Class can be tricky given the Russian context. - Edit 1
Before modification by The Shrike at 19/03/2010 05:12:57 PM
1. After a brief scan through several articles, I've not seen the answer to this, so: Are Strelnikov and the foresty chap based on real people?
That I don't know.
2. What social class is Yuri in? Couldn't work that out either.
Pasternak's family and he himself were part of the intelligentsia . I don't like using bourgeoisie for discussing Russian history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligentsia. I would argue that Yuri would be a part of the intelligentsia as well.
3. And why, when his family was essentially exiled, would he have had to get permission to leave Russia?
Emigration was illegal during the Russian Imperial period. Emigration was definitely illegal during the Soviet Imperial period. One needed permission to go abroad. The state, at this time, controlled its citizens in a manner of speaking. Its citizens were needed. And a doctor is definitely not someone one wants to let go.
Thanks. 