Family relationships in the novel by B.L. Pasternak “Doctor Zhivago”

The article examines in detail the family relationships among the characters in B.L. Pasternak’s novel “Doctor Zhivago” through the lens of familial ethics, an area that has remained relatively unexplored in scholarly discourse. A significant emphasis is placed on the development of the main characters’ personalities, with attention to their childhood environments and the literature that shaped their worldviews. The study also considers the author himself, as Pasternak’s life parallels the fate of Yuri Zhivago in many respects. The primary research method employed is comparative analysis, which is also applied to the works of other authors. It is noted that the novel articulates Pasternak’s own system of values, particularly in relation to interpersonal relationships. The conclusion drawn from this investigation is that the principal characters are not intrinsically suited for familial life; rather, they exhibit traits of egotism and extreme individualism. However, B.L. Pasternak does not perceive these characteristics as flaws, nor does he cast moral judgment upon them. Instead, he presents them as an alternative pathway in life, suggesting that such a mode of existence is essential for attaining historical significance.