The Russian literature is rightly considered to be one of the most humanistic
and man-loving in the world. It’s roofs go back to “The lay of Igor host”,
written by unknown author in the 12th century. And, of course, if had been born
in Russia you would certainly have met Pushkin’s poetry in childhood and grown
up with it. Starting with the learned cat, who walked round and round the oak-
tree, singing songs as he circled right and telling tales as he circled left.
You might have encountered the exiled Prince who was turned into a bubble-bee so
that he could fly to his father’s court and sting his wicked aunt on her nose. I
think that Pushkin is very dear to every Russian person. As for me I highly
appreciate Pushkin.
Pushkin is the most important Russian writer of all time. Pushkin provided
the standards for Russian arts and literature in the 19th century.
Pushkin was born in Moscow in 1799 into an upper-class family. In 1811 he
entered a lyceum at Tsarskoye Selo. The education offered at the lyceum shaped
Pushkin’s life.
He graduated from the lyceum in 1817 and began to work in the foreign office
in St. Petersburg.
In 1820 the foreign office transferred Pushkin to Ekaterinoslav, and later
to Odessa for writing anti-tsarist poetry. In 1824, for his letters against
tsar, he was exiled to Mikhailovskoye. In 1824 Tsar Nicholas I allowed Pushkin
to return to Moscow.
Pushkin felt in love with Natalya Goncharova and in 1830 they got married.
His wife was suspected of an affair with Baron d’Antes. This became the subject
of gossip. Pushkin challenged d’Antes to a duel. Pushkin was wounded and died
two days later.
Pushkin was Russian’s greatest poet. In his works he was first influenced by
18th century poets, and then by Lord Gordon Byron. Finally he developed his own
style, which was realistic but classical in form.
His earliest long poem was romantic “Ruslan and Ludmila”. In 1823 Pushkin
began writing his masterpiece “Eugene Onegin”, a novel in verse. “Eugene Onegin”
became the linguistic and literary standard. It is noted for brilliant verse.
Pushkin created also a number of masterpieces in drama and prose. “Little
Tragedies” and “The Stone Guest” are among the best works. Pushkin’s love to
Russia’s past resulted in his historical drama “Boris Godunov”.
Pushkin’s early death shocked the country. Pushkin, called by many “the sun
of Russian literature”, belongs to the foremost poets and writers of the world.
In conclusion I want to recite you a poem “Caucasus”. This poem has touched
me to the quick. Take it from me!