Vladimir Brusiloff is referenced as a notable Russian novelist known for his depictions of profound despair where the story remains stagnant until a dramatic event occurs much later in the narrative. His works often revolve around themes of hopelessness, culminating in tragic resolutions, such as a character's suicide. This emphasis on misery paints a stark picture of life in Russia through his writing.

In contrast, Cuthbert, a character mentioned, embodies an optimistic outlook. He notes that given the current state of violence and strife in Russia, it seems inevitable that the pool of Russian novelists will diminish. This reflects a juxtaposition between the bleak narratives of Brusiloff and Cuthbert's hopeful perspective, highlighting a tension between the literary portrayal of despair and the will to see beyond it.