Poor poor Misha, Misha is a tragic character disguised as a simple fool. He is in many comical and risque situations in this book and sadly he is not allowed to go to the one place he loves: America. Misha isn't allowed to enter the United States or for that matter the EU so he is stuck in a country that has nothing for him. His father brought this fate upon poor Misha by killing a Oklahoman business man. I wonder if the reader is supposed to feel sorry for Misha more than laugh at him, he finds himself at the mercy of other people often whether it is the "kindness" of Oleg the Moose or seduced by his father's widow Lyuba. Rouenna, Misha's girlfriend appears to be his only beacon of hope but even that relationship appears to be going south with the introduction of Professor Shteynfarb. The professor appears to be a slimy antagonist who is a leech upon society, he obviously convinces Rouenna to leave Misha by trashing him (which you can see in the letter involving throwing a shoe at Misha's servants) and he also according to Misha just tries to play the immigrant card to gain the sympathy and money of other people. Through Misha's eyes. Misha is an idealistic character who wants to change the way things are for his own satisfaction by alluding to the creation of a charity called "Misha's Children". He obviously is ignorant to the way the world works because he barges into the U.S. consulate and expects to be allowed into the states. Misha is also a very silly character this is shown by his love for American popular culture and his habit of rapping with Aloysha-Bob. I also think that Misha is in love with both Soviet Russian and America but hates the current Capitalist Russia, he seems to be stuck in between the poles of Capitalism and Communism but he hates the economic system that is between the two.
One thing that I don't really like about this book is Misha is constantly depressed about something, his depression leads to much of the comedy but I hope that the whole book doesn't have to do with him munching an Ativan.
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I like a lot of what you said especially how Misha is caught between two worlds. It will be interesting to see Misha and the professor face off in anyway once it happens.
ReplyDeleteI think the only reason Misha really loves the Soviet Republic and Communism is that he never actually lived through it. This might be part of the point Shteyngart is trying to make with his parody. The USSR is romantacised in the eyes of Runssians becasue they think it was better than it really was.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Misha can be described as 'a simple fool'. Naive and childless, yes, but Misha is far from a flat character. At first I didn't agree with you about Misha being tragic but there are definitely major examples (death of father, not being allowed visa, ect.) of tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI like the comment about Misha being caught between Soviet Russia/Communism/Capitalism. Though he might at heart actually have a preference, I think Misha would complain about any system that exists. Think about it. Misha is filthy rich, so why would he care about the economic system that exists? He complains often, and is never really happy with the existing system, because of the gripe he has against the US government.
ReplyDeleteI agree with John, I don't think that Misha is a simple fool. Things happen to him that are beyond his control, although he does have weakness for food. I do agree that he is a tragic character though. His Papa getting whacked and his inability to return to the U.S. make his life all the more difficult.
ReplyDeleteThats an interesting point you make, CHARLES, i think he does like the USSR. Even now it has a sort of Romantic appeal to it, and perhaps it also has to do with his father. his father lived in the USSR (CCCP excuse me) and all things Papa are Beloved, no? But, as my own DEVIL'S ADVOCATE, Misha's father (and his fellow felons) rebelled against the USSR by being criminals.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Misha is caught between America and Russia and I feel it is kind of sad that he can't go to the one place he loves, America.
ReplyDeleteI think we are meant to pity him because he is a weak character with no resolve. But that doesnt mean that we cant laugh at him. also on an interesting note. the professors name is Jerry Shteynfarb and the authors name is Gary Shteyngart
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