M Gorky - My Universities
Maxim Gorky's "My Universities" is the third part of his autobiographical trilogy, following "Childhood" and "In the World." Published in 1923, it chronicles the author's formative years from 1884 to 1888, a period marked by disillusionment and self-discovery. Additionally it displays the authors growing awareness of social and political realities.
The narrative commences with his granny's advice "....you keep one thing in mind: it's not good that judges men. That's the devil's pastime...". An intense wish for learning brings Gorky to Kazan. He was looking forward to education and meritocracy, driven by a youthful ambition to attend the university. However, his limited formal education proves to be an insurmountable obstacle. Denied entry, he is thrust into the harsh realities of life, forced to make a living through menial jobs. His first approval was when mother Yevreinov commented " ... You peel potatoes well. " Followed by " ...do you think that is sufficient preparation for entering the University?"
He encounters a spectrum of individuals, from impoverished laborers and disillusioned intellectuals to religious fanatics and cynical opportunists.
Gorky vividly portrays the stark contrasts he witnesses: the opulence of the wealthy juxtaposed with the abject poverty of the masses, the hypocrisy of the church alongside the fervent idealism of revolutionary movements. These experiences shatter his naive nature and expose him to the complexities of human mind and the injustices of society.
The Influence of Revolutionary Thought were quick to catch on. Gorky's encounters with revolutionary circles in Kazan profoundly shape his worldview. He becomes captivated by their radical ideas, their critique of the existing social order, and their vision of a more equitable future. He engages in passionate debates, grapples with complex philosophical and political concepts, and begins to formulate his own critical perspective on the world.
However, Gorky's admiration for revolutionary thought is tempered by his own observations. He witnesses the internal conflicts and ideological divisions within the movement, the disillusionment and cynicism that often accompany radicalism, and the limitations of revolutionary rhetoric in addressing the immediate needs of the people.
Gorky's journey is marked by a relentless search for meaning and purpose in a world that often appears chaotic. He grapples with existential questions, questioning the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the possibility of human happiness. He experiments with various philosophical and religious ideas, seeking answers in nihilism, atheism, and even fleeting moments of spiritual enlightenment.
Through his experiences, Gorky undergoes a profound transformation. He sheds his youthful idealism and embraces a more nuanced understanding of the world. He recognizes the complexities of human nature, the limitations of individual action, and the enduring power of social and economic forces. He emerges from this period as a more mature and introspective individual, grappling with the contradictions of his own beliefs and the challenges of finding his place in a rapidly changing society.
Notable literary devices
Social Critique: Gorky's unflinching portrayal of poverty, inequality, and social injustice serves as a powerful indictment of the existing social order. He exposes the hypocrisy of the ruling class, the exploitation of the working class, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalist society. Discription of the megalomaniac is representative of Gorky's subtlety " I kept furtively rubbing a hand over my face. It felt as though a wave of scolding dust had blown against it....In a dull and toneless bass, the man kept demanding something......He stretched out a lanky arm in an impreious gesture and the sleev of his robe fell far back from his lanky fingers.... I felt ... Could reach across the room at will, and seize me by my throat. Menace and command gleamed in the penetrating glare of the dark eye sunk in the black pots in his bony face".
Psychological Realism: Gorky delves deep into the inner lives of his characters, exploring their motivations, desires, and anxieties. He captures the nuances of human emotion with remarkable sensitivity, revealing the complexities of the human psyche.
Describing a protest " it was tragic to see his enthusiasm - this clever old man - the proficiency with which he set about fighting his way through the crowd of rivermen: parrying blows , and felling the opponents with swift shoulder thrusts. The crowd fought gaily, without malice - for the fun of it, as an outlet of surplus energy. A dark mass of bodies pressed the mill workers back, until the board gates creaked protestingly. Cheerful cries rang out......" ( Pg 105)
Autobiographical Narrative: Gorky employs a highly personal and introspective style, weaving his own experiences and reflections into the narrative.
" In December I made up myimd to kill my self. I have since attempted - in a story called - An incident in the life of Makar- to describe the background of this decision. But I have not succeeded. The story is clumsy and disagreeable , and devoid of inner truth. Yet - it seems this absence of inner truth forms its chief merit...." (Pg 107). This intimate and confessional tone allows readers to connect with the author on a deeper level and understand the profound impact of his experiences on his worldview.
Symbolic Language: Gorky frequently employs symbolic language and imagery to convey abstract ideas and emotions. The Volga River, for example, becomes a recurring symbol of life, change, and the passage of time. " At the sound of her voice two little boys, who had been energetically damning up a rivulet with stones and mud , jumped up and ran awayas fast as their legs could carry them. The old woman picked up a chip of wood, spat on it, and dropped it on the rivulet.then she brought down her foot , shod in a heavy man's boot, on the children's dam, and moved off down the slope towards the Volga" (Pg 114). There are many such expressions, analogies and metaphors throughout the book which generate powerful images of the time and makes it eternally relevant.
Social Commentary: Gorky uses his narrative to offer social commentary on a range of issues, including religion, education, the role of the individual in society, and the nature of revolution.
"My Universities" is a powerful and moving testament to the transformative power of experience. Gorky's unflinching honesty, his keen observations, and his insightful reflections on the human condition make this work a timeless classic. It remains a relevant and insightful exploration of the complexities of life, the challenges of self-discovery, and the enduring struggle for social justice.
Acknowledgement
1. Narendranath family library, Bolpur
2. Ms Snigda Dutta Mondal, my aunt, for allowing me to borrow this book.
3 . Gemini AI - for assistance in developing the writing framework
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