Not to oversimplify it, but most of Russia's upheavals in the early twentieth century had something to do with society, class, wealth, and its distribution. You had the ritzy Tsar and his supporters on one hand, with the liberal democrats on another, and the communists on the third. (Yes, three hands. Politics are the circus freaks. Like on American Horror Story, but with politicians and activists instead of dark, unknowable forces.) In "Speak, Memory," little Vladimir spends the bulk of childhood in the lap of luxury. But his democratic-liberal father makes sure that he's exposed to every part of life. Because of this, we get to see a pretty good cross section of the class issues afoot during this tumultuous time in Russia's history.
Questions About Society & Class
- In the opening chapters of the book, Vladimir can come off as a little bit of a brat. What (if anything) in the text allows a reader to give him empathy?
- Where is conflict between Vladimir's father's political beliefs and his wealth?
- How did Vladimir's loss of wealth allow him to develop as a person?
- A maid took a fistful of jewels for the family, another servant dismantled a car in case they needed it later. A third refused to surrender the Nabokov boys' bicycles. What can the servants' behavior toward the Nabokovs' exile tell us about their character?
Chew on This
Lenski's evolution from radical objector to businessman reveals a lot about Russian society.
Wealth isn't just being able to buy things. It also means freedom and agency.