Definition

Proper noun: - Boris Leonidovich Pasternak: A Russian writer, poet, and literary translator. He is internationally renowned for his novel Doctor Zhivago, a work that was banned in the Soviet Union for its perceived criticism of the 1917 Revolution but was published abroad, leading to significant acclaim and controversy. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The poetry of Boris Leonidovich Pasternak is celebrated for its deep lyricism and philosophical depth.
  • Many scholars study the life and works of Boris Leonidovich Pasternak to understand Soviet literary history.

Advanced Usage

• Often referred to simply as "Pasternak" in literary and historical contexts.
  • Pasternak's translation of Shakespeare's tragedies is considered a masterpiece in Russian literature.
• The phrase "a Pasternakian sensibility" is sometimes used to describe writing that blends intense personal emotion with epic historical scope.

Variants and Related Words

• Pasternak (noun): The common shortened form of his surname used to refer to the man or his body of work.
• Pasternakian (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of Boris Pasternak or his literary style.

Synonyms

• The author of Doctor Zhivago: A common descriptive synonym referencing his most famous work.
• The Nobel laureate of 1958: A reference highlighting his international literary recognition.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• While there are no direct idioms, his name is often invoked in discussions about "artistic courage under political pressure" or "the writer as a historical witness."
  • His story is a Pasternak-like tale of artistic integrity versus state ideology.

Noun

1. Russian writer whose best known novel was banned by Soviet authorities but translated and published abroad (1890-1960)