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Who is Walter Scott, a Scottish writer whom Dostoevsky also loved?
Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1771.
Originally a lawyer, he rose to fame as a poet and later became a leading Scottish author, writing historical novels, including "Ivanhoe" in 1819, which became a record seller.
Dostoevsky was one of those who read his works as a child and was fascinated by them.
Even in his later years, he wrote the following reply to a letter in which he was concerned about what to read for his children's education. Here are some of them.
At the age of twelve, while on vacation in the countryside, I read all of Walter Scott's works, and even though this developed my imagination and sensitivity, it did not develop them in a bad way, but in a good way. In particular, from all this reading I have gained countless beautiful and noble impressions, which I have kept in my heart all my life, and which have formed a great strength in my heart to fight against temptation, lust, and corrupt impressions, so I believe the truth of my words even more.
I recommend that your daughter read Walter Scott now. She needs it more than ever, especially since Scott is now completely forgotten in Russia. At a later date, when your daughter is already leading an independent life, it will not be possible, nor will she feel the need, to familiarize herself with this great writer. Therefore, we suggest that you take the opportunity to familiarize your daughter with Scott while she is at her parents' house. Walter Scott is of high educational value.
Kawade Shobo Shinsha, translated by Masao Yonekawa, Dostoevsky's Complete Works 18: Letters, p. 430
Scott is the best choice for educating children! Dostoevsky endorses it in this letter.
Although Walter Scott is not well known in Japan, this letter shows that he was a very important writer for Dostoevsky.
Scott's masterpiece is the historical tale "Ivanhoe," which we will introduce here. Although the title of the novel does not give a clear idea of what kind of novel it is, it is a work that has played a very important role in the history of literature in the world.
What is Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe"?
J.G. Lockhart's Biography of Walter Scott describes "Ivanhoe" as follows.
As a work of art, "Ivanhoe" is the most important of all Scott's total efforts, whether in prose or rhyme. The power and brilliance of his imagination is best demonstrated in some of the novel's scenes.
Sairyusha J. G. Lockhart, J. G. Lockhart, Takero Sato, Ichigoro Uchida, Yutaka Sato, Yuuka Harada translation, "Biography of Walter Scott," p. 402
After all, this work seems to be worthy of being called Scott's masterpiece.
Let's continue with the synopsis.
This is a historical novel of unparalleled poignancy centering on the romance between Ivanhoe, a knight without a line of valor, and Princess Rowena, and featuring the knight in black disguised as Richard the Lion King and Robin Hood, a bandit. It is a masterpiece of Walter Scott (1771-1832), whose masterful plotting, beautiful descriptions of nature, and extensive research greatly influenced all European literature. (Volume 1)
The captives were rescued by the strenuous efforts of the knights in black. However, Rebecca, a beautiful Jewish girl who has devoted herself to caring for the wounded Ivanhoe, has been kidnapped by the enemy and is about to be executed as a witch. Ivanhoe is determined to rescue her in a duel. ...A masterpiece of English Romanticism that enjoyed record sales and popularity when it was published in 1819. (lower volume).
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As you can see from the synopsis, the novel is a tale of chivalry.
Speaking of chivalric tales.Don Quixote."is the first that comes to mind, but this film, though made much later than "Don Quixote," is a much more chivalrous tale of chivalry.
What is a chivalric tale?
It is difficult to put it in a few words, but to put it succinctly, it is "a romantic story of medieval knights fighting battles, romance with a beautiful princess, and good and evil defeated.
The storyline in "Ivanhoe" faithfully follows the tradition of chivalric tales, with a strong sense of good and evil.
The villains are already pleasantly evil. THE bad guys!
The atrociousness of the evil knights will be depicted in this and other ways.
In contrast, the main character Ivanhoe and the mysterious black knight also show their heroics.
A mysterious black knight suddenly appears in the hero's pinch. This black knight is just so strong. The mysterious atmosphere of the black knight also makes him cool.
What is it, why are we so thrilled with these mysterious saviors that appear in such a pinch?
It feels good to see again and again the righteous knights fighting for their lives against the villains and then, after a fierce battle, achieving victory and a happy ending.
The same goes for Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and even Mito Komon. You know you are going to win, but you are not bored at all. In fact, I find myself saying, "I've been waiting for this! and I expect it with great joy.
Such is the story that will be told in this "Ivanhoe".
And the noble knight and the princess who never loses her proud heart in the face of tragedy.
Their stand against evil will move the hearts of those who read it.
Scott researcher Toshio Yamato describes the interest in "Ivanhoe" as follows.
Scott is a sky horse. He goes to the sky. He wrote his novel during the Bunka-Bunsei period, the same time as Bakin's Hakkenden. It is old-fashioned. And yet, his books can still be found in bookstores in major cities around the world. Go to Maruzen or Kikokuya and see for yourself. There is always something of his novels. (omitted).
Why? Forster writes it very plainly. It is Scott's storytelling in the sky. Call it primitive, call it what you will, but it is a force that pulls the reader in so fast that you can't help but keep reading. (omitted).
The reader is so enthralled by the events that keep happening that he just sits there open-mouthed and entranced, like a caveman."
For Scott" in Kawade Sekai Bungaku Taikei Getsuppo 17 Scott, p.1
The reader is fascinated by the incidents that happen one after another, just like a caveman, open-mouthed and entranced" ... isn't that an amazing expression?
But perhaps no words could be more blunt.
Scott's tale of chivalry draws the reader into just such a state.
This is a true test of a writer's skill. The magic of Scott's brushwork is outstanding in this work, "Ivanhoe.
Conclusion
Walter Scott, whom Dostoevsky recommends as the best for educating children.
Its masterpiece, "Ivanhoe," is the royal road of chivalric tales, "THE good-rights-and-punishment story.
Good triumphs over evil! A noble heart that will not be defeated by evil! And to live strong! To fight against evil!
These messages are contained in this story.
Moreover, it is genuinely interesting as a novel!
This will be an exciting read for children.
I can see why Dostoevsky would recommend it for children's education.
The above is a synopsis of Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe" - The great success of Robin Foot and the Black Knight! A chivalric tale at its finest!" That was it.
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