Cross-cultural approach to the investigation of the Russian classics (the works by A.N. Ostrovsky, N.S. Leskov and A.P. Chehov): individual and ethnic specific

Abstract

The article analyzes the appearance of
characters in the works by Alexander Ostrovsky, Nikolai
Leskov and Anton Chekhov as representatives of different
Russian ethnic groups and highlights their individual
and ethnic specific characteristics. Bodily-symbolic
component of the character is revealed through gender
ideals, attitudes and preferences of the described period.
Society does not only confirm but also establishes a
natural dichotomy between social and cultural symbols.
Evaluation and interpretation of the exterior features do
not often express mere properties of interacting groups,
but also relations between them.