Subject: Turgenev and cryptology (From Carolyn Kunin)
While I'm at it, does anyone know anything about Turgenev's interest in cryptology? I have come to believe that Turgenev had James, who had no such interest, plant a number of "easter eggs" in the story that point to Pushkin and Pikovaia Dama––the most obvious of these is the name of the poet, Aspern. Any guesses why? First to answer correctly may choose a prize from the following: Pale Fire, (1st Putnam edition, 1962 with protected dustjacket) Vladimir Markov's Commentary on Bal'mont's Poetry 1890––1909 (Böhlau Verlag, 1988––in Russian) A Selection of Essays on Slovo o polku Igoreve, edited by R Jakobson & E Simmons (American Folklore Society, 1949) Michael Maar The Two Lolitas (Verso, 2005)
Clarification and deadline
The question I posed was awkwardly expressed. I should have asked: In what way does the name Aspern indicate Pushkin. Remember that I'm assuming that Turgenev planted this as a cryptological clue.
The prizes will remain available until Thanksgiving. If no one wins I will supply the answer on November 27.
Carolyn Kunin