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John Givens, "The Image of Christ in Russian Literature: Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, Pasternak" (Northern Illinois UP, 2018)

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Jul 27, 2025

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John Givens

Dr. John Givens, a scholar at the University of Rochester and author of 'The Image of Christ in Russian Literature', dives deep into the portrayals of Christ in works by Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, and Pasternak. He discusses how these authors present Christ through apophaticism, revealing his essence by showing who he is not. The conversation also touches on the interplay of spirituality and identity in revolutionary Russia, along with Dostoevsky's exploration of faith and doubt, illustrating the complex relationship between literature and faith.

01:06:36

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ANECDOTE

Givens' Early Russian Journey

John Givens started as a journalism student but switched to Russian after encouragement from a professor.
He initially wanted to drop Russian but was persuaded to continue, developing a deep love for the language.

insights

INSIGHT

Key Authors on Christ Imagery

Givens focused on Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, and Pasternak as key figures in Russian literature's Christ imagery.
These four authors best represent Russian literature's apophatic portrayal of Christ across two centuries.

insights

INSIGHT

Apophatic Approach to Christ

Apophaticism means understanding God by describing what God is not, beyond all concepts and language.
Russian literature uses this method by portraying Christ negatively to reveal his true essence.

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From Journalism to Russian Literature

01:33 • 14min

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The Interplay of Spirituality and Identity in Russian Literature

15:15 • 4min

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Understanding Apophaticism: The Theology Beyond Concepts

19:18 • 4min

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Christ in Russian Literature: Secularism and Doubt

23:02 • 13min

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Exploring Faith and Silence in Dostoevsky's Narrative

35:33 • 4min

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Tolstoy, Christ, and the Quest for Truth

39:14 • 27min

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Dr. Zhivago

Boris Pasternak

Doctor Zhivago tells the story of Yury Zhivago, a physician and poet caught in the midst of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and identity as Zhivago navigates his relationships with Tonya and Lara amidst the political upheaval. Pasternak's masterpiece is a powerful portrayal of human resilience and the enduring power of art.

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Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.

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The Master and Margarita

Mikhail Bulgakov

The novel intertwines several narratives, including the story of Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ, and the adventures of the devil Woland and his entourage in Moscow. The Master, a writer who has been driven to insanity by the rejection of his novel about Pontius Pilate, and his mistress Margarita, who remains loyal and determined to save him, are central characters. Margarita's journey involves becoming a witch and hosting Woland's midnight ball, where she uses her newfound powers for altruistic ends. The book is a critique of Soviet society, exposing corruption, moral decay, and the repression of artists and dissidents. It blends elements of satire, fantasy, and philosophical inquiry, reflecting Bulgakov's personal experiences with censorship and societal pressures.

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The Image of Christ in Russian Literature

Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, Pasternak

John Givens

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Demons

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Demons, also known as The Possessed or The Devils, is a novel that critiques the political and moral nihilism prevalent in Russia during the 1860s. The story is set in a fictional town that descends into chaos due to an attempted revolution orchestrated by Pyotr Verkhovensky. The novel focuses on Nikolai Stavrogin, a mysterious and charismatic figure, and explores themes of ideology, murder, and the psychological and moral implications of atheism. It was inspired by a real political murder in 1869 and combines elements of satire, philosophical inquiry, and psychological insight to depict how destructive ideas can influence individuals and society.

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• Mentioned in 116 episodes

The Brothers Karamazov

Larissa Volokhonsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Richard Pevear

Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason.

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• Mentioned in 29 episodes

Notes from Underground

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Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is a novella that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator, a bitter and alienated individual who rails against reason and societal norms. The work is considered a precursor to existentialist literature, exploring themes of isolation, nihilism, and the human condition. Dostoevsky's masterful use of first-person narration allows readers to experience the narrator's turbulent thoughts and emotions. The novella's exploration of free will and the complexities of human psychology continues to resonate with readers today. Its influence on literature and philosophy is undeniable, shaping the works of later writers and thinkers.

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War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements.

#9128

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

The House of Government

Yuri Slezkine

Yuri Slezkine's 'The House of Government' tells the epic story of the Soviet elite who lived in a massive Moscow apartment building, exploring their rise and fall through the lens of millenarian cults. The book delves into the personal and public lives of Bolshevik true believers, from their conversion to Communism to the eventual loss of faith and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Drawing on letters, diaries, and interviews, Slezkine crafts a vivid account of the Soviet experiment and its tragic end.

In The Image of Christ in Russian Literature: Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, Pasternak (Northern Illinois University Press, 2018), Dr. John Givens of the University of Rochester discusses classics of Russian literature such as The Brothers Karamazov and Dr. Zhivago, as well as texts of less renown to English-speaking audiences, such as Tolstoy’s Resurrection. These texts and others, Givens suggests, portray Christ apophatically: that is, by showing who Christ was not, in order to illuminate who Christ therefore must be. In addition to the novels themselves, Givens cites sources such as personal correspondence and important theological works, thus bringing an English-speaking public to greater depth of understanding than would be possible simply by reading Russian novels in translation. Though focused on a specific topic, Givens’ book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in familiarizing themselves with some of the “greats” of the Russian literary canon.

Aaron Weinacht is Professor of History at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT. He teaches courses on Russian and Soviet History, World History, and Philosophy of History. His research interests include the sociological theorist Philip Rieff and the influence of Russian nihilism on American libertarianism.

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