The Bittersweet Tale of French in Late 19th Century Russia

The spoke of a beautiful language, one that was associated with elegance, sophistication, and class. However, in the late 19th century Russia, this language was not as common among the masses as one might think. In fact, it was mostly confined to the high society, where it was cherished but not widespread.

Introduction to the Notion of 'Common'

In contemporary usage, the term 'common' often refers to the common people - peasants, servants, privates. However, during the 19th century, it took on a distinct connotation. It was not the language of the masses; rather, it was associated with the upper echelons of society. This perception of French was partly due to its association with luxury, refinement, and the aristocracy.

A Fad Among the Nobility

The noble class, comprising the upper crust of Russian society, was the primary audience for the French language. They believed that Russian, with its more plain tonality, could not match the charm and allure of French. This attitude was reflective of a broader cultural trend where French was seen as a language of art, refinement, and international connection.

Contrasting with Common Folk

The common folk of the time were preoccupied with their daily lives. Heavy workloads, tax obligations, and other responsibilities left them little time or energy to engage in the study or practice of a language as foreign as French. In contrast to the high society, who looked towards French as a symbol of their status and sophistication, the majority of the population remained focused on their survival and basic needs.

Leo Tolstoy and the Rise of Russian

One of the most significant milestones in Russian language development came with the emergence of Leo Tolstoy. He played a pivotal role in elevating Russian to new heights, transforming it into a language of profound literary expression. Tolstoy's works, such as 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina', not only demonstrated the richness and depth of the Russian language but also inspired a generation of Russian writers and intellectuals to explore and expand the language's literary potential.

The Literary Renaissance

The late 19th century in Russia saw a literary renaissance where Russian emerged as a powerful literary language. Works written in Russian during this period were characterized by their deep emotional resonance, rich character portrayals, and profound philosophical insights. Tolstoy's writings in particular captured the complexity of human emotions and experiences, reaching an audience far beyond the borders of Russia and gaining international recognition.

In conclusion, while French was indeed popular and fashionable in late 19th century Russia, it was not as common or widespread as one might imagine. The language's restriction to the nobility and the high society highlighted the socio-cultural divide of the time. Despite this, the rise of Russian as a literary language through the works of Tolstoy and others, marked a significant turning point in Russian history, ultimately contributing to its pride and cultural richness.