meridian alice walker essay

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Alice Walker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976

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Alice Walker

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Meridian by Alice Walker Analysis

Introduction

Thesis Statement

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            In Meridian, the author Alice Walker primarily uses the characters Meridian and Truman to show that while black men and women are fighting for similar rights, women are confronted with additional challenges and risks based upon their gender and sexuality.

Overview of Similar Rights

            Black men and women were both struggling for several common rights, such as the right to vote, equal education with whites, and equal public facilities and transportation.  The primary cause for which both Truman and Meridian fight for is to get blacks, especially southern blacks, to register to vote.  Both Truman and Meridian go together from house to house trying to get people to register to vote.  By going together, they appealed to both male and female potential voters.  If one could not relate to their audience, then the other might be able to base upon gender and personality differences.  Also by having two people present, they presented a stronger argument to the men and women they were trying to appeal to.  On a very basic level, Truman as a man somewhat provided protection for Meridian as a female.

In her novel Meridian, she used the character symbol of the woman named Meridian in order to illustrate and deliver her reforms to the readers. Meridian negotiates the tensions between the central liberatory movements of the day: civil rights, black nationalism, and feminism. On the other hand, Walker gives rise to the argument of the story through the identity of Truman who portrays the imagery of typical black male that shares the same principle of nationalist stand with Meridian (Dubey 1994 134). Truman stands out as Meridian’s counterpart in the story, wherein he even should have married Meridian but ended up with Lynn, the last foreign exchange student.

“the woman I should have married and didn’t, : her scrupulously responsive voice corrects him. “should have loved, and didn’t” she murmured (Meridian, 138)”

Truman has protected Meridian’s womanhood by the loving her and carrying out with her principle of social civil rights. They both fought for their rights not only as black but also as human beings who should also possess the privileges obtained by white individuals. On the other hand, these two black people argue on how to fight for their rights and attain equality and right treatments. With Truman expressing the method of revolution, Meridian on the other hand argues on his perspectives.

“never alone,” said Meridian. “Besides, revolution would not begin, do you think, with an act of murder – wars might begin in that way – but with teaching.

“Oh yes, teaching, “said Truman, scornfully (Meridian 192)”

Gender Issues and Sexual Burdens

On the other hand, the concept of personality differences and gender issues among black and white society emerges in the scene after Truman and Meridian have decided to “have their beautiful black babies”, comes Lynn, the white Jewish woman who became the centerpiece of Truman’s interest. Truman, despite of the civil rights that they are fighting for together with Meridian, deviated from this since his focused has been robbed by his fantasy of white woman in Lynne’s identity.

“It was strange and unfair, but the fact that he dated (white women) – and so obviously because their color made them interesting – made her ashamed, as if she were less.” (Meridian 103)

Hence, the irony of the statement sets in wherein the sexual conflict between the feminine sides, which obviously saves men’s disposition of these conditions, have greatly impacted the subjective disposition of Meridian. Considering the protective role of Truman and the side-by-side partnership they have had for the sake of their campaign, all have been altered by Truman’s deviation to their racial opponent leaving Meridian alone with the task. The tasks of black women are set aside especially if it comes in contrast with male’s sexual considerations. As with any other culture, the black gender standards are well regarded for males, unlike females, who eventually has to reconsider those left-behinds from men.

            On the other hand, the assertion of African-American manhood gives him the right to the white woman’s body, because the taboo-breaking quality of interracial sex lends it an aura of political legitimacy. However, frequent Black masculinity also provides him the right to dispatch Lynne for Meridian, who is now seen as the African queen of current trends in Back liberation (Walker 1976 113; cited in Lauret 1994 131). Walker illustrate the character of Meridian in the segment,

“…all the people whoa are as alone as I am will one day gather at the river. We will watch the evening sun go down. And in the darkness maybe we will know the truth. (Meridian 220)”

As with Meridian’s symbolism in the end situation of black women, these people are frequently caught between the demands of black masculinity for the very excuse of racial elevation and female solidarity (Lauret 1994 131).  The idea present in the character of Meridian lies as the main symbol of black women being discriminated not only by racial rights for being black, but also gender right, for being a woman. Alice Walker imbues to her writings the very concept of reality in terms of gender and racial issues confronted by prominent society, such as the black versus whites, the racial obligations of men and women, etc (Ayers, Edward and Bradley 1997 517). The dilemma of what side is compounded by what is some ways is the centerpiece of the novel: a discussion of the sexual politics of 1960s Black activism (Lauret 1994 131).

Walker has significantly played the parts of interracial figures and social concerns, and jived it in the context of civil rights and political affairs. Creating parallel perspectives among the disposition of African-Americans and women, which for some time was almost habitual in white feminist political discourse, has been discredited in recent years under the impact of Black feminist theory, to the point where it is now virtually taboo to make comparisons between Black and female oppression (Lauret 1994 124). From the concept of the novel, the ideas brought from the Black movement of 1960s and the social issues of black’s liberation have all contributed to the concerns of black discrimination.

