these fundamental Russian symbols.

Author: Svetozar Postic
Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers
Published: 10/09/2023
Pages: 184
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.56lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.39d
ISBN13: 9781666782257
ISBN10: 1666782254
BISAC Categories:
- History | Russia | General
- Literary Criticism | Russian & Soviet