The image of England, the English, and the English national character in the articles by V. Kozlov (in the pages of the newspaper “Russky invalid”, 1816–1817)

Abstract

The article examines the concept of “Englishness” as reflected by the Russian poet and journalist of the early 19^th century V. Kozlov in his essays, which were published in the military newspaper “Russky Invalid” in 1816–1817. The article provides a brief description of the English national character, highlighting such qualities as practicality, law-abiding behavior, and tolerance towards others. We explore the origins of Kozlov’s interest in English literature and culture, citing the opinions of Russian literary scholars regarding Kozlov’s contribution to the study of English literature in Russia. For Kozlov, England is a country of freedom and tolerance, although he criticizes the attitude of English Protestants toward Catholics. According to Kozlov, the English possess special talents in the fields of natural sciences and mechanics; they are inclined toward philosophy and philological sciences. Kozlov holds a high opinion of the English people’s achievements in pedagogy, especially those attained by English women. In English fiction, he highlights works in the genre of the novel written by women. Kozlov also discusses the image of Robinson Crusoe as a typical Englishman. The article concludes that England and the English are depicted positively in Kozlov’s articles, although certain shortcomings, such as religious prejudices and drunkenness, are also mentioned.