Superfluous Man In Russia

SUPERFLUOUS MAN:
The “superfluous man” is the Russian interpretation of the Byronic hero, with the term first being coined by 19th century Russian author Turgenev. After his use of the term, the “superfluous man” became widely used to describe, often, tragic or Romantic heroes, unappreciated by society because of their nonconformist, “outsider” traits. The descriptor “superfluous” comes from the hero believing that society and life are superfluous, boring, and restrictive. Finding love, satisfaction, and meaning in life seems to be a non-committal and constant conquest for this archetype, leading to an unsympathetic, selfish, and morally ambiguous personality. Thus, although the superfluous man generally has, and knows he has superior qualities,
Wanting to push the nation toward a more liberal and democratic rule, these revolutionaries led the first attempt in modern Russian history, influencing Russian nationalism. The ideas from the Enlightenment motivated men to “save” Russia from their absolutist regime. Unfortunately, the Decembrists disagreed on multiple counts, and this disorganization was a major factor in their failure to overthrow the Russian czars. A majority of these men were punished by the czar and some even killed. The uprising did nothing to overthrow the Czarist autocracy, even making the regime even more restricting. Nonetheless, the Decembrists were a major influence in Russian nationalism and revolutionary activity, inspiring others to go against the laws and norms of their government and society. However, the Decembrists were also hypocrites, in that many revolted for more freedom without freeing their own peasants. Interestingly, their traits, flaws, and what they believe in make them similar in some aspects to the Byronic hero and superfluous man, and the character of Pechorin, who, according to the Encyclopedia of the Romantic Era, embodies the Russian noblemen after the Decembrist