Oblomov (eBook)

Ivan Goncharov (1812-1891) was a notable Russian novelist of the 19th century, esteemed for his keen social and psychological insight. Born in Simbirsk (now Ulyanovsk), Goncharov was educated at Moscow University before embarking on a career in civil service, which allowed him ample time to dedicate to his literary endeavors. He is best known for his novel 'Oblomov' (1859), a seminal work that not only gained him literary fame but also provided an archetype for Russian culture—the 'Oblomovshchina,' epitomizing the inertia and apathy of the Russian landed gentry. The protagonist, Il'ya Ilyich Oblomov, spends the majority of the novel in a state of existential paralysis, symbolizing the social and spiritual stagnancy that Goncharov perceived in the aristocracy of his time. 'Oblomov' embodies his literary style, characterized by its narrative depth, introspective focus, and realism, inspiring later writers and reflecting the complicated transition of Russia towards modernity. Goncharov's contribution to literature extended beyond 'Oblomov'; his travelogue 'The Frigate Pallada' and his other novels 'A Common Story' (1847) and 'The Precipice' (1869) also demonstrate his talent for contemplative exploration of character and society. Goncharov's oeuvre offers a rich depiction of the human spirit, as well as the cultural and historical milieu of Russia during his lifetime.