In 19th century Russian Literature, there are many authors that portray narcissism in their own way through their novels. Stories like “A Hero of Our Time” by Mikhail Lermontov and “The Torrents of Spring” by Ivan Turgenev demonstrate their own portrayals of narcissism in their characters Pechorin and Sanin. In “A Hero of Our Time” the story consistently shows how the main character of the story, Pechorin’s own narcissism becomes the cause of all events that occur in his life. Something that started purely for his own selfishness and entertainment begins to backfire, later ruining his image and potential romantic relationships. And as for Sanin in “The Torrents of Spring”, he’s not as noticeably of a narcissist compared to Pechorin, but as the story goes on, his actions begin to add up to how they work in his favor. Sanin starts off as playing the good guy who pleases everyone when in reality, this act is to build up his image and how everyone perceives him. In the end, after gaining what he’s been chasing after, also self-destructs. Both characters are people that play imposters and end up exposing themselves for who they really are.
In the article “Narcissism and Romantic Relationships: The Differential Impact of Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry” by Wurst, Stefanie N., et al. The article discusses the science behind narcissism (specifically grandiose narcissism) and the reason why relationships with narcissists tend to not last long-term but work short-term. They explain the experiment they conducted with narcissistic admiration and rivalry. These could be described as the positive and negative actions narcissists make in order to upkeep with their narcissism. For example, narcissistic admiration is what a narcissistic person does in order to uplift their image in a positive way like grooming themselves and developing a persona that is deemed likable. Narcisstic rivalry is when a narcissistic person tears other people down to make themselves feel superior, often judging others in the qualities that they lack. Both characters Pechorin and Sanin relate to many topics discussed in the article. For starters, both characters have been revealed to have certain qualities that proves they may have the trait of grandiose narcissism. Grandiose narcissism “is defined as a personality trait characterized by an inflated and overly positive view of the self, including a strong sense of superiority, specialness, and entitlement” (by Campbell qtd. in Wurst). Throughout these stories, Pechorin and Sanin have shown the qualities listed.
In terms of grandiose narcissism, one thing that categorizes Sanin under it is from his appearance. Appearance is one of the major parts of grandiose narcissism and how it benefits narcissists in their short-term romantic relationships. The article states “…prior studies have found that narcissism is related to a series of romantically attractive characteristics. These include an appealing and groomed appearance (Back et al., 2010; Gangestad, Garver-Apgar, Simpson, & Cousins, 2007; Vazire, Naumann, Rentfrow, & Gosling, 2008), high confidence, a high capacity for status (W. K. Campbell et al., 2006; Paulhus, 1998; R. Raskin & Terry, 1988), high self-perceived attractiveness (Gabriel, Critelli, & Ee, 1994) …Consequently, individuals with high scores on narcissism are perceived by the opposite sex as likable, physically and sexually attractive, and having high mate appeal (Brunell & Campbell, 2011; Dufner, Rauthmann, Czarna, & Denissen, 2013; Holtzman & Strube, 2010; Jauk et al., in press).” (qtd. by Wurst, et al.) Physical appearance are one of the reasons narcissists can attract people and do so well in short-term relationships or dating. In “The Torrents of Spring” Sanin is described as someone good-looking with qualities like “…very, very good-looking. A handsome, graceful figure, agreeable, rather unformed features…and, above all, that peculiar, naïvely-cheerful, confiding, open, at the first glance, somewhat foolish expression, by which in former days one could recognise directly the children of steady-going, noble families…And secondly, he was not stupid and had picked up a fair amount of knowledge” (p. 34). Sanin was known to be not only attractive, but also wealthy and intelligent which are qualities that can work in his benefit when it comes to finding temporary love interests. This can also apply to Pechorin, with him being a high rank officer. His place in society can attract people towards him with a high level of respect for him.
