« заставь дурака богу молиться – он лоб расшибёт » (“ zastav ’ duraka bogu molit ’ sia – H u m a n i t i e s

1. What “Akakievich” part of Bashmachkin’s full name is and what does it mean?

5%

2. Provide and explain similar parts of the full names of Dostoevsky, Gogol, Karamzin, and Pushkin?

5%

3. Which specific real historical event may Pushkin be describing in details in the Bronze Horseman and, if so, what was the precise date of this event? (You’ll probably have to do some research.)

5%

4. What can you say about Eugene’s occupation and social position?

Justify your answer briefly.

5%

5. Who had a higher rank: Bashmachkin or Kovalev?

Explain your answer briefly.

5%

Part III.

25%

Comment on one of the two well-known Russian proverb (below).

Alternatively, try to answer the question: why were you asked to read “The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity” by Carlo M Cipolla for this course:

Si vous le souhaitez, vous pouvez (mais vous n’êtes pas obligé) faire référence à deux (voire aux trois) éléments suggérés tout en répondant en détail à l’un d’entre eux.

Le volume de votre aperçu doit être d’environ 250-300 mots (1 pages, Times New Ronan 12, en double intervalle).

1. «Услужливый дурак опаснее врага» (“Usluzhlivyi dukar opasnee vraga.”)

An obliging fool is more dangerous than an enemy // Helpful fool is more dangerous than an enemy.

Un imbécile obligeant est plus dangereux que l’ennemi // Un imbécile de bonne volonté est plus dangereux que l’ennemi // Un imbécile utile est plus dangereux que l’ennemi.

2. «Заставь дурака Богу молиться – он лоб расшибёт» (“Zastav’ duraka Bogu molit’sia – on lob rasshibёt”)

Make a fool bow and he will be sure to knock his head.

Faire un fou prier Dieu – il se cassera le front.

3. “The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity” by Carlo M Cipolla: