Resurrection and Christianity
The name "Yuri Zhivago" introduces a significant theme that Pasternak delves into, which is deeply connected to a Russian belief shared by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky about the physical resurrection of the dead. In the Russian Bible, angels ask the women looking for Christ on Easter morning, "Why seek ye the living (zhivago) among the dead?" From the beginning of Doctor Zhivago to the final poem "Magdalene," Pasternak underscores his belief in Christianity's central mystery. Zhivago's first name, "Yuri," alludes to the distinctive Russian understanding of the cost of resurrection, which involves suffering and death born out of love: yurodiviy, or "fools of God," occasionally appear in Russian history, courageously speaking truth to the Tsars.
The title itself extends Pasternak's message; in its earliest meaning, "doctor" signifies a teacher who heals the soul, just as a physician tends to the body. Doctor Zhivago addresses humanity's deep-seated desire, teaching that even amidst the tremendous suffering Russia experienced in the twentieth century, one must endure pain to be reborn in love.
Freedom of Choice and Opposition to Oppression
Like many notable Russian novels, Doctor Zhivago is rich with secondary themes. Pasternak underscores the human right to freely choose between salvation and damnation, challenging not only Marxist political oppression but any system that denies the status Orthodox Christianity grants to humans—closer to God than angels, yet still beneath the Divine. Through Yuri Zhivago's battle between good and evil, Pasternak illustrates humanity's resilience through the power of love, echoing Alyosha Karamazov's Christ-like gesture of peace. Additionally, the novel pays homage to the Russian landscape and reflects Pasternak's belief, as noted by Olga Hughes, that art can recreate archetypes that symbolize humanity's connection with the universe. Ultimately, all sub-themes and motifs converge on Pasternak's idea that "individual human life became the story of God." Robert Payne suggests that Pasternak "is declaring as plainly as possible that Doctor Zhivago is a divine mystery."
Revolution
Revolution triggers a rapid and often violent change in political systems, a theme vividly explored in Pasternak's novel. Various uprisings, along with civil and global wars, form the backdrop and propel much of the story. The characters' lives are deeply affected by political chaos. This turmoil intensifies the ironic contrast between initial hopes and harsh reality. Revolution brings about destruction and suffering, highlighting the clash between powerful factions and individuals. It shows how ordinary people are caught up in collective movements. Characters are drawn in by the seductive promises of political rhetoric, only to face the relentless disorder that follows. Pasternak's critical depiction of revolution and its devastating effects led to his novel being banned in his homeland, where he was branded a traitor for presenting a critical view of this tumultuous period in Russian history. Such a negative portrayal was not tolerated.
Nevertheless, Pasternak also emphasizes some positive elements of revolution. He illustrates the strong belief people had in driving change and their willingness to make sacrifices. While he depicts the brutality of massacres, he also portrays the enduring hope that some revolutionaries held onto despite the ongoing conflict.
Ideal versus Real
When ideals clash with reality, as they often do, new strategies or ideas must be devised. Pasternak's criticism of the communist revolution in Russia highlights the suppression of these alternative approaches. In the novel, the ideal is portrayed as a theoretical notion that cannot be completely achieved in real-life situations. Pasternak delves into the ideals of politics, economics, love, and friendship. As his characters attempt to weave these ideals into their lives, they expose the futility of such efforts.
Political turmoil leads to death as citizens try to transform their government based on the lofty principles of socialism and communism....
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When confronted with obstacles, reform leaders resorted to authoritarianism. Economic ideals, once put into practice, resulted in business failures, widespread famine, and pervasive corruption. Even intellectuals who initially discovered and championed these ideals became ensnared in their own theories, causing stagnation.
Zhivago himself realizes that his romantic relationships fall short of ideal; with one partner, he encounters the emptiness of intellectual love, and with another, the emotional and ethical chaos of an illicit affair. Pasternak appears to suggest that although individuals are imperfect and ideals may inspire action, these ideals cannot be entirely realized in the real world.
Destruction and Suffering
Destruction and the ensuing misery can bring out either the best or worst in people, pushing them to become heroes or leaving them in destitution. War affects everyone, making suffering a universal experience. Characters face the loss of loved ones, homes, and essential survival resources like food and shelter. While war is an obvious cause of destruction, not all devastation happens on the battlefield. Zhivago loses his inner peace and sense of security following the death of his parents. The loss of wealth drives Zhivago's father to take his own life. Health declines as rats invade homes, contaminate scarce food supplies, and spread disease. Hope dwindles as power-obsessed leaders place harsh demands on ordinary citizens. Despite this destruction and suffering, Pasternak shows how people adapt. When a loved one passes away, those left behind learn to carry on without them. The bourgeoisie's wealth is stripped away, and people learn to survive with much less.
Individual versus Group
Socialism and communism emphasize the importance of the group over the individual. While some socialist and communist ideologies seem to champion the cause of the impoverished, rural farmers, and the working class, Pasternak, through his protagonist, demonstrates that emphasizing the collective over personal thought results in stagnation and flawed ideologies. As communism gains ground in his nation, Zhivago feels increasingly distanced from his previous intellectual companions. They hide behind façades or fit into predetermined roles instead of advancing independently. They start to think as a group rather than as individuals. Zhivago believes that, as individuals, they might have devised effective solutions. They could have addressed hunger or discovered methods to manage or prevent the typhus outbreak. Zhivago concludes that these calamities might have been averted if people had not been afraid to think for themselves.
