The Twelve Chairs

Summary

The Twelve Chairs, a novel written by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, was first published in 1928. The story follows the adventures of Ostap Bender, a consummate con artist, and Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov, a former nobleman. At the heart of the plot is the search for jewels hidden in one of the twelve chairs of a set that was divided and scattered across Soviet Russia after the revolution. As the main characters travel in pursuit of the treasure, they find themselves in various comedic situations, exposing the social and moral flaws of the time. The book is rich with wit, satire on the new Soviet realities, and features a unique style that has made it one of the most beloved and widely read works in 20th-century Russian literature.

Main Ideas

• Critique of early 1920s Soviet reality through the lens of adventure and treasure hunting.
• Satire on the new Soviet lifestyle, bureaucracy, and morality.
• An adventurous element in the spirit of treasure hunt novels, highlighting the excitement and uncertainty of the new era.
• The relationship between the main characters, shedding light on themes of friendship, betrayal, and human adaptation to changing life conditions.
• Reflection on the ideas of quick wealth and social success in the context of Soviet reality.

Historical Context and Significance

The Twelve Chairs is one of the most famous works by Ilya Ilf, co-authored with Yevgeny Petrov in 1928. This satirical novel is set in early 1920s Soviet Russia. The book humorously critiques the new Soviet society, mocking its flaws and absurdities of the time. The main characters, Ostap Bender and Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov, embark on a quest for diamonds hidden in one of the twelve chairs. Their adventures are seen as a parody of the then-rapid social mobility and the permissiveness in the pursuit of personal enrichment. The Twelve Chairs has had a significant impact on Russian culture, inspiring numerous theatrical productions, film adaptations, and even musical renditions. The book has been reprinted in various countries and translated into many languages, becoming a classic of world literature.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Ostap Bender: Known as the great schemer, characterized by his resourcefulness, wit, and boundless self-confidence. Throughout the narrative, he seeks to enrich himself by finding the treasure hidden in one of the twelve chairs. His adventurous nature is revealed through various scams and cons.
• Ippolit Vorobyaninov: A former aristocrat and official, impoverished after the revolution. Initially quite conservative, he becomes involved in schemes under the influence of events and Ostap Bender, in pursuit of the treasure hidden in the chairs. He reveals his adaptive abilities and willingness to take risks.
• Father Fyodor: A priest who is inadvertently drawn into the story against his will. Gradually, from being innocent and clumsy, he becomes an active seeker, showing determination and some cunning. His character reveals the idea of unexpected transformation under the influence of circumstances.

Style and Technique

The Twelve Chairs is a classic of Soviet literature, distinguished by its witty humor, sarcasm, and irony. Authors Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov masterfully use satire to depict the realities of early 20th-century Soviet life. The novel is written in a light and accessible language, with an abundance of dialogues that make the reading dynamic and engaging. The book consists of numerous short chapters, each with its own plot twist, maintaining the reader's interest throughout. Literary devices such as hyperbole, allegory, and humor are used for a subtle analysis and critique of societal vices and shortcomings. The narrative structure is complex and multi-layered, representing the journey of the main characters in search of the treasure hidden in one of the twelve chairs. This journey serves as a framework for developing numerous comedic and satirical situations, reflecting the social and cultural atmosphere of the time.

Quotes

• The ice has broken, gentlemen of the jury!
• Money in the morning — chairs in the evening, money in the evening — chairs in the morning.
• Remember, Kisa: the only free cheese is in a mousetrap.
• All smuggling is done in Odessa on Malaya Arnautskaya Street.
• I don't need foreigners. I need your furniture.
• Or perhaps you'd like the key to the apartment where the money is kept?
• Kisa, I've long wanted to ask you as an artist to an artist: can you draw?

Interesting Facts

• The book is a satirical novel mocking Soviet society of the 1920s.
• The main characters of the novel — Ostap Bender and Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov — set out to find diamonds hidden in one of the twelve chairs.
• Ostap Bender, one of the main characters, became a cult figure in Russian literature and a symbol of adventure and ingenuity.
• The novel has been adapted into films several times, both in the USSR and abroad.
• The phrase 'The ice has broken, gentlemen of the jury!' from the novel became a catchphrase.
• The book was co-authored with Yevgeny Petrov, which is often overlooked.
• The novel was first published in 1928 and immediately became popular among readers.

Book Review

The Twelve Chairs by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov is a satirical novel that masterfully mocks societal vices and human weaknesses. Critics note that the book is a vivid example of Soviet satire, where the authors use wit and irony to expose bureaucracy, greed, and the absurdity of life in the Soviet Union. The main characters, Ostap Bender and Kisa Vorobyaninov, have become iconic figures, symbolizing adventure and resourcefulness. The novel is also praised for its lively language, dynamic plot, and memorable dialogues. Critics emphasize that The Twelve Chairs remains relevant today, continuing to attract readers with its wit and insight.