Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov

How hard is Oblomov to read?

Oblomov scores 59 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it quite demanding. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.

Vocabulary: 68 out of 100

The text employs a rich, formal vocabulary with frequent use of less common words such as 'insouciance,' 'ennui,' 'effeminacy,' 'appurtenances,' and 'reverie.' While some Russian terms like 'starosta' and 'barin' are footnoted, the overall density of sophisticated and sometimes archaic English diction elevates the complexity beyond accessible contemporary fiction, approaching the level of '2666' or 'Moby-Dick' in its demands on the reader's lexicon.

Sentence structure: 75 out of 100

Goncharov's prose features long, elaborate sentences characterized by extensive subordination, multiple clauses, and parenthetical asides that often delay the main verb or subject. For instance, descriptions of Oblomov's character or the Oblomovka estate frequently span several lines, requiring sustained attention to track meaning. This style, reminiscent of Proustian subordination, creates a demanding reading experience, though it rarely reaches the extreme hypotaxis of Henry James or Faulkner.

Abstraction: 60 out of 100

While 'Oblomov' is primarily a character study with a concrete narrative, it frequently delves into philosophical musings on life, duty, happiness, and the nature of Russian society. Oblomov's internal monologues and dialogues with characters like Penkin and Schtoltz explore abstract concepts such as 'the disease of Oblomovka' and the meaning of existence, moving beyond mere social observation. These reflective passages elevate the abstraction level above straightforward narrative, though they remain grounded in the characters' experiences.

Information density: 62 out of 100

The text presents a moderate to high information density, particularly in its detailed descriptions of Oblomov's physical and mental state, the Oblomovka estate, and the social interactions. While not as dense with allusions or multiple meanings as 'Ulysses,' the narrative layers character psychology, social commentary, and philosophical reflection within its extended descriptions and dialogues. Readers must process intricate details about customs, domestic life, and internal struggles, demanding consistent attention to fully grasp the nuances.

Narrative indirection: 40 out of 100

The omniscient narrator frequently explains Oblomov's inner state, motivations, and the societal critique embodied by his inertia, leaving little to profound reader inference. The 'disease of Oblomovka' is explicitly named and analyzed, rather than subtly implied through character actions alone. While Oblomov's dream provides extensive context, its meaning is largely elucidated by the narrative.

Symbolic density: 70 out of 100

The novel employs clear and consistent symbolism, most notably with Oblomov's dressing-gown representing his inertia and the estate of Oblomovka embodying a stifling, idyllic past. The pervasive dust and decay in his apartment serve as a constant visual metaphor for his inner stagnation. These motifs are central to understanding the protagonist's condition and the novel's broader social commentary.

Ironic distance: 68 out of 100

The narrative maintains a consistent ironic distance, particularly in its portrayal of Oblomov's elaborate rationalizations for his idleness and his philosophical critiques of active life. The contrast between his profound thoughts and his utter inability to act creates a gentle, yet pervasive, satire. This irony is balanced by a sympathetic understanding of his character, preventing it from becoming purely derisive.

Resolution withholding: 45 out of 100

The narrative provides a clear, if melancholic, resolution to Oblomov's character arc, showing his definitive relapse into inertia and eventual physical decline. While Olga's later reflections hint at lingering existential questions about her own fulfillment, Oblomov's fate and the impact of his 'disease' are presented with considerable closure. The plot points, such as his breakup with Olga and her marriage to Schtoltz, are explicit.

Structural complexity: 55 out of 100

The narrative largely follows a linear chronology from a consistent omniscient third-person perspective. Its primary structural complexity arises from the extensive, multi-chapter dream sequence detailing Oblomov's childhood in Oblomovka, which serves as a prolonged flashback. This digression, while significant, is clearly framed and does not involve fragmented timelines or shifts in narrative voice.

How Oblomov is regarded

Oblomov holds a literary regard score of 70 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.

About the author

Ivan Goncharov