Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Setting
"Absurdistan" is set in both Russia and New York City in modern day time. Misha lives in Russia until he is sent off to college in New York. The bustle and modern mentality of New York felicitates Misha and discourages him from returning to Russia. At the time "Absurdistan" takes place, Russia is experiencing an major influential culture shift. This change alone, however, is not enough to keep Misha in Russia. Now that Misha has experienced the diffused culture in New York City, he wants nothing more than to return to Rouenna and New York City itself. Russia's outdated culture proves to be too depressing and boring for Misha, despite Russia's transition into a more modern society. Misha truly desires the "ghetto life" that Manhattan has to offer, and not Russia's old, strict social class. But maybe Misha's real desire for New York City is more than the culture, and really just a way out of his corrupted Russian life.
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When does Absurdistan take place?
ReplyDeleteIt seems like Russia during the book is becoming Americanized and Misha for some reason hates that, that is happening. Yet Misha also loves America. Misha is a very confusing character who doesn't seem to know what he wants. I agree with you that Misha really just wants to escape from the world of Russian polotics.
I would say the shift you mention is from the communism of the USSR to the illicit capitalism of today's Russia. It seems like Misha doesn't want this shift because, while there are many more freedoms, it is theose who are wililng to lie, cheat and steal who reap the benefits of these freedoms, like Misha's father.
ReplyDeleteWell, you can't really say that Russia is being modernized if nothing seems to be happening. Misha describes how bad the situation is and how caapitalism did not solve anything. Also, it seems tha Misha is at the top of Russia's social class, so he would probably enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI would argure what Misha truly desires is a fusion between the two. When Rouenna was in russia misha seemed very happy. I think misha wants amercia in russia so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lars - Misha wants elements of both settings. He wants his Russian pride and nationalism but he also wants the higher quality life of America. However, he can't have both so he is torn. He can't get a visa anyways so he really has no choice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments that Misha doesn't only love Russia and the U.S.A, he loves parts of them both. He would be unhappy with one and not the other.
ReplyDeleteI like the comments on modernization. It's like someone thought it would be a good idea to modernize and everyone else was just supposed to know what to do. It's like asking Shakespeare to abandon iambic pentameter in favor of text speak. Sure they could do it, and some try to fit in with the rest of the world, but not everyone wants the new. They're fine with they way things are.
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