SIBERIA REVEALED THROUGH THE TRAVEL NARRATIVE: A RUSSIAN, AMERICAN AND BRITISH PERSPECTIVE by ESTELLE VAN ZYL submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS In the subject RUSSIAN at the University of South Africa Supervisor: Prof. A. Krzychylkiewicz October 2014 ABSTRACT This study examines how travelogues by the Russian author Anton Chekhov, an American, George Kennan and a British citizen, Harry de Windt, contributed towards establishing the image of Siberia towards the end of the 19th century, juxtaposing their individual views against the commonly perceived view of the region at the time. In examining the texts, a literary analysis is merged with elements of other approaches, through a strong thematic focus, centring on the cultural and ideological assumptions implied in the texts. The findings reveal that both native inhabitants and foreigners are capable of expressing a justifiable opinion on a locality, resulting in different versions of what is observed, from divergent points of view. Although the three writers in this study appear to support a negative view of Siberia, closer investigation show evidence of optimism about the eventual destiny of a region in a stage of transition. Key terms: Siberia, Anton Chekhov, George Kennan, Harry de Windt, Travelogue, travel writing, Russian literature, Sakhalin, thematic analysis 2 To my son, Gustav and my husband, Paul 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My awareness of the existence of Russia was aroused around the age of four when I was introduced to the music of Tchaikovsky in a ballet class. This initial interest received a further boost about eight years later when I learnt about the existence of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. I recall memorising all the major stations along the route, imagining the train cutting through the frozen landscape on its way from Moscow to the Pacific Ocean and yearned to see that mysterious place for myself one day. Finally making it to Tomsk in the winter of 1993, I was not disappointed. Thus, in a way, this dissertation marks the culmination of a life-long fascination. I am grateful to Professor Agata Krzychylkiewicz who was prepared to take on the task of guiding me, patiently and with great expertise, through the process of writing a dissertation ‘across the miles,’ turning it into an unforgettable learning experience. Without the love and support of my husband, Paul, I would not have considered taking on this task. 4 5 NOTES Transliteration of Russian. Though generally following the Library of Congress system, some adaptations have been made. English versions of names frequently encountered in Western sources are used (for example Alexander instead of Aleksandr). Similarly the English spelling of personal and geographic names which have become familiar in English is used, for example y instead of ii as in Dostoevsky instead of Dostoyevskii and the omission of the soft sign as in Ob instead of Ob’. French transliteration is changed to English (for example Novikoff to Novikov). The spelling of geographical names is according to Elizon Maps: (http://www.ezilon.com/maps/). American English language conventions in direct quotations from sources have been changed to British English spelling. Outdated English spelling has been changed to contemporary spelling. Unless otherwise noted, all translations are my own. America/American refers specifically to the United States of America. The use of he/his in cases such as the travel writer refers to both genders. 6 CONTENTS ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................... 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................................... 4 DECLARATION .................................................................................................................... 5 NOTES ................................................................................................................................. 6 CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................... 7 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 10 CHAPTER 1 ........................................................................................................................ 26 OVERVIEW OF THE GENRE OF TRAVEL WRITING ........................................................ 26 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 26 2. The essence of travel writing .................................................................................... 27 3. Conventions of travel writing ..................................................................................... 28 4. Towards a definition ................................................................................................. 33 5. Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 34 CHAPTER 2 ........................................................................................................................ 35 SIBERIA AT THE END OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY ................................................ 35 1. Brief geographical background of the region ............................................................ 35 1.1 Etymology of the name Siberia............................................................................... 35 1.2 Demarcation of the region ...................................................................................... 36 1.3 Geography of the region……………………………………………………………...…. 37 2. Brief historical background of the region ................................................................... 38 3. Settling the region .................................................................................................... 49 4. Demographics of the region ...................................................................................... 53 5. Siberia in the last half of the 19th century ................................................................. 55 6. Perception of Siberia at the time of Chekhov, Kennan and De Windt ...................... 56 CHAPTER 3 ........................................................................................................................ 59 THE TRAVELOGUES OF ANTON CHEKHOV, GEORGE KENNAN .................................. 59 AND HARRY DE WINDT .................................................................................................... 59 1. Anton Chekhov: From Siberia (Из Сибири) and Sakhalin Island (Остров Сахалин) 59 1.1 Contents ................................................................................................................ 59 1.2 Structure ............................................................................................................... 62 1.3 Language and style ................................................................................................ 63 1.4 Point of view........................................................................................................... 67 7 1.5 Discourse ............................................................................................................... 69 1.6 Thematic analysis .................................................................................................. 70 1.7 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 79 2. George Kennan: Siberia and the Exile System (Volumes 1 and 2) ........................... 81 2.1 Contents ................................................................................................................ 81 2.2 Structure ............................................................................................................... 86 2.3 Language and style ................................................................................................ 87 2.4 Point of view........................................................................................................... 90 2.5 Discourse ............................................................................................................... 92 2.6 Thematic analysis .................................................................................................. 94 2.7 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 102 3. Harry de Windt: Siberia as it is and The New Siberia .............................................. 104 3.1 Contents .............................................................................................................. 104 3.2 Structure ............................................................................................................. 109 3.3 Language and style .............................................................................................. 111 3.4 Point of view......................................................................................................... 115 3.5 Discourse .................................................................................................................... 118 3.6 Thematic analysis ................................................................................................ 119 CHAPTER 4 .....................................................................................................................