Article

Name: The myth of the poet in Russian literature: Alexander Pushkin

Authors: Anatoly S. Sobennikov

Military Transport Institute of Railway Troops and Transportation Service, St. Petersburg, Peterhof, Russian Federation

In the section Study of literature

Abstract:

The myth of the poet holds great significance in Russian culture. Mythopoetic discourse views time as cyclical, with past events recurring in the present and future. The myth of the poet carries a socio-biographical subtext. For example, it can be seen in the famous poem by Wilhelm Küchelbecker “The fate of Russian poets.” The premature, tragic passings of Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Lermontov, Kondraty Ryleev, and Alexander Polezhaev are seen as part of the “sacred sacrifice” narrative. Russian poetry encompasses two unchanging elements of the myth: Orphic and Old Testament. Mass consciousness commonly relates both elements to Pushkin (“Prophet,” “Poet,” “To the Poet,” “The Poet and the Mob”). This relationship was established through the reception of Pushkin’s texts by his contemporaries, as well as the incorporation of these texts into “books for the people” and educational materials at schools and universities. Poetic inspiration in Pushkin’s writing distinguishes the Poet from the rest of society. The Poet possesses distinctiveness, uniqueness, and dissimilarity, with his inspiration (Muse) coming from God. The “Monument” (1836) explicitly states: “O Muse, obey the command of God.” Pushkin’s discourse is known for its myth-generating nature. The key connotative implications of the primary model are chosenness, sacredness, affection for poverty, solitude, instruction, and service. Concurrently, Pushkin demonstrates a dialectical nature, being both a poet-prophet and a poet-artist. The key connotations of the second model encompass absolute liberty, delight, inspiration, and the self-sufficiency of poetry. Pushkin’s legacy in Russian literature has resulted in two distinct streams: educational and aesthetic.

Keywords: myth, poet, prophet, romanticism, discourse, interpretation, the Old Testament, Orpheus, Alexander Pushkin

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