History Literature / ThePicture

* WhatHappenedToAMouse: In this case it is not known what finally happened to Losev. Though one denizen of Lykov is sure that he'll return because the time will demand a man like that.

* DryCrusader: Nikolai Nikolaich, the militia chief in Lykov. The mayor himself is a moderate drinking and believes that cultural drinkin in pubs (t=rather than incultural outdoors) should be greeted.

* BatmanGambit: Losev uses it in his bureaucratic kungfu. Once when a house is about to be demolished, Konstanitin Anisimov tries to prevent it even hitting a much stronger demolition man and protecting the willow (to be sawed off before the demolition of the building). He claims the mayor Losev's support for his actions. Later when Losev arrives and does not confirm what Anisimov has said the fight starts again. The demolition man hits Konstantin and while the militia chief wants to stop the fight the mayor prevents him from doing it. So the demolition man punches Konstantin once more and knocks him off. Then Losev orderes to arrest them both and both are sentenced to 15 days in jail as both are offenders now (Konstantin for the obstruction of the work of the demolition brigade). Soon the demolition man is released on condition to leave Lykov immediately, Konstantin is freed too. The ruse wins several days for a cause, that is, until another brigade will be sent in. Somehow Konstantin is not too content and might not even see the game of Losev. Still the willow and the house are saved for the day.

* ButtMonkey: Konstantin Anisimov in the chapter where he is beaten up by the demolition gang leader. Losev uses him in his ploy to put the brigade about to saw off the willow and destroy the house out of game.

* VillainousBreakdown: Or, at least the anti-villanous breakdown for Polivanov, when he is called out by Losev for his sordid past.

* BatmanGambit: Losev uses it in his bureaucratic kungfu. Once when a house is about to be demolished, Konstanitin Anisimov tries to prevent it even hitting a much stronger demolition man and protecting the willow (to be sawed off before the demolition of the building). He claims the mayor Losev's support for his actions. Later when Losev arrives and does not confirm what Anisimov has said the fight starts again. The demolition man hits Konstantin and while the militia chief wants to stop the fight the mayor prevents him from doing it. So the demolition man punches Konstantin once more and knocks him off. Then Losev orderes to arrest them both and both are sentenced to 15 days in jail as both are offenders now (Konstantin for the obstruction of the work of the demolition brigade). Soon the demolition man is released on condition to leave Lykov immediately, Konstantin is freed too. The cause wins several days until another brigade will be sent in. Somehow Konstantin is not too content and might not even see the game of Losev. Still the willow and the house are saved for the day.

The book's protagonist, Sergey Losev, is a mayor of the small provincial town, Lykov, in the Soviet 70's. While on business trip in Moscow he visits an art exposition where he by pure chance notices a painting of a landscape which reminds him of a certain spot in Lykov. Later it turns out that an artist indeed once lived in Lykov and painted that landscape at that very place. After the exposition is over he visits the widow of the now deceased painter, Astakhov, and convinces her to pass the picture over to the town of Lykov. The painting arrives in the town and is placed in the school biology classroom because the view from its window is very similar to the landscape.

* {{Bookends}}: The novel starts with Losev in Moscow acquiring a painting by Astakshov for free from his widow in the presence of Badin, an art expert. In the ending chapter Badin from whose POV it is told arrives to Lykov and sees the painting in the museum organised in Lykov. Badin never appears in the novel inbetween its very beginning and end.

* ItsPersonalWithTheDragon: Pashkov is an assistant to Uvarov who is not an antagonist. However Pashkov is the one and Lykov has to confront him trying to save the ancient building.

** The intellectual Arkady Matveevich after the death of Figurivsky, which is lampshaded in the novel. Arkady Matveevich must be much less of that for Lykov as the latter is alreay quite mature however being very trope and genre-savvy in the bureaucratic hubris he can teach him plenty of things.

* NotSoDifferent: Lykov is with his mentor Arkady Matveevich when another bureaucrat, Sechikhin, approaches them and, treating Arkady Matveevich with sheer condescendance, asks him when his article will be ready. Turns out than Arkady Matveevich, the intellectual, writes materials for various less refined officials for money, providing them with high concepts. Luykov calls out Sechikhin but later realises that he actually exploits the intellect of Arkady Matveevich too. Of course he always treats him with utter respect in their conversations. Hoewever he remembers the saying of the ancient Chinese that "reference comes with the loss of justice". Thus he also uses Arkady Matveevich like Sechikhin and reproduces this trope. Actually Arkady Matveevich never objects to that.
* ObstructiveBureaucrat: An inversion of thee trope. As the filial has to be built and the house on the picture is to be demolished Lykov tries to prevent the wrecking by purely bureaucractic manoeuvers. Thus this trope is not bad in this case. Lykov's rivals in the novel are not obstructive as they try to push their dubious deed forward.

* VacationEpisode: The chapter when Losev and Tuchkova indeed have vacation together for a weekend and become lovers. It is still marred when Lykov meats the lover of his former wife in the restaurant.
* WeAreAsMayflies: Overused trope in this novel as Lykov never ceases to think about this sad but old fact. He also tries to save the lanscape depicted in the titular picture exactly to remain in the eternity because of that.

