The Golovlyov Family

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1880, Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin's novel «The Golovlyov Family» is one of the most important works of 19th-century Russian literature. The book offers a satirical depiction of the life of the Golovlyov noble family, revealing themes of moral decay, hypocrisy, and spiritual emptiness. Saltykov-Shchedrin masterfully illustrates the degradation of the nobility, criticizing the social and moral vices of his time. The novel had a significant impact on Russian literature and culture, becoming a classic and an important source for studying social and family relations in Russia during that period. Its profound analysis of human nature and social structures remains relevant even today.