Vronsky's Finances

Tue Feb 14 14:35:07 UTC 2006

There is one further point: I seem to remember from the dim and distant days when I studied Russian literature learning that Tolstoi was not the most over-scrupulous of writers when it came to observing the conventions of narrative consistency.

John Dunn. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Inna Caron <caron.4 at OSU.EDU>
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2006 09:20:56 -0500
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Vronsky's Finances

I agree with Yevgeny's assessment of Vronsky's ethics, and the
improbability of his backing out on the inheritance deal. I have to add,
though, that the idea of living off shtoss winnings also seems a bit
unlikely.

Remember the discussion in "Uncle Vanya" - what is considered "strained
means" by Petersburg standards is more than enough to maintain
lascivious lifestyle in the country. It is Vronsky's country estate that
strikes Dolly's (and, I supposed, the student readers') imagination,
isn't it?

-----Original Message-----
From: Slavic & East European Languages and Literature list
[mailto:SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU] On Behalf Of Slivkin, Yevgeny
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2006 7:23 PM
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Vronsky's Finances

Dear Professor Wanner,

My dissertation relates to the reflections of the Medieval Code of
Chivalry
in Russian literature of the 19th century. I view Vronsky as an
exemplary
upholder of the Russian military nobleman's code of honor. Even his
attempted suicide, as I argue in my dissertation, should be read in the
context as an "American duel" with Karenin (when two adversaries draw
lots
and the one who loses is obliged to shoot himself; ironically, in
America in
the 19th century this was called a "Russian duel"). It seems to me
unlikly
that Vronsky reneged on his deal with his brother.

There are some other possible explanations for Vronsky's influx of cash.
Noblemen in the 19th century could often "outrun the constable" (zhit' v
dolg). Or Vronsky could have won the money by playing "shtoss" with a
fellow
officer. The sums one could win or lose in this card game in that milieu
at
that time were fantastic.

Sincerely,

Yevgeny Slivkin 
Defense Language Institute      

-----Original Message-----
From: Slavic & East European Languages and Literature list
[mailto:SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU] On Behalf Of Adrian Wanner
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2006 1:05 PM
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Subject: [SEELANGS] Vronsky's Finances

Dear SEELANGERS,
I am currently teaching Anna Karenina.  Today my students asked me a
question that had me somewhat stomped.  In Part 3, Chapter XIX, we learn
that Vronsky lives on straightened financial means, mainly because the
income from his father's fortune was unequally divided between him and
his
brother.  In addition his mother has cut off her allowance because she
is
angry with him over his liaison with Anna.
However, in the second half of the novel Vronky is obviously flush with
money.  Where does it come from?
I can only think of one explanation: he reneged on the inheritance deal
with
his brother and is now claiming 50% of the income from his father's
fortune.
This is something that before he had explicitly rejected. Tolstoy tells
us
that "he had only to recall his brother's wife, recall how that dear,
sweet
Varya reminded him at every chance that she remembered his generosity
and
appreciated it, to understand the impossibility of taking back what had
been
given.  It was as impossible as stealing, lying, or striking a woman" 
(Pevear-Volokhonsky translation, p.304).
If Vronsky did indeed "betray" his brother and sister-in-law and his own
honor code, Tolstoy never tells us so.  In fact, his brother doesn't
seem to
be particularly mad at him.
Does anyone have a better explanation?
Thanks,
Adrian Wanner
--
*****************************************************************
Adrian J. Wanner
Head, Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures
Professor
of Russian and Comparative Literature The Pennsylvania State University
313 Burrowes Building
University Park, PA 16802

Tel. (814) 865-5481
Fax  (814) 863-8882

http://german.la.psu.edu

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John Dunn
SMLC (Slavonic Studies)
University of Glasgow
Hetheringon Building
Bute Gardens
Glasgow G12 8RS
U.K.

Tel.: +44 (0)141 330 5591
Fax: +44 (0)141 330 2297
e-mail: J.Dunn at slavonic.arts.gla.ac.uk

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