Eastern European History Culture Clues
Art, Literature, Music and Architecture are Important Study Aids
Aug 21, 2008
Literature, art, artifacts of popular culture, music, architecture, and other cultural clues can add substance and dimension to East European history studies. Integrate the study of culture to understand the bigger picture.
Literature
The country's literature contemporary with the period of history which is being studied will capture ideas, social stereotypes, and environments, and simulations of actual events from the region and period. For example, Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment illustrates life in 19th century St. Petersburg, creating a story rich with characters who might have walked St. Petersburg's streets. Rich and poor collide within a setting that still pulses with the aura of Dostoevsky's time.
Art
A period's art pieces will react to issues of that historical period. In Eastern Europe, artists responded to social issues, war, aesthetic trends, and the art of other artists. For instance, Mucha was the father of the decorative Art Nouveau movement, but he also responded to the idea of Pan-Slavism of the early 20th century with his Slav Epic. Repin depicted peasant laborers, Cossacks, and the clergy, creating for historians images that were commentaries on social issues in Russia.
Music
Music in Eastern Europe creates cultural clues for history students willing to listen. Folk themes can be heard in notable composers' music. Stories telling of the lives of historical figures like Boris Godunov have been foundations for operatic scores. Music tapped into the social consciousness of its listeners – a musical theme often responded to public interest in that theme.
Popular Culture
Elements of popular culture, like political cartoons, woodcut and copperplate images, and advertisements can also indicate a public mood. The lubok that appeared prior to and during World War I in Russia created images that echoed the national feeling of patriotism and mocked the enemy.
Architecture
Architecture built during certain historical periods are culture clues. Kiev, Ukraine, still exhibits examples of architecture inspired by Byzantium and the 10th century conversion to Orthodoxy. Prague and other Central European cities showcase beautiful examples of Art Nouveau, Mannerist, and other architecture styles. Wooden peasant houses and churches clue historians into how rural populations lived, what their priorities were, and what they believed in.
Other cultural clues can teach about aspects of history in Eastern Europe, as well. Evidence of clothing and fashion choices of citizens of all classes, physical remnants of technological achievements, archeological artifacts, and even printed dinner menus or cookbooks will help to recreate characteristics of a certain time and place, giving the Eastern Europe history student a richer understanding of the subject.
