Elucidated throughout the first section, Oblomov is primarily concerned with the inspection of idealized perceptions of events and characters. This idealization of characters and their interactions is seen with particular clarity in the relationship of Oblomov and Olga. The relationship between these two characters is based upon the idealized sex roles that they impose on each other. Just as Oblomov wishes for Olga to conform to his fantasies of a peaceful existence in the country, Olga wishes for Oblomov to assume the role of an ambitious and cerebral man that can guide her intellectually. However it is clear to both Oblomov and Olga that in order for their unique idealizations to come to fruition they must assume the role of the saved and
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Olga is an incredibly intelligent woman who is curious about a multitude of different subjects. Despite her curiosity, she is unable to pursue her interests due to her gender. Olga is intellectually stifled by the stigma that existed in 19th century Russia against the education of women. Thus, in order to assist in her academic endeavors, Olga dreams of a highly cerebral man who could guide her in her intellectual growth. Consequently, as Oblomov and Olga commence their romantic involvement, Olga imposes upon Oblomov’s lackadaisical character the need to be her guide and teacher. Olga’s conception of an ideal husband is revealed through her interactions with Oblomov. As the narrator states, “What [Oblomov] dreaded most was when Olga put some abstruse questions to him and demanded a fully satisfactory answer, as though he were some professor… She sometimes even forgot her aims with regard to Oblomov and was entirely carried away by the question itself”(Goncharov 238). Although Olga has a sincere emotional connection with Oblomov, she often views him more as a teacher or a father than as a lover. She expects him to know all that is necessary to satiate her yearning for knowledge and to be able to concisely and eloquently impart this information to her. Yet, just as Olga does not conform to Oblomov’s idealized vision of a woman, Oblomov …show more content…
Oblomov begins the novel in a state of comatose inertia with little hope of overcoming his indolence to become active in the world. It is clear to all that observe him that if he does not change his lifestyle he will soon die from inactivity. Yet no one takes action until Stolz briefly returns to St. Petersburg at which time he puts Olga in charge of making sure that Oblomov abandons his slothful ways and becomes part of society. Olga is thus assigned the role of the savior, as she is responsible for changing Oblomov’s life for the better. As their relationship blossoms into passionate romance, both characters further embrace their symbiotic roles. Oblomov increasingly finds his identity in Olga and views her as the guiding light of his life, as illustrated when he states “[Life] is there—in your eyes, your smile, in this sprig of lilac, in Casta Diva—it’s all there”(Goncharov 232). Oblomov can no longer love without the influence that Olga exerts upon him. Similarly, Olga falls further into her role as the savior of Oblomov and as the shaper of his future. She tacitly controls Oblomov, leading him in such a way as she sees fits, illustrated by the narrator’s reflection “But [Oblomov] was a kind of Galatea whose Pygmalion she herself had to be”(Goncharov 233). Olga is the sculptor of Oblomov, responsible both for keeping
Olga is an incredibly intelligent woman who is curious about a multitude of different subjects. Despite her curiosity, she is unable to pursue her interests due to her gender. Olga is intellectually stifled by the stigma that existed in 19th century Russia against the education of women. Thus, in order to assist in her academic endeavors, Olga dreams of a highly cerebral man who could guide her in her intellectual growth. Consequently, as Oblomov and Olga commence their romantic involvement, Olga imposes upon Oblomov’s lackadaisical character the need to be her guide and teacher. Olga’s conception of an ideal husband is revealed through her interactions with Oblomov. As the narrator states, “What [Oblomov] dreaded most was when Olga put some abstruse questions to him and demanded a fully satisfactory answer, as though he were some professor… She sometimes even forgot her aims with regard to Oblomov and was entirely carried away by the question itself”(Goncharov 238). Although Olga has a sincere emotional connection with Oblomov, she often views him more as a teacher or a father than as a lover. She expects him to know all that is necessary to satiate her yearning for knowledge and to be able to concisely and eloquently impart this information to her. Yet, just as Olga does not conform to Oblomov’s idealized vision of a woman, Oblomov …show more content…
Oblomov begins the novel in a state of comatose inertia with little hope of overcoming his indolence to become active in the world. It is clear to all that observe him that if he does not change his lifestyle he will soon die from inactivity. Yet no one takes action until Stolz briefly returns to St. Petersburg at which time he puts Olga in charge of making sure that Oblomov abandons his slothful ways and becomes part of society. Olga is thus assigned the role of the savior, as she is responsible for changing Oblomov’s life for the better. As their relationship blossoms into passionate romance, both characters further embrace their symbiotic roles. Oblomov increasingly finds his identity in Olga and views her as the guiding light of his life, as illustrated when he states “[Life] is there—in your eyes, your smile, in this sprig of lilac, in Casta Diva—it’s all there”(Goncharov 232). Oblomov can no longer love without the influence that Olga exerts upon him. Similarly, Olga falls further into her role as the savior of Oblomov and as the shaper of his future. She tacitly controls Oblomov, leading him in such a way as she sees fits, illustrated by the narrator’s reflection “But [Oblomov] was a kind of Galatea whose Pygmalion she herself had to be”(Goncharov 233). Olga is the sculptor of Oblomov, responsible both for keeping