A con man who navigates the complexities of the society with wit and ingenuity.
Ostap Bender #
Tell me about Ostap Bender? #
Ostap Bender is a fictional character from Soviet literature, primarily known as the protagonist in two satirical novels: “The Twelve Chairs” (1928) and “The Little Golden Calf” (1931), both co-written by Ilf and Petrov. Bender is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in Russian literature, often seen as a symbol of cunning, resourcefulness, and the quintessential con artist.
Character Overview #
Background:
Ostap Bender, who styles himself as the “great strategist,” is depicted as a charming and astute con man who navigates the complexities of Soviet society with wit and ingenuity. Despite his criminal endeavors, he possesses a certain charisma and moral flexibility that endear him to readers.
The Twelve Chairs:
In this novel, Bender partners with Ippolit Matveyevich Vorobyaninov, a former nobleman, to search for a set of twelve chairs that belonged to Vorobyaninov’s mother-in-law. Unbeknownst to the public, one of these chairs contains a hidden cache of jewels. The quest takes them on a series of misadventures across the Soviet Union, highlighting various social and political issues of the time through humor and satire.
The Little Golden Calf:
The sequel follows Bender as he discovers that a Soviet official named Alexander Koreiko has illegally amassed a fortune. Bender, along with a group of accomplices, devises numerous schemes to extort money from Koreiko. This novel continues to critique the bureaucratic and corrupt elements of Soviet society, while also further developing Bender’s character as an inveterate but likable rogue.
Characteristics #
Intelligence and Wit: Bender is highly intelligent, using his sharp mind to devise elaborate schemes. His wit and verbal dexterity often allow him to manipulate others and escape tricky situations.
Charming Persona: His charisma and ability to read people make him a master of persuasion. Bender’s smooth-talking nature enables him to win over allies and deceive his targets.
Cynical Worldview: Ostap Bender is inherently cynical, viewing the world as a place where everyone is out to cheat or be cheated. This worldview reflects the disillusionment of many in Soviet society during the early 20th century.
Moral Ambiguity: Although he engages in criminal activities, Bender often comes across as more humane and morally complex than the bureaucrats and officials he encounters. His actions, while illegal, are portrayed as a form of rebellion against a corrupt system.
Cultural Impact #
Literary Significance: Bender’s character is a vehicle for Ilf and Petrov to critique the absurdities and contradictions of Soviet life. Through his adventures, the authors expose the inefficiencies, corruption, and hypocrisy of the Soviet bureaucracy.
Popular Icon: Over the decades, Bender has become a cultural icon in Russia and other post-Soviet states. His character has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and theatrical productions, further cementing his status in popular culture.
Symbolic Role: Ostap Bender symbolizes the eternal struggle of the individual against oppressive and nonsensical systems. His resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of freedom and wealth resonate with audiences who see him as a symbol of ingenuity and resistance.
In summary, Ostap Bender is a richly crafted character whose exploits and personality provide a lens through which the complexities and contradictions of Soviet society are explored. His enduring popularity and cultural significance testify to the timeless appeal of a well-crafted antihero.
Please list some of his escapades? #
Ostap Bender’s escapades are numerous and highlight his ingenuity, charm, and audacity. Here are some notable examples from “The Twelve Chairs” and “The Little Golden Calf”:
The Twelve Chairs #
The Auction of the Chairs: In their quest to find the hidden jewels, Bender and Vorobyaninov discover that the twelve chairs have been auctioned off separately. Bender orchestrates various schemes to track down and inspect each chair, often swindling the new owners or trading fake stories to gain access to them.
The Chess Club Con: Bender convinces a group of chess enthusiasts that he is a chess grandmaster named Ostap-Suleiman-Berta-Maria-Bender-Bey. He fabricates an entire backstory and orchestrates a series of chess demonstrations and lectures to collect donations from the unsuspecting members.
The Fake Marriage Proposal: Bender proposes marriage to a wealthy widow, Mme. Gritsatsuyeva, purely to gain access to her money. He pretends to be deeply in love and promises a bright future, all while planning to abscond with her savings as soon as possible.
The Little Golden Calf #
The Con as a Son of a Soviet Hero: Bender arrives in a small town pretending to be the son of a famous Soviet hero. He tells the local authorities that he was robbed while visiting their remote area, manipulating them into giving him money and assistance out of guilt and a sense of patriotic duty.
