The expression "Was there a boy?" quite often found in Russian. We sometimes use it thoughtlessly, sometimes carefully, completely without investing in it the meaning and meaning that were inherent in it initially. This phrase is usually used in similar circumstances, when it implies the presence of some doubt about the existence of a particular object. Thus, we are as if asking others about whether the thing in question really existed.
Sometimes people repeat this expression, referring to themselves. Meanwhile, many people are interested in where the phrase "Was there a boy?" Perhaps it was not invented on purpose and did not at all endow with the meaning and significance that we attach at the present time.
Origin
Maxim Gorky in the novel “The Life of Klim Samghin” tells the story of a man who, after a long period of time, analyzes past events and realizes his guilt. The character does not find a way out of a difficult situation, through his fault a small person dies. It was already impossible to correct the mistake once made, but as a defensive reaction the phrase arises: “Was there a boy?” Thus, the protagonist seeks to justify his own inaction and cowardice. Klim Samghin’s experiences related to the past show how the desire to justify oneself and rationalize any bad deeds is born in a person. The character of the book realizes that he once behaved very unworthy, but he needs to maintain a tolerant attitude towards his own personality.
Researchers in the field of history claim that for the first time this expression was used in relation to Tsarevich Dmitry. Many accused the death of the infant Boris Godunov, to which he openly questioned with the phrase: “Was there a boy? Who said he existed? ” As a result, we still do not know what the real truth of the development of events of the distant past is. That's where the phrase "Was there a boy", so familiar to every person. Currently, people use it in various cases, sometimes completely out of place. It’s just that everyone knows it, and everyone knows her.
Expression of doubt
When people use this expression in their speech, they often do not think about why it is pronounced. What leads them? It just has become a habit. When there is doubt about something, many begin to resort to the use of this particular combination of words, without thinking about where the phrase “Was there a boy?”
The indicated doubt through the use of this phrase most often implies a rhetorical question. That is, no one expects to hear the answer to such a well-known expression. It looks streamlined and holistic enough. It is noticed that when people hear him, they involuntarily begin to smile and grin. Sometimes after pronouncing this phrase, everything said above is perceived easier, it becomes akin to a joke.
Regret
Just as Klim Samghin was tormented by guilty feelings for his long-standing deed, people often resort to the use of this phrase in moments of serious internal torment. It allows them to shut themselves off from their own thoughts, not to hear the anguished voice coming from the depths of the soul. When the problem is already becoming obvious, certain thoughts begin to appear about the correctness of the once made decision. Regret becomes a kind of defensive reaction, allowing at least somehow to alleviate one’s emotional feelings.
If people do not want to discover such an unsightly internal state in front of others, then they immediately come up with an additional excuse, covered in regret. Otherwise, a person could not have lived the rest of existence without a strong remorse.
Guilt
By its nature, it represents a serious burden on the psyche. Actually, guilt is very damaging to a person. When there is no opportunity to somehow rectify the situation, the best qualities begin to be suppressed, since they cannot be realized. Feeling guilty drowns out even incredibly quivering experiences and encourages a person to focus on negative aspects.
Some people with the appearance of a certain dissatisfaction with themselves are trying in every possible way to help other people. This does not support in all cases, especially since a person often begins to take such steps unconsciously.
Instead of a conclusion
Thus, the roots of this expression are deeply historical. Maxim Gorky found excellent use for him in his novel “The Life of Klim Samgin”, whence the phrase “Was there a boy?” and continued its development. Even those who have not read the book are well aware of the meaning of this statement. It just really speaks for itself. Today, the use of this expression is often found in the context of comparative analysis and reflects insecurity in some events of the distant past.