Second Reconstruction Era: Pregnancy, Abortion and Rape

            Walker advances Meridian to the position of symbolic mother of the African American race. Meridian and other women faced many bodily risks during the Second Reconstruction Era which men did not have to deal with, such as rape, pregnancy, and abortion.  During this Era, women were fighting for their safety and protection from not only a medical perspective but also from mental and emotional perspectives.  Pregnancy for any woman can be a potential health risk. These risks are mainly due to two different causes, namely medical deprivation due to racial background, and the medical side considering that pregnancy carries many signs and symptoms. Such situation is deemed crucial and requires intimate attention, especially from the side of the husband or the male (Lauret 1994 131). In Meridian’s pregnancy, she is in high-risk stage for the manifestation of increase blood pressure, conditions of extreme irritability, decreased appetite, anemia, and other health conditions that can further endanger not only her child but also her life (Ganesh 2008).

            From the racial perspective, due to the wide racial constraint between black and white during 1960s to 1970s, the possibility of inappropriate medical treatment or even health care decline are present among black women, most especially if the hospital is branded for whites. Such equal opportunities and goods are one of the essential parts of Meridian’s campaign. Secondly, the medical risk of pregnancy considering the young age of Meridian (Ganesh 2008), or the very incidence of minor pregnancy among black women. Feminist movement has long considered this dilemma of minor sex involvement, and as with the case of Meridian, Mrs. Hill even monitored and required her girls to refrain from the knowledge of sexual subject (Lauret 1994 131). Complications for pregnancy arise most significantly for women bearing their pregnancy at a younger age. This can actually compromise the campaigns of Meridian, her education as well as her standing in her social career.

            In addition, black community has long strived for the appropriate and equal treatment for education as those provided among whites. Hence, black people view education as an important privilege; on the other hand, this entitlement provides black women with much more dilemma. As part of the college protocol is to refrain the applications for those black mothers; hence, the turmoil for Meridian sets in wherein she has to choose between her education and her pregnancy. However, due to her pregnancy, she was forced to marry somebody who is not even her type. However, the character of Truman is able to marry somebody whom he desired and fantasized for long (Lauret 1994 132).

Considering both roles fought for the same rights, for the same principles and for the same background, still, Meridian or the black woman has ended in the clutch of bitter fate, unlike Truman, who happened to be on the same sides with Meridian, has still managed to enter his own private and preferred lifestyle. From her bitter faith of early pregnancy, she even tried to kill her own son; however, considering this psychological pressure,

“She understood, finally, that the respect she owed her life was to continue …to live it, and not to give up any particle of it, without a fight to the death, preferably not her own. And that this existence extended beyond herself to those around her because…the years in America had created them one Life. (Meridian, 200)”

Meridian chose to integrate her participation within the feminist concern of excavating the submerged layers of black maternal history. The conflict within Meridian occurred most when Truman actually married Lynn; hence, committing an interracial relationship, which considered by the white society as an abomination and source of insecurity for black women (Dubey 1994 134). The event extremely ruined Meridian, and she initiated an abortion followed by sterilization. From this point of view, the end outcome of Meridian is the ruined relationship; hence, she focused herself to other diversion, which in turn ended in her efforts to pursue her campaign for voter’s registration (Witt 1999 94). What justifies the term maternal history is the novel’s commitment to the past and to generational continuity as the necessary grounds for future development (Dubey 1994 134). The sexist tendencies are present in Truman’s attitude towards meridian wherein she sees her as sexual object for the purpose of having his beautiful black babies. Aside from the bitter fate of Meridian due to her failed motherhood career with his husband Eddie, whom she divorced after she experienced psychological torture due to her condition (Lauret 1994 131). Abortion is even more of a health risk, especially during the 1960s and 1970s when this method was not very medically sophisticated. When Meridian has her abortion performed by the Saxon College doctor, he does not use any anesthetic (p.119).

As Meridian suffers through a painful abortion, it is Truman who enjoys the comforts of his white woman, Lynne. In a symbolic significance, Meridian repels all the natural facets that give definition to her self-determination. Rape can lead to health risks, such as pregnancy, but also sexually transmitted diseases and emotional scarring.  During 1960s and 1970s, white teenage pregnancy has become significantly higher as compared to black. The social stigma associated with an out-of-wedlock birth for teenager was powerful during the 1960s but has diminished greatly during 1980s. In addition, abortion during this period has been very different from the current technology wherein pain relievers are not provided, and quite radical methodologies are implemented. Hence, for the case of Meridian, she endured the painful process of having her abortion as well as sterilization in the most painful means possible (Nelson 2003 18).

