"Since human laughter served, in a sense, as Dostoevsky's model, the author pays some heed to the highly controversial subject of real-life laughter, along with the leading theories that seek to elucidate its causes and implications.".
Tapping into the emergence of scholarly comedy studies since the 2000s, this collection brings new perspectives to bear on the Dostoevskian light side. Funny Dostoevksy demonstrates how and why Dostoevsky is one of the most humorous 19th-century authors, even as he plumbs the depths of the human psyche and the darkest facets of European modernity. The authors go beyond the more traditional categories of humor, such as satire, parody, and the carnivalesque, to apply unique lenses to their readings of Dostoevsky. These include cinematic slapstick and the body in Crime and Punishment, the affective turn and hilarious (and deadly) impatience in Demons, and ontological jokes in Notes from Underground and The Idiot. The authors – (coincidentally?) all women, including some of the most established scholars in the field alongside up-and-comers – address gender and the marginalization of comedy, culminating in a chapter on Dostoevsky's "funny and furious" women, and explore the intersections of gender and humor in literary and culture studies. Funny Dostoevksy applies some of the latest findings on humor and laughter to his writing, while comparative chapters bring Dostoevsky's humor into conjunction with other popular works, such as Chaplin's Modern Times and Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton. Written with a verve and wit that Dostoevsky would appreciate, this boldly original volume illuminates how humor and comedy in his works operate as vehicles of deconstruction, pleasure, play, and transcendence.
Profane Challenge and Orthodox Response in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment presents for the first time an examination of this great novel as a work aimed at winning back “target readers”, young contemporary radicals, from Utilitarianism, nihilism, and Utopian Socialism. Dostoevsky framed the battle in the context of the Orthodox Church and oral tradition versus the West. He relied on knowledge of the Gospels as text received orally, forcing readers to react emotionally, not rationally, and thus undermining the very basis of his opponents’ arguments. Dostoevsky saves Raskol’nikov, underscoring the inadequacy of rational thought and reminding his readers of a heritage discarded at their peril. This volume should be of special interest to secondary and university students, as well as to readers interested in literature, particularly, in Russian literature, and Dostoevsky.
Recognizing "a playful spirit" as part of our human makeup, Conrad Hyers shows how laughter and humor are integral to our serious study of the Bible. He opens the joy of understanding the Bible in its fullness. With the darker realities of the Bible -- sin, suffering, and death -- there coexists a lighter side -- laughter, humor, and playfulness. Competent biblical study requires both perspectives. This highly readable, preachable, and teachable work gives ministers, students, lay readers a valuable tool for recovering the spirit and offers a chance to share in the celebration of life and the divine comedy of faith, hope, and love.
Covers writers from the ancient Greeks to 20th-century authors. Includes biographical-bibliographical entries on nearly 500 writers and approximately 550 entries focusing on significant works of world literature. Each author entry provides a detailed overview of the writer's life and works. Work entries cover a particular piece of world literature in detail.
The Giants of Russian Literature: The Greatest Russian Novels, Stories, Plays, Folk Tales & Legends' encapsulates an unprecedented span of Russian literary achievement, weaving through the transformative arcs of realism, romanticism, and the philosophical introspection characteristic of Russia's literary evolution. This anthology is meticulously curated, offering a spectrum from the dense, existential inquiries of Dostoevsky to the nuanced, social narratives of Chekhov, and the fantastical realms envisioned by Pushkin. The diversity in literary styles, from the poignant short stories of Saki (H.H. Munro) to the grand, epic novels and plays that have defined the ethos of an era, demonstrates the rich tapestry of Russian and related cultures contributions to global literature. The collective works included stand as a testament to the depth and variety of human experience as depicted in literary form, with each piece selected for its timeless relevance and profound impact. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology, leaders amongst the pantheon of Russian literary figures, bring a breadth of cultural, historical, and political context to the fore. Such variety encapsulates pivotal moments in literary and world history, from the intricacies of Tsarist Russia to the turbulent shifts of the Soviet era and beyond. The assembly of authors like Tolstoy, Gorky, and Andreyev, alongside less universally recognized yet equally pivotal figures such as Korolenko and Garshin, offers a panoramic view of the seismic shifts in literary expression and the socio-political undercurrents of their times. Their lives and works serve as prisms through which the broader narratives of Russian and global history can be explored, enriching the anthology with layers of complexity and insight. This anthology is not just a collection of significant works; it is a gateway to exploring the soulful depths, philosophical ponderings, and the reckonings with the human condition that Russian literature so adeptly explores. It invites readers into a rich dialogue across time and space, encouraging a deep and nuanced understanding of the themes that pervade Russian literary history. 'The Giants of Russian Literature' is an essential volume for anyone keen to immerse themselves in the profound narratives and diverse voices that have shaped not only Russian literature but also the world literary landscape. Its educational value and the breadth of insights it offers make it an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts eager to explore the complexities of life and humanity through the lens of one of the worlds most prolific literary traditions.