RKS Literature: A New Russian Czar Will Spring Forth! (Nikolai Gogol)

“So you thought you caught us, you damn Poles. Do you think there is a single thing in this world that will frighten a Cossack? Just wait, the time will come when you will understand the meaning of the Russian Orthodox faith. Word has already spread through every nation. A Russian Czar will spring forthContinue reading “RKS Literature: A New Russian Czar Will Spring Forth! (Nikolai Gogol)”

RKS Literature: Execution by the Poles of Cossacks: Entertainment (Nikolai Gogol)

“The square on which the execution was to take place was not hard to find: the whole town was streaming there from all directions. In that grim bygone era an execution was considered one of the most engaging spectacles, not only for the masses but also for the aristocracy. Devout old women, matrons and timidContinue reading “RKS Literature: Execution by the Poles of Cossacks: Entertainment (Nikolai Gogol)”

RKS Literature: Tarus Bulba on Women and Vodka (Nikolai Gogol)

“Enough! Enough whining, old woman. Cossacks aren’t Cossacks so they can hobnob with women! Given half a chance you’d hide them under your skirt and sit on them like a hen. Off with you, quick, and get the table ready. Lay out everything we have. No need for fritters  and poppyseed cakes, or any otherContinue reading “RKS Literature: Tarus Bulba on Women and Vodka (Nikolai Gogol)”

RKS Literature: Tarus Bulba’s Thoughts on a Seminary Education (Nikolai Gogol)

“You’re a milksop, I see!” Bulba said. “Don’t listen to your mother, my boy. She’s a woman, she knows nothing! What do you need sweetness for? An open field and a good horse, that’s all the sweetness that you need. You see this saber. This saber is your mother! They’ve been filling your heads withContinue reading “RKS Literature: Tarus Bulba’s Thoughts on a Seminary Education (Nikolai Gogol)”