Women also face familial risks which men do not.  Meridian’s mother became pregnant despite not wanting any children.  She decided to raise her children because in her mind she did not have a choice in doing so.  When Meridian became pregnant the first time, she decided to have the child and attempted to raise him.  However, she was faced with the choice of going to Saxon College to pursue her dreams and try to make something of her life or remaining at home and raising a child that she did not even want.  Meridian often thought about murdering her child.  When Meridian decided to give up her son, she also gave up her relationship with her mother. In giving up her son, having an abortion, and having her tubes tied, Meridian gave up motherhood.  However, throughout the novel, Meridian shows maternal characteristics.  She is motherly to Lynne, the family at the end of the novel, Wile Chile, etc.

These unfortunate casualties that obtain women as the primary victims have been occurring more reasonably justified by the biological angles of those individuals being involved. From this second reconstruction era, the events of frequent teen pregnancy have become more prominent in whites than in black; however, the binding aspect is their biological similarities; they are both females. However, being female and being dominated by the male manhood, females do not obtain the most appropriate will to fight the sexual interests of men (Nelson 2003 18). Considering that in this very point, the baby bloom has also occurred and the societal norms have only been starting its transition from female gender bias to their right provision. Much of the society’s norms about women in this age are baby makers, which gained unfavorable remarks for female gender, most especially to the feminist movement.

As far as the novel and reality of black social community is concerned, the women of their community have been subjected to change due to societal pressure and perspectives that are not present in these African black women. In the story’s example, Meridian and Truman, both engaged in the arguments of political civil rights during the eruption of cold war (Lauret 1994 125). However, Meridian, in the end, is the one who carried most of the risks and burden, unlike Truman, who have been attached to Lynne during the times of Meridian’s unbearable scenario.

From this perspective, Walker was able to establish the necessary figures in order to demonstrate how black women ends up with prominent obligation that the opposite black gender (Witt 1999 94). The subjectivity present among these black women, the racial perspectives reigning within the society of black and white people, and the racial discrepancy present even among civil rights movements, all have contributed to the task of illustrating the condition of the black women in their community. Walker did not incorporated this scenario just to portray a relationship dilemma but rather, digging it up in the deeper sense, institute the realities occurring among black women.

In the case of Meridian, despite the fact of her pregnancy and her intimate affection towards Truman, she was still turned down leaving the obligation of the child and pregnancy assistance all by her own hands. Out of frustration and desperate accounts, she resorted to abortion and sterilization due to her subjective mind. Therefore, such case can be considered as the additional risks and challenges confronted by black women among their own society (Lauret 1994 125). Perhaps the greatest risk women faced were societal risks.  Women were not only criticized, either positively or negatively, from the white community but also from their own black community.  Even the doctor who performed Meridian’s abortion disapproved.

To answer the thesis statement, the risks and sacrifices that black women (Meridian) encounters despite of the same ground with Truman, is her extreme efforts of marrying somebody she does not prefer, her struggle for her teen pregnancy (Truman considers Meridian as suitable tool for making his beautiful black babies), and her struggle in loneliness and solidarity. On the other hand, Truman, who was also fighting for the same rights as for Meridian, still get to experience life with his fantasy white woman, Lynne, and a life free from pain. As for Meridian and Truman, the symbolical characters of the novel in terms of gender roles and obligations provided by Walker, both of them did carried the cross of developing their community; however, the risks that black women, such as Meridian, play in the novel incline mostly on the personal aspect wherein they are at risk of being lonely, or having their own diversion that sometimes end in the deprivation of their personal life interest. These two genders both have the same standing ground and things to fight for, yet Meridian suffered more than Truman.

Works Cited

Ayers, Edward L., and Bradley C. Mittendorf. The Oxford Book of the American South: Testimony, Memory, and Fiction. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Dubey, Madhu. Black Women Novelists and the Nationalist Aesthetic. Indiana University Press, 1994.

Ganesh, Dangal. “High-risk Pregnancy.” Internet Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics   8.2 (2008): 2.

Lauret, Maria. Liberating Literature: Feminist Fiction in America. Routledge, 1994.

Nelson, Jennifer. Women of Color and the Reproductive Rights Movement. NYU Press, 2003.

Witt, Doris. Black Hunger: Food and the Politics of U.S. Identity. Oxford University Press, 1999.

