We shall not know until the year 1920 how far Turgenev was influenced
by Madame Viardot, nor exactly what were his relations with this
extraordinary woman. Pauline Garcia was a great singer who made her
first appearance in Petersburg in 1843. Turgenev was charmed with her,
and they remained intimate friends until his death forty years later.
After this event, she published some of his letters. She died in Paris
in 1910, at the age of eighty-nine. It is reported that among her
papers is a complete manuscript novel by Turgenev, which he gave to
her some fifty years ago, on the distinct understanding that it should
not be published until ten years after her death. We must accordingly
wait for this book with what patience we can command. If this novel
really exists, it is surely a strange sensation to know that there is
a manuscript which, when published, is certain to be an addition to
the world's literature. It is infinitely more valuable on that account
than for any light it may throw on the relations between the two
individuals.
When Madame Viardot gave up the opera in 1864, and went to live at
Baden, Turgenev followed the family thither, lived in a little house
close to them, and saw them every day. He was on the most intimate
terms with her, with her husband, and with her daughters, whom he
loved devotedly. He was essentially a lonely man, and in this
household found the only real home he ever knew. It is reported that
he once said that he would gladly surrender all his literary fame if
he had a hearth of his own, where there was a woman who cared whether
he came home late or not. What direction the influence of Madame
Viardot on Turgenev took no one knows. Perhaps she simply supplied him
with music, which was one of the greatest passions and inspirations of
his life. This alone would be sufficient to account for their
intimacy. Perhaps she merely stimulated his literary activity, and
kept him at his desk; for, like all authors except Anthony Trollope,
he hated regular work. His definition of happiness is not only a
self-revelation, it will appeal to many humble individuals who are not
writers at all. Being asked for a definition of happiness, he gave it
in two words--"Remorseless Laziness."
It is one of the curious contradictions in human nature that Tolstoi,
so aggressive an apostle of Christianity, was himself so lacking in
the cardinal Christian virtues of meekness, humility, gentleness, and
admiration for others; and that Turgenev, who was without religious
belief of any kind, should have been so beautiful an example of the
real kindly tolerance and unselfish modesty that should accompany a
Christian faith. There is no better illustration in modern history of
the grand old name of gentleman.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account