In addition, not only did Sanin have the benefit of his good looks, but with his personality too. Sanin often played the role of a protagonist or hero in the story. He often went out of his way to please and entertains others in exchange for their attention. He’s seen doing this many times throughout the story, the first time being when he first met Gemma and her family in Frankfort and her brother, Emilio was in danger and close to dying. In “Narcissism and Romantic Relationships: The Differential Impact of Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry” it is explained that “Narcissism is related to interpersonal strategies and behaviors that are relevant for the initiation and maintenance of social relationships. To achieve their central goal of gaining and maintaining a grandiose self-view, individuals high on narcissism seek admiration from others. This is expressed in self-assured, charming, entertaining, and assertive behaviors (e.g., Back et al., 2013; Back, Schmukle, & Egloff, 2010; W. K. Campbell & Campbell, 2009; Carlson, Vazire, & Oltmanns, 2011; Küfner, Nestler, & Back, 2013; Paulhus, 1998; R. Raskin & Terry, 1988)” (qtd. By Wurst, et al.) What could be seen as someone doing a good deed out of kindness turns out to be something that works in the favor of Sanin and his new situation in Frankfort. The first sign of this was the aftermath and how he decided to stay in Frankfort for a few more days after seeing Gemma and automatically showing interest in her. Sanin barely had any money left and knew he had to get back home yet he decided to stay after all in a country he was only meant to visit. And as for Pechorin in “A Hero of Our Time”, he would make sure he was charming towards Princess Mary at times to attract her and get her attention. He would act in a mysterious and confident manner that would intrigue her. He would often plan these kinds of things out. For example, in the story after having spoken to her he “I did not say another word to her all day” and planned to “not speak to her for two more days” after seeing her in the evening with Grushnitsky, someone he had made her already lose interest in (p. 115)
Pechorin’s ego plays a major part in his narcissistic behavior, since it is what encouraged him into wanting to have Princess Mary fall for him. You can date all the way to the beginning of the chapter how from the moment he saw her, he expected that she would notice and admire him, and when his expectations were not met, he only saw it as a challenge. Pechorin often played mind games with Mary to manipulate her into becoming interested in him, since she did not pay any mind to him at all. There are several examples of Pechorin manipulating Princess Mary and many places in the text that mention Pechorin plays with Mary’s feelings solely for his own entertainment. He admits here that he felt “a boundless delight in the possession of a young, barely unfolded soul…” and compares Princess Mary to a flower and that she “should be plucked that very minute and after inhaling one’s fill of it, one should throw it away on the road…” (p. 116). This quote itself goes to show that his fueled ego and narcissism influence him to think this way of others and not care about their emotions. When he saw the results he wanted, he would only continue to manipulate others.
Another example of his ego becoming a result to him acting out on his narcissism and manipulating people is not only from the control he has gained on Mary, but from the control he has on Grushnitsky too. Throughout the story, as Princess Mary shows more interest in Pechorin, Grushnitsky grows more with envy and jealousy towards Pechorin. Grushnitsky’s reaction satisfies Pechorin because it shows the effect he can easily have on people, only making him feel more superior. There are several examples of Grushnitsky growing more and more angry with Pechorin. One of the major examples is when Pechorin begins to plot against Pechorin for his own downfall. Pechorin makes and observation and thinks “Many are ill-disposed toward me since the last ball, especially the Captain of Dragoons, and now, it seems, an inimical gang is actually being organized against me, under the leadership of Grushnitsky” (p. 126). From here it became obvious that Grushnitsky began to plan Pechorin’s downfall and have people go against him. However, like I previously said, this only amused Pechorin since his narcissism plays a part in his self-assurance and cockiness. I response, he says “I am very glad; I love my enemies, although not in a Christian sense: they amuse me, they quicken my pulses” (p. 126).
To further explain, while both Mary and Grushnitsky entertained him and increased his narcissistic supply in his narcissism, it only fueled the ego that was already there. He thought of himself superior and expressed how he saw those he manipulated as inferior, even before playing mind games with them. It is revealed in the story that Pechorin and Grushnitsky were never friends and more so like frenemies. They were friendly with each other, yet still against each other like they were competing. Pechorin has always thought lowly of Grushnitsky, with his age and rank playing a part. In the text he gives a detailed description of him and in a part of his many thoughts he mentions “Grushnitsky has the reputation of an exceptionally brave man. I have seen him in action: he brandishes his sword, he yells, he rushes forward with closed eyes. Somehow, this is not Russian courage!” (p. 85). He views Grushnitsky as a fraud and this, he looks down on. With Princess Mary is a similar thing. She is young and naïve and “the young princess looks at them [men] with a certain contempt” (p. 94), hinting that she is inexperienced with love and romance. He takes advantage of this and uses it for his own benefit. This is where Narcissistic Rivalry comes in, meaning “the narcissistic tendency to protect oneself from a negative self-view by derogating others. Individuals high on Rivalry strive for supremacy by devaluing others, and they engage in selfish, socially insensitive, arrogant, hostile, and aggressive behaviors that lack interpersonal warmth, trust, and forgiveness… (Back et al., 2013; Lange et al., in press; Leckelt et al., 2015).” (qtd. By Wurst, et al.)
