As is evident through the readings, Russia has repeatedly found itself reinvented through coercion, whether as a Tartar tributary state or a Western European power under Peter the Great’s direction. What I find interesting about Herzen’s article is how it addresses some key paradoxes endemic to this process in the context of imperial Russia. In his eyes, the Slavic character of the state is passive yet insurmountable, accepting all foreign implements yet being shaped by none of them (Herzen 185). He develops this idea with his portrayal of Moscow as a reconstructed, intrinsically Russian city in contrast with the Western-oriented St. Petersburg. Just as Herzen lauds St. Petersburg for its architecture and bustle, he condemns its literary culture (which produced Pushkin among other great writers and poets) as inferior to that of Moscow and the city’s lone publication (187). Likewise, his simultaneous enthusiasm for Russian history and belief that its rejection gives St. Petersburg charm (184–185) stands out. How can we make sense of these details?

As any country adopts international norms, some contingent of its populace will mourn the loss of indigenous customs and question the future of the state. This does not seem a sufficient understanding of Herzen’s vacillation. Rather, it is important to consider Herzen’s sardonic tone and use of irony. For instance, he presents the city’s flooding as a history-effacing perk (185); this example also works as an acknowledgment of Pushkin’s The Bronze Horse (intentional or not), a definitive work in the city’s history. Perhaps the humorous presentation makes light of the anxiety surrounding Russia’s mounting identity crisis (as covered in other blog posts). I also see a parallel to the riddling manner of older texts (e.g. The Lay of Igor’s Campaign). It is fitting to make use of an old Russian trope in discussing the character of Russia.

The final line about the railroad joining St. Petersburg and Moscow (191) offers a compelling frame: just as St. Petersburg overtook Moscow as Russia’s capital, so industry seemed poised to overtake the old Russian economy.