Grigory Pechorin: The Superfluous Man Essay -- essays research papers

Mikhail Lermontovs protagonist, Grigory Pechorin, belongs to that group of literary characters known by the piece as the superfluous man. Gener every(prenominal)y an intelligent, educated individual, the superfluous man would appear to be adept who has been every unjustly treated or outcast by society in general. The superfluous man attempts to find a fundament for himself in the world, however perhaps due to the combination of his talents, upbringing, personality and intelligence, continually finds himself on the outs with his peers.If the above definition is accepted as valid, then Pechorin capability appear to be the consummate superfluous man. From the outpouring of his tale of agony to Princess Mary, we may pick out to the conclusion that Pechorin has no concept of cause and effect, at least non as it applies to himself as the cause. Moreover, it becomes fairly apparent that he is of the belief that he is a victim of the world, which is more interesting, as one considers the culture of victimization that has become popular in recent years. Who has non heard the excuse, I did it because my (parents/state representative/dog) (harassed/bit/abused) me when I was a child. In my opinion, the growing interest in pop psychology and the related field of social psychology and child psychology have greatly contri thoed to the declivity of moral rectitude and the concept of taking responsibility for ones own actions.The interpreter attributes Pechorins capriciousness to the lose of employment for his gifts. I do not moderate with that assessment, as it has been my experience that only those who have made up their psyches to lack direction depart be unable to find an activity that occupies their mind and appeals to them. One possible pursuit would be some form of art. acquirement matters little, if the activity is pleasing. Cultural appreciation, gastronomical excess, or sexual exercise would all be suitable endeavors. We see that Pechorin certainly tak es pleasure in the community of women, though in his own words, I must confess I dont in truth the likes of strong-willed women, (111), the female sex does not hold an illimitable appeal for him. But his relationship with Vera, and his reaction to Maxim Maximychs inquiry close to Bela clearly show that he is capable of feeling some sensation for others, although he refuses to expressing it. This is entirely Pech... ...given all it needs to survive and learn intellectually, but no moral boundaries, will come to be greatly like a sociopathic personality. They will most likely be unable(predicate) of relating to others, save as far as they are themselves effected. They will not display anything near the level of enlightened self-interest that enables society. For all intents and purposes, they will be a sociopath, and due to the initial lack of guidance, they will be at best highly resistant to change, and at worst, totally irredeemable. Pechorin is either a coward, in which case he should be pitied, if not contemn for his unwillingness to change, or he is a sociopath, in which case he should be exterminated, without a spark of guilt or pity, for the benefit of society. He clearly does not fall into the sociopathic category, as his displays of emotion &8211 faint though they are &8211 prove. So he is a coward, unwilling to come to terms with himself.Pechorin is not merely the superfluous man of the 19th century, but rather a mirror held up for all of humanity. His insensitivity, fear, and self-loathing reflect us still to this day.