Themes, motives, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century: the work of Lomonosov and Radishchev

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

In the 18th century, Russian poetry begins a new stage of development. It is at this time that the author's individuality asserts itself. Until the 18th century, the personality of the poet was not reflected in the poems. It is difficult to talk about lyrics as the embodiment of the subjective feelings of the author.

Poetic personality

Old Russian literature was often anonymous. Its authors were monks-scribes. They strictly observed the canons. Therefore, many texts created before the 18th century are very similar to each other. The authors did not try to stand out and gain individuality.

Lyrics as a kind of literature, involving the disclosure of the writer's inner world, did not find a place in such conditions. Therefore, it is the work of the masters of the 18th century that is considered the heyday of Russian poetic art. The founders of this trend are Antioch Cantemir and Vasily Trediakovsky.

Pioneers of individuality in literature

Themes, motifs, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century are still relevant today. The circle of priorities was outlined by Antioch Cantemir. His poems reflect deep and complex spiritualexperiences. For example, in the work “On Hope for God,” the poet speaks of the uncertainty about the future and the frailty of human life. But at the same time, he calls to turn to the Creator and entrust oneself to his care.

Love themes are already present in Trediakovsky's early translated works. The work "Riding to the Island of Love" (author - Talleman) demonstrates the allegorical thinking of the poet. Each love state is transmitted using the name of a particular area. On the island of passion there is a castle of silence, a lake of despair, a cave of cruelty.

New literature of the centralized Russian state

Themes, motives, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century became a response to the activities of Peter the Great. He approved the absolute imperial power. But the motto of his reign was enlightenment. The desire for rationality and the liberalization of public life in Russia were associated with similar trends in Europe. However, these positive processes developed at the same time as other, dark and destructive ones. Emelyan Pugachev's grandiose peasant war became the apotheosis of numerous riots against the absolute power of the landowners over their serfs.

Themes, motives, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century were a reflection of the main processes of the development of society. The high style and rhythmic harmony of the poems of Kantemir, Trediakovsky, Lomonosov are often combined with gloomy moods and disturbing feelings.

Russian classicism

The formation of Russia as a national statedemanded new literature. Writers of the 18th century focused primarily on the achievements of European art. Classicism dominated in Germany and France. It was this style that was reflected in Russian literature.

Themes, motifs, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century were based on strict aesthetic canons developed by the art of classicism. It was this style that perfectly met the cultural needs of a centralized state. The main idea of the literature of classicism is the priority of civic duty over personal feelings.

Works by Lomonosov and Radishchev

Russian poetry of the 18th century was deeply national. Vasily Trediakovsky carried out a reform of versification. It consisted in the transition from a syllabic structure alien to the Russian language to a syllabic-tonic structure.

Themes, motifs, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century Lomonosov reflected especially vividly and original. In his work, he relied on Trediakovsky's reform. One of the most famous lyrical works of Lomonosov is "Conversation with Anacreon". The author chose the form of a dialogue between two writers - an ancient Greek and a modern Russian poet. Anacreon sings about love for a beautiful maiden. A contemporary of Lomonosov is also able to admire female beauty. However, he is more attracted by the description of heroic deeds and the greatness of the motherland. Lomonosov was not only a brilliant scientist. He also became the greatest figure in Russian literature.

Themes,motifs, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century Radishchev embodied in his own individual manner. The political and philosophical views of the writer were reflected in his main work called "Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow." Radishchev's views were also manifested in his lyrics. "Historical Song" is a poem created in the last decade of the 18th century. The writer reflects in it various episodes of ancient history. Radishchev positions the idea of the incompatibility of true freedom and absolute power. All rulers, according to the author, are tyrants.

Radishchev turns to folklore origins in the poem "Bova". This work is characterized by a combination of high and low styles. The characteristic poetic signs of classicism are present in the poem along with frankly folklore speech phrases. For example, Radishchev uses such words and expressions as "torment", "burning tears". This is the peculiarity of the composition.

These are the themes, motifs, images of the lyrics of the poets of the 18th century. Grade 9 is the period when schoolchildren should be able to argue their own opinion about a literary work. Teenagers learn to see the moral and universal basis of outstanding works of art. Russian poetry of the 18th century is perfect for this.