The First-Class Passenger
Celebrity scene in Russia 1886.
Celebrity scene today.
Nothing much seems to have changed.
Chekhov handles this theme much more deftly in The Grasshopper.
Here, an engineer who built many bridges laments that he is not as well known as a singer or actress.
When someone decries our celebrity obsessed age remind them that the worship of celebrities has been around for quite a long time and if they have any doubts -- just refer them to this tale or The Grasshopper.
My only question would be is how well-known was Chekhov during his lifetime?
In any case, those with small talent might garner more fame than real artists but it will be short-lived.
Genius is what stands the test of time.
LOL
When Nikolaus Harnoncourt died around the same time as Nancy Reagan, there was scarcely a mention of him in the mainstream media.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought about this story - at least the engineer was chosen for his work and won prizes. Moreover, his travelling companion had a job for 35 years as a professor. Awards and jobs aren't given to those who merit them usually.
Upon reflection, while it's true what the engineer says about fame I'm not sure if he's another example of a man who's kidding himself. Do the two travellers actually merit recognition? Every creator I know thinks their work is the cat's pyjamas. The fact that he wins first prize makes me skeptical.
ReplyDeleteMight be a little of both. It's probably true the engineer exaggerates his own worth and certainly true celebrities attract too much attention.
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