I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 260 Dark Fairy Tale and Mikhail's Continued March Forward
The so-called fairy tales should actually be called folk tales. The Brothers Grimm collected these folk tales in 1812 for academic purposes. Therefore, the first edition of "Grimms' Fairy Tales" was actually a study of German folk customs.

So the question arises: given the state of social life and environment in medieval Europe and even earlier, could one really expect to produce any truly good and beautiful folk tales?
The answer is obviously no.

In the earlier stories, it was not Snow White's stepmother who was jealous of her appearance, but Snow White's biological mother. At the end of the story, the prince even ordered the queen to dance at the banquet wearing red-hot iron shoes until she finally died from exhaustion.

Furthermore, Cinderella is not as kind and forgiving as in later versions. In fact, she harbors resentment towards her stepsisters and stepmother, so she uses magic to send two birds to blind the two sisters. In the end, the stepmother and the two stepsisters become beggars and wander the streets, while Cinderella drinks champagne in a joyful atmosphere.

To be fair, this kind of plot seems to be more in line with human nature, and it can also reflect the common people's simple desire for a higher status and the idea of ​​revenge.

There are many such examples, and what the Brothers Grimm did not expect was that after their story collections were published, the largest audience was children. As a result, they had to revise these stories, gradually guiding them toward truth, goodness and beauty.

When the story collection was to be published in Britain, the British, of course, made extensive revisions to it, and thus the fairy tale in the general sense appeared, becoming a moral story for children.

For this reason, fairy tales did not have a high status in Britain during this period and were mostly considered children's books.

But when Mikhail read "The Happy Prince," the audience began to murmur amongst themselves as he finished the story and entered the short intermission.

For those with more open minds and a good understanding of Dickens's works, after a moment's thought, they couldn't help but remark to their companions, "This is like an exceptionally pure and beautiful version of *Oliver Twist*. Although the content is different, it clearly shares a similar theme: the poor always lead miserable lives."

"It really fits the charity theme of this poetry reading, and I have to admit I was moved."

……

The discussions and even debates among the literary figures and critics present were even more intense:
"What kind of literary form is this? It seems closer to those fantastical fairy tales on the market, yet its language is exquisite and the themes it explores are quite profound."

"The writing is beautiful, the emotions are profound, and there are many meanings. Even adults would find such a story very interesting."

"Did he modify this genre based on fairy tales? I remember Tennyson and some other poets believed that such stories were the prototypes of poetry, symbolizing the language of the human soul. Did he also come into contact with this view during his time in England?"

"Reform the writing style? That's absurd! What right does a Russian writer have to reform our British writing style?"

"Although I also find it hard to believe, can you say his transformation was a failure? What do you think of the story?"

"There are plenty of people in London who could write stories like this!"

"I can't write that."

The upper-class ladies in the audience were clearly more emotional; while they were focused on the story itself, they were also paying attention to the person reciting it.

"This story is beautiful, but so sad. The Happy Prince and the little bird both died; it's not like a story you'd hear at a party. Fortunately, God protected them in the end and took them to the most beautiful kingdom! What a beautiful ending!"

"The story is sad, yet his tone was so gentle. When he spoke as the Happy Prince, it was as if the swallow was truly on his shoulder; the compassion in his voice immediately allowed me to imagine what the Happy Prince should be like."

"I want to donate right now! For him and for those poor children!"

……

In London during this period, charity had become one of the most important social responsibilities of noblewomen. They often did not directly engage in labor or politics, but they could demonstrate their upbringing, religious beliefs, and social status through charitable activities.

Just like French noblewomen investing in artists.

Meanwhile, for events like these, the next day's newspapers will publish a "charity list," and appearing on the front row of the donation list will become a topic of conversation in social circles.

Because of Mikhail's unique background and his novel, this event seemed even more special, to the point that some wealthy women who originally only intended to donate basic funds began to seriously consider whether to donate more money.
Of course, some people in the audience were unmoved or even dissatisfied with such a story:

"What is the point of his story about the mayor and city councilors? While it is respectable to sympathize with the poor, he shouldn't have deliberately satirized these gentlemen who work so hard in government. Besides, these gentlemen might be more deserving of respect than the swallow."

Although the reactions of the audience varied, the overall atmosphere remained relatively positive.

After a short rest, Mikhail quickly returned to the podium to recite other works.

Strictly speaking, literary recitations during this period were mostly performative. If writers wanted their audiences to stay focused, they had to read with enough emotion and vividness, and Dickens was a master of this.

In order to achieve the best results, Mikhail practiced diligently a few days ago and even consulted some professionals. Fortunately, judging from the atmosphere at the event today, the final result presented by Mikhail was quite good.

As time went by, the literary reading gradually came to an end, and in the final part, Mikhail recited another new poem:
If I can save a heart from breaking,

I will not have lived in vain;

If I could soothe the pain of a life,

Or relieve a pain,
Or help a robin who has fainted

Return to its nest.

I will not have lived in vain.

After reciting the poem with a slight sigh, Mikhail looked earnestly at the audience as he approached the conclusion. Under the spotlight and with everyone watching, Mikhail solemnly began to speak:
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we gather here in the name of charity, with booklets of donations in our hands. However, I ask you to set aside these papers for a moment and listen to me speak of another side of this city. I have walked the streets of London, through the cobblestone streets of the New Market, past the gloomy working-class quarters along the Thames. There, children wrapped in tattered rags, their fingers red with cold, still bent over to sweep the ashes from the fireplaces under the chimneys."

