Gogol and Pity
Russian literature has had an allure to me since I was young. Reading Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich incited a certain feeling in the deep pit of my stomach that bordered on fascination, dread, and enlightenment.
While reading a preface to Gogol's Dead Souls, the preparer described Russian writing as revolving around the exploration and examination of pity that was prominent in everyday Russia. Gogol's work has gone on to inspire Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky, so it's no surprise that their works share a similar narrative around the complicated human life.
When learning about Russia's history, it makes a lot of sense. The early seed of a society that has become the Russia of today was invaded by Mongols from the east and Germanic crusaders from the west. They survived harsh winters, where the heat of indoor huts attracted pests. The two key possessions for them were the icon, or a religious piece of art, typically of Jesus or Mary, that was prayed to, and an axe, which could be used to chop down wood or as a weapon against invaders. Combined with very little food available, life was miserable.
Until reading this preface, I had trouble describing Russian literature. "Grotesque" didn't quite capture it, as it exaggerated the emotional outpouring one experiences while reading. But "a tendency to pity" aptly captures the genre.