Lucky is the author who, bypassing dull and repulsive characters, sadly real though they may be, is drawn to those who personify the highest human values--the author who, out of the vast stagnant pool of humanity, selects only a few exceptional types, who has never felt the need to bring the high pitch of his lyre to a lower key, who has never condescended to gaze upon his more unfortunate brethren, and who never comes down to earth himself, being completely absorbed in lofty characters who have no contact with it. His lot is doubly enviable: among them, he feels as if he were in his own element, while his glory spreads far and wide. He has clouded people's eyes with illusion, he has flattered them by concealing all that is sordid in life, he has shown them man in all his splendor; and the crowd runs behind his triumphal chariot, acclaiming him. He is hailed as a great poet, soaring high above other geniuses of this world as an eagle soars above other high-flying birds. His name alone causes the ardent hearts of the young to quiver and fills eyes with responsive tears. ... He has no equal, he is God!
Dead Souls
1 comment:
Dudes, yes. That is why I love the Russians. I should write on the importance of "minor" characters again.
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