Which event serves as a backdrop for the narrative of "Doctor Zhivago"?

The narrative of "Doctor Zhivago" is intricately woven around the backdrop of the Russian Revolution. This historical event dramatically influences the lives of the characters, reflecting the upheaval and turmoil of early 20th-century Russia. The revolution marks a significant shift in Russian society, leading to the collapse of the Tsarist regime and the rise of Bolshevism, which profoundly affects the personal relationships and aspirations of the protagonist, Yuri Zhivago. The themes of love, spirituality, and the struggle for individual freedom are set against the chaos and dislocation caused by the revolution, making it central to the story.

While other historical events mentioned, like World War II and the Cold War, play pivotal roles in other literary works, they do not form the core context of "Doctor Zhivago." The French Revolution, while influential in its own right, is historically separate and not relevant to the context of this specific narrative. Thus, the Russian Revolution is the key event that shapes the lives and destinies of the characters throughout the novel.