The poem "Threshold" by Turgenev is considered one of the most unique and unusual works of the writer. The author’s lyrics are generally diverse in terms of subject matter. However, this work is also distinguished by its original form.
"Threshold" Turgenev: description
This prose poem was written in 1883. The plot of the story was taken from life. Turgeneva was impressed by Vera Zasulich, a participant in the revolutionary movement, who in protest shot three times at the mayor of Trepov and was able to seriously injure him. The woman was outraged by the order of the mayor to carve a revolutionary populist. Zasulich came to Trepov for a reception and shot at him with witnesses. At the trial, the woman was acquitted, and the case itself was widely publicized.
The writer was able to masterfully clothe reality in a poetic form and derive a philosophical meaning, consisting in revolutionary self-denial and sacrifice.
Summary
The poem "Threshold" by Turgenev begins with the phrase "I see a huge building." That is, the main character is watching what is happening from the side. In this building, a door with a high threshold wide open, in front of which stands a “Russian girl”. Behind this door is the impenetrable darkness that "breathes frost." A hollow and slow voice comes from the back of the building.
This voice asks the girl if she really wants to cross the threshold and knows what awaits her. In response, the heroine replies: "I know." Nevertheless, the voice continues to warn: "Hunger, cold ... mockery ... prison ... and death itself." And the girl answers this: "I know." The heroine expresses her willingness to bear all blows, suffering and adversity.
The "threshold" of Turgenev is designed to show the courage and dedication of a revolutionary girl. Therefore, an unknown voice continues to persuade her to leave, because the persecution will be not only from enemies, but also from friends. The heroine already knows about this and is ready for anything. But is she ready for an anonymous sacrifice? To ensure that no one remembered her death? But the girl does not need regrets and thanks, because even on behalf of her she is ready to renounce.
The voice was silent and asked again about whether she knew that she herself could be disappointed in her ideals and lose faith in the right choice. But the heroine answers this: “I know.” Then the voice says: "Enter." And so she crosses the threshold. Following her is heard: "Fool!" And then another voice says: "Holy."
Turgenev's “Threshold”: Analysis
The contemporaries of the writer approached the analysis of the work only from the point of view of describing the feat of a revolutionary woman. But modern literary criticism has other views on this work. They pay special attention to the problem of choice faced by the heroine, to the conflict between idealists and ordinary people.
At the same time, Turgenev himself does not undertake to evaluate the choice of the heroine, providing the reader with a choice. It is not for nothing that at the end two evaluations of her act sound - “holy” and “fool”. This is because the main task of the writer was to show the complexity of the choice and the inner strength of the heroine.
Thus, the “Threshold” of Turgenev is a poem, rather, about the internal struggle of man, and not about revolution and revolutionaries.