* {{Foreshadowing}}: An interesting case: the lover of Losev's wife is insistently referred to as "zubr" (or European bizon) in this 1979 novel. Later in 1987 Granin wrote an acclaimed novel "The Bizon" (also "Zubr" in Russian). Might be this trope or not as the bizon in this novel is a sleazy adulterer while in the later novel the titular character is a very acclaimed scientist. Still the use of the word "bizon" is very tempting for such conclusions.

** [[The last letter near the ending is the one written by Lisa herself in 1947 in response to the earlier once.]]
* GoodBadGirl: Tuchkova is rather experienced for a teacher in the big glasses. Turns out she was aklready married for a year in the institute and has other relations as well. She also calls things related to sex by their straight, vulgar names (never directly quoted in the novel, of course).

* HiddenDepths Losev has two assistants, Morshikhin and Zruravlyov. The former is an opportunistic but effecient careerist. The latter is plain, obedient and seemingly lacks ambition. Then in one conversation Zhuravluyov reveals that he actually has his own understsnding of all things and sees people through including his boss Losev. Then Losev invokes this trope in his thoughts. [[spoiler: In the end, of course, Morshikhin still replaces Losev as the mayor of Lykov.]]

* DoubleStandard: Losev

* WeAllDieSomeday: Once again OverusedTrope in this novel. This indisputable fact is mentioned there way too often.

** Polivanov [[spoiler makes a HeroicRROD which secures the preservation of the building.]]

The book's protagonist, Sergey Losev, is a mayor of the small provincial town, Lykov, in the Soviet 70's. While on business trip in Moscow he visits an art exposition where he by pure chance notices a landscape which reminds him of a certain spot in Lykov. Later it turns out that an artist indeed once lived in Lykov and painted that landscape at that very place. After the exposition is over he visits the widow of the now deceased painter, Astakhov, and convinces her to pass the picture over to the town of Lykov. The painting arrives in the town and is placed in the school biology classroom because the view from its window is very similar to the landscape.

* AllTakeAndNoGive: That's how Lykov thinks once about his relation with Arkady Matveevich. The latter is not upset though.

* BadassBureaucrat: Lykov who is very savvy in his actions within the bureaucracy.

* BatmanGambit: Losev uses it in his bureaucratic kungfu. Once when a house is about to be demolished, Konstanitin Anisimov tries to prevent it even hitting a much stronger demolition man and protecting the willow (to be sawed off before the demolition of the building). He claims the mayor Lykov's support for his actions. Later when Lykov arrives and does not confirm what Anisimov has said the fight starts again. The demolition man hits Konstantin and while the militia chief wants to stop the fight Lykov prevents him from doing it. So the demolition man punches Konstantin once more and knocks him off. Then Lykov orderes to arrest them both and both are sentenced to 15 days in jail as both are offenders now (Konstantin for the obstruction of the work of the demolition brigade). Soon the demolition man is released on condition to leave Lykov immediately, Konstantin is freed too. The cause wins several days until another brigade will be sent in. Somehow Konstantin is not too content and might not even see the game of Lykov. Still the willow and the house are saved for the day.
* BeautifulAllAlong: In the beginning it is not said very much about the appearance of Tuchkova apart from her big glasses. She is rather deemed to be plain, However once the romance between her and Lykov starts he suddenly notices the tope.

* BrainsAndBrawn: Lykov and Nikolai Nikitich are that. It is lampshaded in-universe as it is said that Nikolai Nikitich is willing to have a leader to direct him in the use of his robust force. Not that Lykov himself is especially physically weak.

* DoubleStandard:
* DoubleTake: The key trope for this novel as this is exactly how Losev finds the picture at the exposdition in Moscow. He is mostly apathetic, visiting the venue because it is accepted that an official while on mission should "pick up some culture". He walks the gallery not paying much attention then something catches his intetest but he automatically proceeds further. Several instants after he returns and sees the picture featuring the landscape which is all-to-known for him.

* {{Foreshadowing}}: An interesting case: the lover of Lykov's wife is insistently referred to as "zubr" (or European bizon) in this 1979 novel. Later in 1987 Granin wrote an acclaimed novel "The Bizon" (also "Zubr" in Russian). Might be this trope or not as the bizon in this novel is a sleazy adulterer while in the later novel the titular character is a very acclaimed scientist. Still the use of the word "bizon" is very tempting for such conclusions.

* InformedAbility: The bureaucratic talent of Uvarov, the official belonging to the upper than Luykov echelon in the hierarchy. The author repeatedly tells how brilliant he is while it is never shownwith his actions . He would be as good being depicted as simply an effecient but not great bureaucrat. [[spoiler: Lykov outmanoeuvers him in the end.]]

* SchoolyardBullyAllGrownUp: Played very straight with Pashkov who indeed was a bully for the local kids in Lykov and then as an adult makes a career not without some initial assistance from Lykov. He becomes an aid for his superior Uvarov. Thus he turns into the {{Dragon}} for Uvarov (who is not evil) and probably an antagonist.

