Russia’s cultural code is embedded in 'Eugene Onegin'": literary scholar Yevgeny Zharinov in the National Centre RUSSIA podcast

Today, Russia’s cultural code can be felt through Alexander Pushkin’s poetic novel "Eugene Onegin." This idea was shared by literary scholar, writer and Professor at the Department of Theory and History of Art of the Institute of Fine Arts at Moscow State Pedagogical University, Yevgeny Zharinov, in the "Russia Speaks" podcast by the National Centre RUSSIA. Among the many topics he explored was icon painting.

"Give me an example of at least one great painting that streams myrrh. Is there even a single painting that performs miracles? But icons can do it. Icons and Old Russian literature represent an entirely different type of spirituality," said Yevgeny Zharinov.

According to the literary scholar, every civilisation has its own national code, which is often reflected in a particular work of art.

"When we talk about ancient cultures, Egypt has the 'Book of the Dead,' Ancient Greece has Homer’s 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey' — these are the codes of Hellenistic civilisation. As for Rome, the code of Roman civilisation is Virgil’s 'Aeneid.' And Russia has its own code. Every nation and every national culture has a unique work of art that expresses it — and for Russia, it is undoubtedly 'Eugene Onegin,'" explained Yevgeny Zharinov.

The "Russia Speaks" podcast is an original educational project by the National Centre RUSSIA. It serves as a platform for open dialogue about the future of science and technology, as well as for discussions on issues that concern us all. Esteemed experts, cultural and artistic figures, and professionals from various fields turn each episode into a true exploration of upcoming trends and developments.

Guests of host Anzhelika Kiryan in the National Centre RUSSIA studio have included neurophysiologist Vyacheslav Dubynin, architect Andrei Chernikhov, test cosmonaut Nikolai Chub, theatre and film actor Vladislav Miller, singer Tatyana Kurtukova, and other experts and opinion leaders.

The episode is available to watch on the official website, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, RUTUBE, and Dzen.