Mother By: Maksim Gorky (1868-1936)
Mother by Maksim Gorky is a profound and gripping novel that delves into the depths of poverty and injustice prevalent in early 20th century Russia. Through the life of Pelageya Nilovna, a working-class woman struggling to provide for her family, Gorky beautifully captures the resilience, perseverance, and strength of a mother in the face of adversity. Set in a time of extreme political unrest and social inequality, the novel exposes the stark contrast between the opulent lives of the bourgeoisie and the appalling conditions faced by the proletariat. Gorky's vivid descriptions of the dilapidated slums, the abysmal working conditions, and the constant struggle for survival leave a lasting impact on the reader, painting a bleak picture of a society torn apart by class divisions. The character development in Mother is truly remarkable. Pelageya, known as Mother, evolves from a timid and submissive woman to a fierce advocate for workers' rights. Her transformation is gradual but powerful, fueled by the unjust treatment she witnesses and experiences firsthand. Gorky beautifully portrays the growth of her consciousness and her journey towards becoming a symbol of hope and resistance. In addition to the protagonist, Gorky introduces a vibrant cast of characters who each contribute to the narrative in their own unique ways. From the charismatic factory worker Pavel to the ideologically charged university student Vlasov, the relationships between these characters add depth and authenticity to the story. Each individual serves as a reflection of different aspects of the social and political climate, making the novel a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Gorky's writing style is both vivid and emotive. The prose flows effortlessly, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the novel. His ability to capture the nuances of human emotion, from despair to determination, adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it a truly immersive reading experience. Mother is not simply a story about the plight of the working class; it is a powerful commentary on the importance of unity and collective action in the face of oppression. Gorky masterfully weaves political and social themes into the narrative, shedding light on the need for social change and the role of the individual in bringing about a better future. Overall, Mother is an exceptional piece of literature that showcases Gorky's talent for storytelling and his unwavering commitment to social justice. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that resonates long after the final page is turned. Anyone interested in exploring the harsh realities of poverty, the strength of maternal love, and the power of the human spirit will find this book to be a captivating read. First Page: MOTHER by Maxim Gorky PART I CHAPTER I Every day the factory whistle bellowed forth its shrill, roaring, trembling noises into the smoke begrimed and greasy atmosphere of the workingmen's suburb; and obedient to the summons of the power of steam, people poured out of little gray houses into the street. With somber faces they hastened forward like frightened roaches, their muscles stiff from insufficient sleep. In the chill morning twilight they walked through the narrow, unpaved street to the tall stone cage that waited for them with cold assurance, illumining their muddy road with scores of greasy, yellow, square eyes. The mud plashed under their feet as if in mocking commiseration. Hoarse exclamations of sleepy voices were heard; irritated, peevish, abusive language rent the air with malice; and, to welcome the people, deafening sounds floated about the heavy whir of machinery, the dissatisfied snort of steam. Stern and somber, the black chimneys stretched their huge, thick sticks high above the village. In the evening, when the sun was setting, and red rays languidly glimmered upon the windows of the houses, the factory ejected its people like burned out ashes, and again they walked through the streets, with black, smoke covered faces, radiating the sticky odor of machine oil, and showing the gleam of hungry teeth... Continue reading book >>

Mother By: Maksim Gorky (1868-1936)

Mother by Maksim Gorky is a profound and gripping novel that delves into the depths of poverty and injustice prevalent in early 20th century Russia. Through the life of Pelageya Nilovna, a working-class woman struggling to provide for her family, Gorky beautifully captures the resilience, perseverance, and strength of a mother in the face of adversity.

Set in a time of extreme political unrest and social inequality, the novel exposes the stark contrast between the opulent lives of the bourgeoisie and the appalling conditions faced by the proletariat. Gorky's vivid descriptions of the dilapidated slums, the abysmal working conditions, and the constant struggle for survival leave a lasting impact on the reader, painting a bleak picture of a society torn apart by class divisions.

The character development in Mother is truly remarkable. Pelageya, known as Mother, evolves from a timid and submissive woman to a fierce advocate for workers' rights. Her transformation is gradual but powerful, fueled by the unjust treatment she witnesses and experiences firsthand. Gorky beautifully portrays the growth of her consciousness and her journey towards becoming a symbol of hope and resistance.

In addition to the protagonist, Gorky introduces a vibrant cast of characters who each contribute to the narrative in their own unique ways. From the charismatic factory worker Pavel to the ideologically charged university student Vlasov, the relationships between these characters add depth and authenticity to the story. Each individual serves as a reflection of different aspects of the social and political climate, making the novel a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Gorky's writing style is both vivid and emotive. The prose flows effortlessly, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the novel. His ability to capture the nuances of human emotion, from despair to determination, adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it a truly immersive reading experience.

Mother is not simply a story about the plight of the working class; it is a powerful commentary on the importance of unity and collective action in the face of oppression. Gorky masterfully weaves political and social themes into the narrative, shedding light on the need for social change and the role of the individual in bringing about a better future.

Overall, Mother is an exceptional piece of literature that showcases Gorky's talent for storytelling and his unwavering commitment to social justice. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that resonates long after the final page is turned. Anyone interested in exploring the harsh realities of poverty, the strength of maternal love, and the power of the human spirit will find this book to be a captivating read.

First Page:

MOTHER

Maxim Gorky

PART I

CHAPTER I

Every day the factory whistle bellowed forth its shrill, roaring, trembling noises into the smoke begrimed and greasy atmosphere of the workingmen's suburb; and obedient to the summons of the power of steam, people poured out of little gray houses into the street. With somber faces they hastened forward like frightened roaches, their muscles stiff from insufficient sleep. In the chill morning twilight they walked through the narrow, unpaved street to the tall stone cage that waited for them with cold assurance, illumining their muddy road with scores of greasy, yellow, square eyes. The mud plashed under their feet as if in mocking commiseration. Hoarse exclamations of sleepy voices were heard; irritated, peevish, abusive language rent the air with malice; and, to welcome the people, deafening sounds floated about the heavy whir of machinery, the dissatisfied snort of steam. Stern and somber, the black chimneys stretched their huge, thick sticks high above the village.

In the evening, when the sun was setting, and red rays languidly glimmered upon the windows of the houses, the factory ejected its people like burned out ashes, and again they walked through the streets, with black, smoke covered faces, radiating the sticky odor of machine oil, and showing the gleam of hungry teeth... Continue reading book >>

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