The 20th-Century Russian Novel: Revolution, Terror, Resistance

Envy 132-143

Anwyn Urquhart

pg. 133, 142 — Valya in a pink dress
At the soccer game Valya is described wearing a pink dress. This is only furthers the lack of depth given to the female characters as she is literally defined by what she is wearing in this scene. It also makes her stand out. Envy is always associated with the color green and in this scene there is an abundance of green with the field and the German uniforms. Pink is the opposite of green, suggesting Valya is not associated with Kavalerov's envy until pg. 142, where we learn Kavalerov is envious of Valya's purity and is envious of Volodya for having Valya's love. 

pg. 134 — Goetske
He is the German soccer player. He plays forward and is described as the only dangerous player on the team. He is famous among germans and has capitalized on it by hoping between clubs following the money. There doesn't even seem to be a German team just Goetske, as he is the only one ever mentioned. His individualism and affinity for money turns him into a symbol for capitalism and individualism. 

pg.135 — wind
Wind keeps being mentioned throughout the soccer game. It is an outside force that has a lot of power according to the narrator. It is also a natural force and we have already seen nature pop up many times throughout the book. Possibly a nod not just to the beauty of nature that is associated with flowers and fruit, but to the power nature has.

pg. 136 — Volodya vs. Goetske
Volodya is the goalie for Moscow so is often directly playing against Goetske, the German forward. Volodya is describe making crazy saves almost as if he is a supernatural being. He is also lifted by his team mates on pg. 138 and comes to represent Communism and sacrifice for the team. In the soccer game, Volodya and Goetske symbolize collectivism and individualism, respectively. Volodya is portrayed in a heroic light. The metaphor used to compare communism to Western individualism is a team sport, and Germany was a Russian enemy in World War I which had recently ended. 

pg. 138 — binoculars turned
Disillusionment is a common theme in Olesha's writing and it is like a change in perspective. It is how things can look so different when you flip binoculars and look through the other end. On pg. 138 binoculars are turned which comes at the end of chapter 8. Chapter 8 focuses mostly on the players and what is happening on the field, but following the binoculars turning we turn focus to the spectators. 

pg. 140 Kavalerov doesn't want fame
Kavalerov has discussed his dream to be famous throughout the book, and he finally has his chance when the ball flies into the stands and lands at his feet. However, he does nothing. He has all the eyes on him, and instead of taking his chance to have a moment of fame he doesn't do anything because he doesn't want anyone to laugh at him.

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