A Level Russian Edexcel

This subject is broken down into 21 topics in 3 modules:

  1. Paper 1 - Listening, Reading, and Translation 4 topics
  2. Paper 2 - Written Response to Works and Translation (Literary works) 10 topics
  3. Paper 2 - Written Response to Works and Translation (Films) 7 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Russian

Paper 1 - Listening, Reading, and Translation

Changes in Russian society since 1991

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Changes in Russian society since 1991

Political Changes

  • The dissolution of the USSR in 1991 marked the beginning of a new political era in Russia.
  • A democratic system was introduced, moving away from the inflexible authoritative one-party system.
  • Boris Yeltsin was the first elected president in the Russian Federation, raising hopes for democratization.
  • However, democracy has been challenged, especially under the presidency of Vladimir Putin, with reports of political repression and corruption.
  • Shift towards a centralized power structure, reducing power at regional levels.
  • Focus on political stability rather than radical changes became a more prominent feature of the Russian government's agenda.

Economic Changes

  • Transition from planned economy to a market-based economy.
  • Early years were characterized by economic instability and widespread corruption.
  • Implementation of economic reforms, known as 'shock therapy', were aimed at rapidly liberalising the economy.
  • The economy stabilized towards the late 90s and saw notable growth in the 21st century, fuelled by the energy sector.
  • However, Russia experienced economic setbacks due to sanctions imposed by the West over its annexation of Crimea and other geopolitical tensions.
  • Recent years have seen a shift towards economic diversification, although the economy remains largely dependent on oil and gas revenues.

Social Changes

  • Rise in freedom of expression, with the expansion of independent media outlets.
  • However, under Putin, there has been mounting state control over media and freedom of speech has come under attack.
  • Increased awareness and acknowledgement of human rights, however, violations persist notably in relation to the LGBT+ community.
  • Emergence of class inequality, homelessness and poverty increased folllowing the collapse of communism.
  • The Soviet safety net provided by state-funded welfare was replaced by a free market economy impacting living standards.
  • High levels of urbanization, with Moscow and Saint Petersburg undergoing significant modernisation.
  • Public sentiment towards the USSR varies, as many older generations feel a nostalgia for the Soviet era, while younger generations look towards a more democratic future.

Cultural Changes

  • A boom in Russian popular culture, literature, music, and film emerged post-1991, gaining worldwide attention.
  • Growing secularization, although the Russian Orthodox Church retains significant influence.
  • A more open and globally engaged cultural landscape, but also a nationalistic push to preserve unique Russian culture in the face of globalization.
  • Renewed interest and efforts to reclaim the nation's history pre-Soviet era, such as Tsarist-era historical monuments.

Remember, understanding the nuances and complexities of these changes are key to effective comprehension and translation exercises.

Course material for Russian, module Paper 1 - Listening, Reading, and Translation, topic Changes in Russian society since 1991

Russian

Paper 2 - Written Response to Works and Translation (Literary works)

Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

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Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

OVERVIEW

  • "Doctor Zhivago" is a renowned novel by Boris Pasternak, a Russian author.
  • The novel was published in 1957 and led to Pasternak being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958, though he was forced to decline it.
  • The narrative presents a vivid depiction of Russian society during and after the Bolshevik Revolution.

PLOT SUMMARY

  • The novel centres around Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet, and tells the story of his life, loves, and struggles amidst the turbulent period of the Russian revolution and civil war.
  • He loves two women, his wife Tonya and his mysterious lover Lara, providing a romantic backdrop against the larger socio-political transformations.

CHARACTERS

  • Yuri Andreyevich Zhivago: The main protagonist, poet-physician whose life intertwines with significant political events.
  • Larisa Feodorovna (Lara): Zhivago's muse and lover, she embodies tragedy, passion and resilience.
  • Tonya Aleksandrovna (Gromeko): Zhivago's loyal and devoted wife, and mother of his children.
  • Pasha Antipov: A committed revolutionary who transforms into a stern Bolshevik official, he is also Lara's husband.

THEMES

  • Identity and Love: Yuri's struggle between his love for two women, alongside his struggle for intellectual and moral autonomy amidst the political upheaval.
  • War and Revolution: The impacts of the Russian Revolution and Civil War form a dramatic backdrop to the characters' personal experiences.
  • Nature: The Russian landscape is very present in the novel, often reflecting the characters' emotional states.

LITERARY DEVICES

  • Symbolism: Several objects like Zhivago’s poetry and Lara’s red dress carry symbolic implications.
  • Metaphor: The novel uses metaphors to highlight the human condition and the effects of social and political changes.
  • Foreshadowing: Pasternak often uses foreshadowing to hint at the future fates of his characters.

SIGNIFICANCE

  • Historical Perspective: "Doctor Zhivago" offers a valuable exploration of Russian society during times of great change.
  • Controversial Literature: Published outside of the USSR due to censorship, the novel played a significant role in expressing societal discontentment with the Soviet regime.
  • Cultural Impact: The novel has had notable influence worldwide and remains a significant work of 20th century literature.

Course material for Russian, module Paper 2 - Written Response to Works and Translation (Literary works), topic Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

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