Intro
Great novels can be identified by their longevity. Despite being deeply rooted in their eras, they communicate universal concepts. These four novels—Oblomov, Lost Illusions, The Brothers Karamazov, and The Grapes of Wrath— explore timeless themes like ambition, faith, suffering, and the search for meaning.
“Oblomov” by Ivan Goncharov
The novel Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov masterfully illustrates the pointlessness of pursuing happiness in isolation from the everyday life. Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a guy who personifies the terrible results of living a life in a state of apathy.
At the heart of the novel is a powerful lesson: happiness cannot be found in abstraction or detachment from life’s challenges. Oblomov’s approach to life—avoiding action, living in passive contemplation, and waiting for luck—becomes his undoing. He firmly believes that opportunities and happiness are beyond his control, doubting the value of effort or persistence.
How Oblomov views other individuals best illustrates his perspective on life. His friend Andrey Stolz, active and decisive, represents everything Oblomov is not. Oblomov admires Andrey’s apparent predisposition for success and greatness but fails to see the true source of his achievements: commitment, engagement, and hard work. To Oblomov, Stolz’s energy and accomplishments seem like innate traits—something he himself lacks and therefore cannot emulate. The “great life” is not for him, it is out of reach for him, and no amount of effort will change it.
This pervasive passivity is both maddening and heartbreaking. It's difficult for a reader to resist the desire to shout, "Take action! Take action! Stop being so careful! Oblomov's cautiousness and risk aversion eventually resulted in a life that was wasted—not because he lacked talent, but rather because he was unable to interact with the world.
“Lost Illusions” by Honoré de Balzac
Honoré de Balzac’s Lost Illusions delves into the universal yearning for success and recognition, a theme as relevant today as it was in 19th-century France. This timeless masterpiece follows the journey of Lucien Chardon, a young poet and writer, who dreams of fame and fortune, only to find himself trapped by the compromises and corruption of ambition.
At the outset, Lucien is driven by lofty ideals and pure artistic aspirations. He envisions himself as a pioneer who will achieve greatness while upholding his integrity. However, as he navigates the competitive world of Parisian society, his initial values begin to erode. Lucien’s desperate need for attention and validation leads him to make one concession after another, ultimately transforming him into a mere careerist—a shadow of the idealist he once was.
Balzac brilliantly portrays how the prose of life—the harsh realities of survival, societal expectations, and the allure of shortcuts—can hammer away at even the noblest intentions. Lucien’s story is a cautionary tale of how ambition, when untethered from principles, can devour a person’s character. It shows how our drive for success can slowly distort our identity and integrity as we compromise piece by piece in pursuit of recognition and popularity.
What makes Lost Illusions so striking is its relevance to contemporary times. In today’s world, where success is often measured in likes, views, or fleeting notoriety, Lucien’s struggles resonate more than ever. The book captures a truth that transcends eras: the peril of losing oneself in the quest for external validation.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov is a multi-threaded masterpiece that explores the depths of human psychology, the search for purpose, and the nature of faith. Set in 19th-century Russia, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a society grappling with moral, spiritual, and existential dilemmas.
At its core, the novel is an intricate family drama revolving around the Karamazov brothers—Dmitry, Ivan, and Alyosha—each of whom embodies different approaches to life and belief. Dmitry represents passion and chaos, Ivan's intellectual skepticism, and Alyosha's spiritual faith. Through these richly drawn characters, Dostoevsky examines universal questions: What gives life meaning? Can morality exist without God? How do faith and doubt shape our understanding of purpose?
The psychological struggles of the characters are one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Dostoevsky delves deeply into their internal conflicts, revealing the torment of guilt, the allure of nihilism, and the solace of faith. These “psychological fights” unfold against the backdrop of a deeply philosophical narrative, where ideas of justice, freedom, and the existence of God clash with the harsh realities of human frailty.
Ultimately, The Brothers Karamazov is a profound meditation on the human condition. It challenges readers to wrestle with life’s biggest questions while immersing them in a world of beautifully depicted characters and masterful storytelling.
“The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful portrait of America during one of its darkest periods, the Great Depression. Through the struggles of the Joad family, as they journey westward in search of a better life, Steinbeck paints a harrowing picture of poverty, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of survival.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to show rather than tell. Steinbeck’s prose doesn’t directly describe emotions or moralize about hardship; instead, it immerses readers in the visceral reality of suffering. The reader feels the hunger, the despair, and the crushing weight of dashed hopes as if walking alongside the characters. This approach lends the novel an unparalleled sense of authenticity, making the struggles of its characters heartbreakingly real.
The Joad family’s journey is symbolic of the era’s broken dreams. Forced off their land by economic hardship and ecological devastation, they set out for California, driven by the hope of opportunity and dignity. Yet, as they encounter exploitation, prejudice, and unrelenting hardship, their hopes often remain unfulfilled. Steinbeck masterfully captures this tension between desire and reality, showing how people cling to dreams even when the odds are hopeless.
Ultimately, this is a novel about humanity—its suffering, its capacity for hope, and the quiet dignity that persists even in the face of relentless adversity. Steinbeck’s storytelling invites readers not just to witness these truths but to feel them, making The Grapes of Wrath one of literature’s most poignant explorations of the human condition.