Monday, February 23, 2009
Misha Vainburg
Misha Vainburg, the main character in "Absurdistan," is a wealthy and overweight Russian man. Misha lives in his home country until he is 18, when he is sent off to Accidental College in New York City. While in New York, Misha experiences the ugly American culture, but he seems to adapt well. He hooks up with a bartender in an unpleasant bar and their relationship immediately takes off. Although some of Misha's thoughts and actions may be foul and inappropriate, the soft side of Misha shows up several times. An example of Misha's soft and caring side is when he sees some kindergartners walking across a street in Russia. Misha instantly feels bad for the lower class children because he realizes how fortunate he really is. The father and girlfriend of Misha are well cared for too, as Misha constantly purchases goods for his loved ones. Misha's vile but seemingly affectionate personality makes for an amusing character in "Absurdistan."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Misha is a very lovable character because in many ways he's like a child, I like the way you described Misha's personality as vile because in many ways that fits him.
ReplyDeleteI think it is strange that Misha pities these schoolchildren when he is so pitiable himself. Despite their lower class backgrounds, I think some of those children might turn out better than Misha. At least they probably won't be able to afford being 325 pounds.
ReplyDeleteI think you go too far when you describe Misha as 'vile'. He has many unattractive personality traits, but I wouldn't describe him as 'vile'. Misha has adapted so well to American culture that he likes it more then Russian.
ReplyDeleteOk, Misha isn't 'vile', but he has some moments that are pretty disturbing. The fish-orgasm scene... the plastered-against-the-glass-of-his-apartment-naked scene (either I'm imagining that scene or I'm trying not to picture it)... the list goes on. And the idea of Accidental College makes me laugh. A school for rich kids... wait a minute...
ReplyDeleteYeah I think that Misha has a soft side as well. If you're rich like Misha and think of helping little kids then you know you've got compassion. I think that his foul actions are just to cope with his problems. He tries to distract himself so that he doesn't have to face them.
ReplyDelete