A more critical thing to mention is that his narcissism had a long-term effect in his life by the way he leads his own life. Several things he has done was unethical, especially in Russian society in the 19th century. Having been in an affair between two women and dueling over a woman was the icing on the cake. He was a what you would consider a player and a womanizer. He let his narcissism have control over his own life leading to his own destruction. In “Narcissism and Romantic Relationships: The Differential Impact of Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry” by Wurst, et al. This is known as the long-term effect in relationships explaining that “In past studies, individuals high on narcissism who were involved in long-term romantic relationships showed low levels of commitment and investment, reported a larger number of and higher attention to potential alternative partners…” (Brewer, Hunt, James, & Abell, 2015; Brunell & Campbell, 2011; Buss & Shackelford, 1997; W. K. Campbell et al., 2006; W. K. Campbell & Foster, 2002; W. K. Campbell, Foster, et al., 2002; Cramer, 2011; Foster, 2008; Foster & Campbell, 2005; Foster et al., 2006). (qtd. By Wurst, et al.). Sanin also self-sabotages in “The Torrents of Spring” when he decides to cheat on his betrothed, Gemma with a married woman. He had sacrificed the future of a marriage to be in an unsatisfactory relationship with the woman and her husband.
Some might disagree and argue that narcissists are not aware of their actions, however an article on a study say otherwise. In “Honestly Arrogant or Simply Misunderstood? Narcissists’ Awareness of their Narcissism” by Erika N. Carlson the article states “if narcissists lack true insight into their narcissism, they will fail to realize that they tend to behave in narcissistic ways, and they will not understand the social costs associated with narcissism” (Morf & Rhodewalt, [39]) ptd. By Carlson. This article argues that if narcissists aren’t aware, then they wouldn’t see their narcissism as what they percieve it to be which is usually something that benefits them. Just like how Pechorin chooses this path of wickedness, aware that he could lead a morally better life instead of always having to prove to himself and others that he can get what he pleases. As previously said, Pechorin orchestrates the act of hurting people close to him (such as Vera and her marriage, Princess Mary and Grushnitsky) for his own pleasure. However, he often questions his own actions, knowing he could do things differently, in a more morally correct way. Here, he thinks to himself “I sometimes despise myself. . . Is this not why I despise others? . . . I have become incapable of noble impulses… I am afraid of appearing laughable to myself. Another man in my place would offer the young princess son caeur et sa fortune…” (p. 137).
In this quote he wonders why it is so difficult for him to commit any good deeds, that if he does, he could make a fool out of himself which could bruise his ego. He also mentions Princess Mary does not deserve to get the treatment he is gives her. This, he dislikes himself for. Apart of him wants to be a good person instead of acting upon his narcissism. Knowing he can change himself and still develop good relationships with people, he continues to sabotage his own potential future with either Princess Mary or Vera and develops more people against him. An example of this is at the end of the chapter, when Pechorin leaves the resort empty handed and alone, having nothing change from the beginning. At the end, he is alone, awaiting the next phase in his journey. He describes himself as “… a sailor born and bred on the deck of a pirate brig. His soul is used to storms and battles, and, when cast out on the shore, he feels bored and oppressed, no matter how the shady grove lures him, no matter how the peaceful sun shines on him” (p.162). This proves that in the end, Pechorin will always choose to play the villain in his own story. He plays villain in other people’s lives just for him to eventually face the consequences for his bad deeds. He claims to easily get bored and that is why he would rather interfere in other people’s lives.
Some readers may think otherwise and say that the characters Pechorin and Sanin are not causing damage to their lives. But there are many examples of them doing so throughout the story. The damage that they cause themselves can be simply explained with their habit of developing good and satisfactory relationships for a short time and then them losing interest when it becomes long-term. It is also proven that they are aware of their actions and character traits that coincide with narcissism.
Works Cited
Carlson, Erika. “Honestly Arrogant or Simply Misunderstood? Narcissists’ Awareness of Their Narcissism.” Self and identity 12.3 (2013): 259–277. Web.
Lermontov, Mikhail I. U, and Marian Schwartz. A Hero of Our Time. New York: Modern Library, 2004. Print. (pp. 85-162)
Turgenev, Ivan. The Torrents of Spring By Constance Garnett
1897 (pp. 34)
Wurst, Gerlach. “Narcissism and Romantic Relationships: The Differential Impact of Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry.” Journal of personality and social psychology 112.2 (2017): 280–306. Web.