Men often couldn't earn enough for dinner despite their hard work, and mothers had to endure hunger for their families and children. In extreme poverty, these mothers, and many girls, were forced to take to the streets.
In my view, the poverty in this city is not natural; it is a result of a combination of lawlessness, ignorance, and indifference. People are constrained by inequality and driven to despair by callous policies. Perhaps they need more than just pity.

I have witnessed these scenes, seen the famine unfolding in Ireland in the newspapers, and I know many people have different opinions and even deep-seated prejudices, but I am still reminded of a sermon by the English poet John Donne, which I would like to recite to you again today.”

Looking at the audience who were initially taken aback but later seemed to be listening more and more intently, Mikhail, with mixed feelings, began to read the closing remarks for the evening:
No one is a complete entity.

An isolated island
Every individual is a part of the vast continent.

If the waves wash away a rock
Europe will become less.

Like a cape losing a piece,
It's like your friend or your own territory has lost a piece.

Every death is my sorrow.
Because I am a member of the human race.

Therefore,
Don't ask for whom the bell tolls.

It sings just for you!

Thank you to everyone who is here tonight.

After Mikhail finished reciting the sermon, although the audience may have had different opinions, there was only a brief silence before a wave of applause erupted, both for the works the young man had recited earlier and for his sincere final words.

After the applause subsided, many people began to whisper among themselves and even discuss donations, while the reporters in the room frantically tried to recall what Mikhail had said and hurriedly wrote it down in their notebooks.

This is definitely big news!

It's sure to pique the curiosity of many people no matter which angle you look at it from!
As the crowd stirred and the donation process continued, Mikhail, who had temporarily moved to the back, observed the reactions of the people on the field and finally breathed a deep sigh of relief, then wiped the sweat from his palms.

Strictly speaking, this was indeed the first time Mikhail had clearly stated his views in public, and these views were contrary to the mainstream thought in Britain at the time.

As mentioned earlier, during this period, British society generally viewed poverty as a sin, a sin caused by the laziness and idleness of the poor. The laws, policies, and inequalities that Mikhail just mentioned would obviously make many people in Britain uncomfortable.

At the same time, the Irish famine was also a problem. Simply put, the widespread discrimination against Irish people in British society at the time was reflected in their handling of the Irish famine.

But for Mikhail, these are not difficult questions to judge. Even if his statements don't change much, they can at least raise some donations and attract some attention.

As for why Mikhail's palms were sweating, it was clearly not because he said anything that went against mainstream social thought.

This is Britain!
If I'm still as cautious as before now that I'm in the UK, wouldn't my trip have been a waste?!
Therefore, Mikhail's palms were sweating for two reasons: firstly, he was nervous because he was not very skilled, and secondly, he was thinking that he would probably have to face a similar situation in Russia sooner or later, and what kind of trouble he would face then.
Russia in the trenches!
As Mikhail wiped his sweat, Sanders, who had been a great help to him during the event, approached him and excitedly shared some good news:

"Mr. Mikhail, our event was a great success! The guests at today's literary reading were very enthusiastic about donating, and in just a short while, the donations have already reached almost half the amount of donations for a typical charity event! Your work and your reading were both fantastic!"

After saying this, Sanders looked at Mikhail, who was wiping his sweat with some sympathy, and continued:
"You must have been under a lot of pressure when you said those last words, right? I know you are a noble gentleman, but many people obviously have more practical ideas. Your opinions will certainly be met with fierce criticism and opposition from many people."

Even so, you still managed to say what you wanted to say despite all the pressure, which is truly remarkable.

No matter where you are, going against the mainstream ideas of high society is obviously not a good thing. At best, it will damage your reputation; at worst, it will exclude you from social circles, which will inevitably lead to economic losses.

How many people would dare to make such a decision and actually do it?

This young man, who is only in his twenties, has such courage!
Because Sanders understood just how difficult it was, he didn't find Mikhail disheveled as he wiped the sweat from his brow; instead, he felt that this young man was radiating a different kind of indescribable charm.
Just as Sanders was secretly admiring him, Mikhail glanced at Sanders and then said in a joking tone:
"What kind of situation do you think I will face when I speak out for more people in Russia?"

Oh right, he's from Russia!

Sanders, who had almost forgotten about it, swallowed hard as if waking from a dream. Then, while thinking about the rumors he had heard about Russia, he tentatively asked, "You will be ruined in high society?"

"If only it were that simple."

Mikhail sighed and shook his head. Before he could say anything more, he had to go to work because of some things at the event.

As Sanders said, the event was very well organized and successful, and received a lot of donations. While dealing with some matters, Mikhail also had to deal with the ladies and gentlemen who had surrounded him without him even realizing it.

Once everything had settled down, Mikhail rode in his carriage towards his residence.

After he alighted from the carriage, all was quiet as the carriage drove away. The surrounding darkness was so thick that even Mikhail could barely see his own fingers, but because he knew this road all too well, he strode forward without hesitation.

Just before stepping into the light, this young man in his early twenties could not suppress the emotions rising within him. So, with an indescribable expression, he forcefully clenched his fist in the darkness.

The lights in Mikhail's house came on.

(End of this chapter)