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Reimagining Design with Nature: ecological urbanism in Moscow

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The twenty-first century is the era when populations of cities will exceed rural communities for the first time in human history. The population growth of cities in many countries, including those in transition from planned to market economies, is putting considerable strain on ecological and natural resources. This paper examines four central issues: (a) the challenges and opportunities presented through working in jurisdictions where there are no official or established methods in place to guide regional, ecological and landscape planning and design; (b) the experience of the author’s practice—Gillespies LLP—in addressing these challenges using techniques and methods inspired by McHarg in Design with Nature in the Russian Federation in the first decade of the twenty-first century; (c) the augmentation of methods derived from Design with Nature in reference to innovations in technology since its publication and the contribution that the art of landscape painters can make to landscape analysis and interpretation; and (d) the application of this experience to the international competition and colloquium for the expansion of Moscow. The text concludes with a comment on how the application of this learning and methodological development to landscape and ecological planning and design was judged to be a central tenant of the winning design. Finally, a concluding section reflects on lessons learned and conclusions drawn.

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The landscape team from Gillespies Glasgow Studio (Steve Nelson, Graeme Pert, Joanne Walker, Rory Wilson and Chris Swan) led by the author and all our collaborators in the Capital Cities Planning Group.

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by Alice Walker

Meridian themes.

The effects of racism and the various ways that characters respond to it are explored throughout the novel, as Meridian, Truman, and others attempt to make sense of a world in which brutal racism is the norm. The civil rights movement provides the backdrop for the book: most of the plot takes place in a national moment when people throughout the country were joining in activism and faced hateful retaliation. Throughout the book, characters feel a sense of grief for the way that the system works against them; they try to determine how to forge a life in a world that is, in many ways, not built for their freedom.

In addition to racism, the issues faced by African-American women are fully explored throughout the book, particularly through the protagonist, Meridian. Meridian and many of her friends are constantly objectified by men, sexually harassed, and even raped. Many of the powerful figures in their lives abuse their positions to take advantage of young and innocent girls. From not being warned about the consequences of sex to secretly having an abortion and getting her tubes tied, Meridian not only never has a positive sexual experience, but also has many traumatic experiences with men.

Black motherhood in Meridian is treated as a question and a problem. Many of the women in the book have children before they are ready, and are forced to give up dreams—of education, of a career—to care for children they never intended to have. When Meridian gives her child up for adoption in order to pursue a long-held dream, she does not feel liberation but rather a weighty sense of guilt that makes her depressed throughout college. She also feels like a burden on her mother, who has many children. Nevertheless, she understands that one of the deepest pains of slavery was the separation of mothers and their children, and empathizes with the powerful connection between a mother and her child.

Violence is a major theme throughout the book, both on the domestic and national scale. The civil rights movement that serves as the backdrop of the book was characterized by constant, cruel violence against not only protesters but also innocent black men and women, even children and the elderly. The individual characters in the novel often experience violence as well, from Tommy Odd’s amputation to Camara ’s murder. The futility of violence is ultimately symbolized by the tragic story of the thirteen-year-old girl who strangled her child, making Meridian infuriated at the state of the world. From her time in college onward, Meridian is tortured by the question of violence: would she able to kill for the revolution? Her final answer to that question is a wavering "yes."

One positive theme running throughout the novel is friendship. Throughout hardships and trials, Meridian and Truman’s enduring friendship allows them to support each other, and even for Meridian to forgive Truman for his treatment of her in college. Although Anne-Marion and Meridian don’t speak after college, the letters that they continue to send each other are a testament to the enduring bond that exists between them, a connection that even illness and drastic change in circumstances can’t fully break. Even Meridian and Lynne are able to sustain a friendship that supports Lynne during her darkest times, after Camara’s death. These positive relationships enable characters faced with hate and evil to maintain their strength and sanity.

Education is a major theme in Meridian ; both conventional and nonconventional ideas of education and learning are explored throughout the book. Meridian views schoolroom education as one path to learning, which she defines as people asking each other meaningful questions; she looks at higher education such as college as an opportunity to improve herself. However, she takes issue with the perspective that many people, including her former husband, Eddie, have towards education: the focus is on getting through school and receiving a diploma, not on true learning. To Meridian, education and learning are central to her activism: they are the best ways to begin a revolution.

Religion and spirituality are major themes in the book. Meridian’s mother is deeply religious, but rigidly so: she turns away from her own daughter when Meridian refuses to embrace the church. In contrast, Meridian and her father experience spiritual transformations outside of traditional religion when they stand on the Sacred Serpent burial mound. By the end of the novel, Meridian observes the way that traditional religious spaces are adapted and modified by the black community to become bastions of activism. One of the important figures in her life in college, Miss Winter , is an organist who plays music in church, deeply moving Meridian and allowing her to feel a spiritual connection.

Meridian Questions and Answers

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Study Guide for Meridian

Meridian study guide contains a biography of Alice Walker, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Meridian
• Meridian Summary
• Character List

Essays for Meridian

Meridian essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Meridian by Alice Walker.

• Meridian: Activism in Literature
• Corpses Living and Dead: Motherhood and Martyrdom in Meridian
• In Search of Our Mothers' Corpses: Motherhood and the Lacanian Order in Meridian

Lesson Plan for Meridian

• About the Author
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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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