Russian Gentlemen Analysis

The difference between Pechorin and Maxim Maximych is profound. When talking about a ‘Russian gentlemen’ it becomes easier to spot the differences. If we look at the definition of a Russian gentlemen ‘A man of calm demeanour, strong preserve, intellectual thinking, polite yet meaningful speak and a good upbringing. A fighter for the cause of right with words, not guns.’ Pechorin does apply some of these traits but he doesn't qualify as a ‘gentlemen’. For example, he had a very good upbringing, he is very intellectual as he views everything with a different mindset and almost too bored with life, always wanting more. But then you would argue that he isn't a ‘A fighter for the cause of right with words, not guns’ Pechorin prefers his guns. Pechorin isn’t a man with the calmest demeanour. It’s not that he’s an aggressive irritated man but he looses interest very quickly. Now if we look at Maxim Maximych, he’s more of a gentlemen than Pechorin. Maxim Maximych …show more content…
I believe Lermontov presents Pechorin as an antithesis of a Russian gentlemen because Pechorin’s character is a contradiction. He is both sensitive and cynical. He has the tendency of extreme arrogance, for example “What of it? If I die, I die. It will be no great loss to the world, and I am thoroughly bored with life. I am like a man yawning at a ball; the only reason he does not go home to bed is that his carriage has not arrived yet.” This does not hit the criteria on being a gentlemen, but it does work on being an antithesis of a gentlemen. For example, Pechorin treats women as an incentive for endless conquests and does not consider them worthy of any particular respect. This does not work also as a gentlemen. Lermontov presented him in this way because he’s trying to show the boredom these young adults would have when they returned from the army. This was because of the difference in social classes back in this time in