The Business Registration Scam: Bender and his accomplices set up a fake business in order to extract money from gullible investors. They create an elaborate facade, complete with bogus documents and staged meetings, to give their venture an air of legitimacy.
The Border Crossing Plot: Bender devises a plan to cross the Soviet border illegally. He disguises himself and his companions in various guises, using his charm and quick thinking to navigate through the bureaucratic hurdles and checkpoints.
The Blackmail of Koreiko: Discovering that the Soviet official Alexander Koreiko has illegally hoarded a fortune, Bender hatches a scheme to blackmail him. He gathers incriminating evidence and orchestrates a series of meetings and threats to extract money from Koreiko, showcasing his ability to turn the tables on corrupt officials.
The Museum Heist: Bender impersonates a museum curator and concocts a story about an exhibit of valuable relics. He manages to persuade the local authorities to fund the “exhibit,” only to make off with the money once it is secured.
Other Noteworthy Schemes #
The Gambling Ring: Bender sets up a gambling ring, exploiting the Soviet ban on gambling to lure in officials and wealthy citizens who are eager to participate in illicit activities. He ensures the odds are always in his favor, pocketing significant sums before dissolving the ring.
The Pseudo-Business Conference: Organizing a fake business conference, Bender invites prominent businessmen and officials to attend, charging them exorbitant fees for registration and participation. He creates a convincing but entirely fabricated agenda, complete with fake speakers and sessions.
The “Sacred Relic” Scam: Bender fabricates a story about a sacred relic that has been discovered, playing on people’s superstitions and religious beliefs. He organizes a viewing event, charging admission fees and accepting donations for the “preservation” of the relic, before disappearing with the collected funds.
Ostap Bender’s escapades are a testament to his creativity and audacity, each one reflecting his ability to adapt to any situation and turn it to his advantage. These schemes also serve to satirize the societal and bureaucratic absurdities of the Soviet era, making his stories enduringly popular and relevant.
Wasn’t there a motor race swindle too? #
Yes, indeed! One of Ostap Bender’s most famous and audacious escapades involves organizing a motor rally in “The Little Golden Calf.” This episode is a prime example of his cunning and resourcefulness.
The Motor Rally Escapade #
Context
In “The Little Golden Calf,” Bender decides to organize a motor rally from Kharkov to Gagra, a town on the Black Sea coast. This scheme is part of his larger plan to extract money from the wealthy underground millionaire, Alexander Koreiko.
The Plan
Bender fabricates the entire event, promoting it as a major sporting and social occasion. He persuades various local authorities and influential figures to support and sponsor the rally, using his charisma and persuasive skills. The idea of a motor rally captures the public’s imagination, as automobiles were still a relatively new and exciting phenomenon in the Soviet Union at the time.
Execution
Organizing the Event: Bender goes through the motions of organizing the rally, which includes creating fake documents, promotional materials, and securing supposed endorsements from prominent individuals. He uses these elements to lend an air of legitimacy to the event.
Gaining Sponsorships: He successfully convinces several local businesses and officials to sponsor the rally, collecting significant funds under the pretense of covering organizational costs. These sponsors are eager to associate themselves with the glamour and prestige of the event.
The Start of the Rally: On the day of the rally, a large crowd gathers to witness the start. Bender ensures that there is much fanfare and excitement, with decorated cars and participants ready to race. However, the rally is nothing more than a ruse.
The Escape: As the rally begins, Bender uses the chaos and distraction to make his escape with the collected funds. The participants and spectators are left bewildered as they gradually realize that the entire event was a scam.
Outcome
The motor rally escapade showcases Bender’s ability to think big and execute elaborate cons with meticulous detail. It also highlights his understanding of human nature, as he exploits people’s enthusiasm for novelty and their desire for prestige. This episode further cements Bender’s reputation as a master strategist and a quintessential antihero in Soviet literature.
Significance
This particular escapade not only provides a humorous critique of Soviet society but also underscores themes of deception, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth. Bender’s schemes often reveal the underlying absurdities and contradictions of the bureaucratic system, making his adventures both entertaining and thought-provoking.