Snowden and Chekhov

Published by

Clarissa

July 24, 2013

Snowden’s Russian lawyer gave him a book by Anton Chekhov to help him learn about Russian habits and traditions. I love Chekhov but I worry for poor Snowden if he expects to find Chekhovian characters and situations in today’s Russia.

Another book the lawyer is giving Snowden is Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. According to the lawyer, Snowden might find it easy to relate to the protagonist.

Yes, Russians will give Snowden asylum but they will get as much fun out of him as they can. This is a culture that hides its intense hostility towards foreigners behind a mask of fake hospitality.

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8 responses to “Snowden and Chekhov”

Shakti

July 24, 2013

Another book the lawyer is giving Snowden is Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. According to the lawyer, Snowden might find it easy to relate to the protagonist.

ROFLMAO. “You think what is doing is right but the guilt will eat you up so much you’ll want to go to prison, like Siberia?” AAHAHAHAHA. That’s some passive aggressiveness from his lawyer right there.

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Stille (@aperfectbalance)

July 24, 2013

I hope Snowden also has a sense of humour.

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el

July 24, 2013

When I tried to read many Anton Chekhov’s short stories in a row, I was becoming depressed, so stopped. “Crime and Punishment” doesn’t sound as not depressing book either, both the subject and the writing style are hard. Poor Snowden, he can’t be too cheerful as it is, even if he created the situation 100% himself (*) . Seriously.

(*) Btw, what has Snowden done it for in your opinion? Does he enjoy his present lifestyle?

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el

July 24, 2013

// I worry for poor Snowden if he expects to find Chekhovian characters and situations in today’s Russia

Could you explain, please?

Chekhov shows bribe takers and a person dying from fear after sneezing on a general in a theater. Isn’t it still relevant? I have a feeling you’ll say Chekhovian characters are too good for Russia today. 🙂

I would give Snowden Kuprin, my favorite Russian author and the least depressing, compared to the other to.

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1. el
  
  July 24, 2013
  
  Meant: compared to the other TWO.
  
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  1. bloggerclarissa
    
    July 24, 2013
    
    Snowden is a regular guy with no education. I’m guessing he has zero knowledge about Russia and believes that polar bears play balalaikas in the midst of the Red Square. Is Chekhov really the best place to start learning about contemporary Russia?
    
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Anonymous

July 24, 2013

“Snowden’s” lawyer appears to be either entirely ignorant of the premise of Crime and Punishment or, ignorant of the concept of Freedom of Speech, thinks himself clever by comparing Snowden’s situation to that of a murderer. Pick another lawyer, Snowden.

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1. bloggerclarissa
  
  July 24, 2013
  
  This is a very famous lawyer, though, who has many important connections and is guaranteed to get results. Welcome to Russia! 🙂
  
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