Poetry of the end of the 20th century is a challenge to past traditions; it is the literature of modernism and existentialism. Joseph Brodsky, a man of iron will and endurance, made his remarkable contribution to the world of philosophical poetry.
The path of this writer was not easy. He was tried for dependency in 1964. Then he was expelled from the country forever in 1972, not even allowing him to come to the funeral of his parents. But still, despite the trials, he lived a great and dignified life.
Where is Brodsky buried? On a large cemetery island in Venice. Previously, there was a monastery of the Archangel Michael, but from the beginning of the 19th century, famous cultural figures were buried.
Creative way
The poet, essayist and translator Joseph Brodsky received recognition in America. There he taught, published. Like many dissidents of that time, he emigrated from the USSR. The Soviet government offered the poet either a psychiatric hospital or voluntary exile.
Joseph Alexandrovich began to write at the age of 18. Since his family had a hard time in the post-war period, he was forced to look for his own path, having neither an education in literature nor a mentor. The only person who supported the young philosopher-poet was Anna Akhmatova. She recognized in the young man at the first meeting an obvious talent.
Brodsky's work is centered around the idea of border crossing. And very often, he chose the theme of poems a fine line between life and death. His lyrics are thoughtful.
The poet wrote sonnets and eclogues, looking for his own artistic style of presentation. Basically, he created modernist philosophical literature. He translated many English-language poems into Russian, preserving the size, if possible. He also wrote an essay, but already in English, as he lived and taught at that time in America.
In 1987, I. Brodsky became a Nobel laureate. However, before the perestroika era, it was not recognized at home. Only in the 90s did his works begin to be published on the territory of the former USSR.
Joseph Brodsky: the best poems
The famous poet was not in vain awarded the prize. His literature is altruistic, although often it is critical, sad, thoughts of love and death. In many poems there is a call to realize their freedom, human dignity. For example, in the poem: "Autumn scream of a hawk," the poet tells of a lonely bird as a symbol of freedom and greatness of the soul.
Brodsky modified the tonic of the “standard” Russian poem. He creates his artistic world with the help of a rather complex syntax, always looking for new images, trying not to imitate anyone. Once, a performance in St. Petersburg at the Poetry Tournament ended in almost scandal, since the literary society did not accept his poem "Jewish Cemetery". At that time, this method of self-expression was considered inappropriate.
His creations are characterized by unusual rhythm, colorful emotional shades. The most famous poem "On the Death of Zhukov" reflects his philosophical mentality, critical thinking and rejection of war and murder.
How much did Joseph Brodsky create in his life? Poems are the best he could leave behind. These are numerous works that are unique in meaning and form. He loved modernism, classic, and avant-garde. I never limited myself to the scope of style. Often it is the sound of a syllable that matters more in its works than its meaning.
How did the poet die?
Why did Joseph Brodsky die so early? The cause of death is myocardial infarction; he suffered from angina for many years. Joseph Alexandrovich could still write a lot, share his thoughts and feelings with the world. But in 1996, he died after another heart attack. There was no autopsy, as the doctor considered it inappropriate. The poet has already survived 3 attacks earlier.
Brodsky died in his own apartment in New York at night from January 27 to January 28, 1996. He was preparing to go to South Headley, where the students began a new semester.
We have already said where Brodsky is buried. But first, he was buried in New York, not far from Broadway. Shortly before his death, the poet himself bought a place in the cemetery. And on June 21, 1997, the remains were reburied in a separate cemetery island of San Michele, half an hour by boat from Venice. Due to the fact that the poet was not baptized in the Orthodox Church, it turned out to be impossible to bury the body in the Russian part of the cemetery, next to the grave of I. Stravinsky.
Brodsky's prophecies about his death
He foresaw his death. Long life on mortal land seemed inappropriate to him. When the poet was 40 years old, he wrote the following lines:
“What can I say about life? Which turned out to be long.
Only with grief do I feel solidarity.
But until my mouth was filled with clay,
only gratitude will be heard from it. ”
Poetry was I. Brodsky's strongest passion. He read his works with great fervor. He wrote a lot, and the themes of his work were diverse and original.
But besides poetry, he also loved cigarettes. I smoked incredibly much - 3 packs a day. And in addition he drank too much coffee. And knowing that cores should not be smoked, he still didn’t give up his bad habit, saying: "A man picked up a cigarette and became a poet." In many photos he is captured with a cigarette in his hands.
He perfectly understood that he could not live to the 21st century. The poet and the essayist suffered the first heart attack even after the trial, in 1964. When doctors informed him of serious heart problems, the poet's life was filled with constant fear. And the poems have become more serious, dramatic.
The last refuge of the poet
The grave of I. Brodsky in Venice is constantly visited by connoisseurs of his work. The poet is no longer among us for more than twenty years, but he lives in the hearts of his friends and children. And, of course, all those who re-read it, sometimes good, and sometimes mournful philosophical lines about life, love and flight of soul. The Russian people have not forgotten their heritage. Although during his lifetime he didn’t value it.
Those people who would like to visit the poet’s grave and honor his memory can freely visit the San Michele cemetery. It is easy to remember where I. Brodsky is buried. Near your favorite city - Venice.
Conclusion
Not every rhymelet can be called a poet, much less a creator poet. But in all the stanzas of Joseph Alexandrovich Brodsky, the sincerity, perseverance, and flight of thought of a real man of art are revealed. Perhaps, it was thanks to all the difficulties and obstacles that fell upon his lot that he became such a unique, strong, worthy of imitation poet and essayist.
And to honor the memory of the great creator, you can go to the place where Brodsky is buried - in the San Michele cemetery, in its Protestant part.