Scenes and Comedies

Author: Ivan S. Turgenev

One cannot discuss the theater of the Russian writer Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev without referring to his academic studies and his poetic, novelistic, and short story writings. He completed his secondary education under private tutors and enrolled in Moscow University in 1833, where he studied for one year in the Faculty of Arts. He then transferred to St. Petersburg University, where he studied foreign languages, completing his university education by acquiring a keen literary appreciation. He traveled to Berlin in 1838 to complete his knowledge of history and philosophy, and became acquainted with Hegel's philosophy. Upon his return to Moscow, he continued his studies to obtain a master's degree in philosophy, regularly attending literary seminars and writing poetry. Despite earning a master's degree in philosophy from St. Petersburg University, he did not pursue an academic path; his literary talent prevailed, and he turned to writing, becoming acquainted with Russian writers such as Belinsky, Nekrasov, and Dostoevsky. Young Ivan developed a passion for literature, reading, and appreciating the Russian language through Bunin, a worker at the family home in the village. Furthermore, the Spasskoye village library was rich with classic works of French and European literature. Turgenev's theater is characterized by its realistic depiction of Russian daily life, ethics, human temperaments, lively dialogue, and the ability of his theatrical characters to express themselves honestly and clearly.