* VacationEpisode: The chapter when Lykov and Tuchkova indeed have vacation together for a weekend and become lovers. It is still marred when Lykov meats the lover of his former wife in the restaurant.

* {{Bookends}}: The nol

** [[spolier: In the end Losev is replaced by Morshikhin rather than Zruravlyov bewcause the latter is seen as lacking of ambition. It is implied that Morshikin is an extreme opportunist and he in the decisive day acts somewhat disloyal to Losev, his chief. Still he is ambitious]]

* BrainsAndBrawn: Lykov and Nikolai Nikitich are that. It is lampshaded in the novel where it is said that Nikolai Nikitich is willing to have a leader to direct him in the use of his robust force. Not that Lykov is especially physically weak.

* {{Dragon}}

* IWasQuiteALooker: Olga Serafimovna, the wi

* AllGirlsWantBadBoys: Invoked by Tuchkova who prefer Losev to Roginsky because the latter is a good guy and too predictable to her.

* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: Arkady Matveevic reproduces this trope. While an intellectual and a genre-savvy expert on bureaucracy manoeuvers he doesn't own any considerable property and always declines promotions (thus a moron for some). Howeve it turns out that he is a war hero with the medals he is confused to wear.
**

** The intellectual Arkady Matveevich after the death of Figurivsky, which is lampshaded in the novel. Arkady Matveevich must be much less of that for Lykov as the latteris alreay quite mature however being very trope and genre-savvy in the bureaucratic hubris he can teach him plenty of things.

* Foreshadowing: An interesting case: the lover of Lykov's wife is insistently referred to as "zubr" (or European bizon) in this 1979 novel. Later in 1987 Granin wrote an acclaimed novel "The Bizon" (also "Zubr" in Russian). Might be this trope or not as the bizon in this novel is a sleazy adulterer while in the later novel the titular character is a very acclaimed scientist. Still the use of the word "bizon" is very tempting for such conclusions.

* MeaningfulName: Losev which is derived from Los' (Лось) which means elk or moose (more probably the elk as the novel is set in the Old World). the main character is indeed a strong figure.

* NotSoDifferent: Lykov is with his mentor Arkady Matveevich when another bureaucrat, Sechikhin, approaches them and, treating Arkady Matveevich with sheer condescendance, asks him when his article will be ready. Turns out than Arkady Matveevich, the intellectual, writes materials for various less refined officials for money, providing them with high concepts. Luykov shuns Sechikhin but later realises that hу actually exploits the intellect of Arkady Matveevich too. Of course he always treats him with utter respect. Hoewever he remembers the saying of the ancient Chinese that "reference comes with the loss of justice". Thus he also uses Arkady Matveevich like Sechikhin and reproduces this trope. Actually Arkady Matveevich never objects to that.

* IWasALooker: Olga Serafimovna, the wi

* NotSoDifferent: Lykov is with his mentor Arkady Matveevich when another bureaucrat, Sechikhin, approaches them and, treating Arkady Matveevich with sheer condescendance, asks him when his article will be ready. Turns out than Arkady Matveevich, the intellectual, writes materials for various less refined officials. Luykov shuns Sechikhin but later realises that hу actually exploits the intellect of Arkady Matveevich too. Of course he always treats him with utter respect. Hoewever he remembers the saying of the ancient Chinese that "reference comes with the loss of justice". Thus he also uses Arkady Matveevich like Sechikhin and reproduces this trope. Actually Arkady Matveevich never objects to that.

* HiddenDepths Losev has two assistants

* AllTakeAndNoGive: That's how Lykov thinks once about his relation with Arkady Matveevich. The latter is not upset though.

* MentorArchetype: Two of them for Lykov:

** Also Lykov himself happened to cheat on his wife before he surprises her with a lover.
* WeAsMayflies: Overused trope in this novel as Lykov never ceases to think about this sad but old fact. He also tries to save the lanscape depicted in the titular picture exactly to remain in the eternity because of that.

* BatmanGambit: Lykov used it in his bureaucratic kungfu. Once when a house is about to be demolished, Konstanitin

* GratuitousEnglish: For Pashkov who coming from not very sophisticated background made a career and now calls his chief in English "my chief", also casually uses other English words like "drink, very much, bye-bye". Well his wife is a teacher of the English language.

* DryCrusader: Nikolai Nikolaich, the militia chief in Lykov.

* MeasningfulName: Losev which is derived from Los' (Лось) which means elk or moose (more probably the elk as the novel is set in the Old World). the main character is indeed a strong figure.
* Meganekko: Tatyana Tuchkova, the teacher in the school in Lykov, must be this. She wears very big glasses and turns out to be pretty.

** The intellectual Arkady Matveevich after the death of Figurivsky, which is lampshaded in the novel. Arkady Matveevich must be much less of that for Lykov as the latteris alreay quite mature however being very trope and genre-savvy he can teach him plenties of things.

* ApatheticCitizens: The people of Lykov apart from the bunch of the activists do not care whether the bilding will be demolished or not [[later it changes with the death of Polivanov]]