Theme of poet and poetry in the lyrics of Lermontov (briefly)

All of Lermontov’s work is a detailed poetic diary in which the author expressed his attitude to life, the world and creative writing. The theme of poet and poetry in the lyrics of Lermontov is one of the main ones. Like others, this topic is inextricably linked with the motive of loneliness, misunderstanding and suffering.

Poems on this topic

This topic becomes most relevant for the poet in the second period of his work. Pushkin’s death painfully affected Lermontov’s attitude. The work "Death of the Poet" is not only the greatest example of the theme of poetry, but also opens a new stage in the work of Lermontov himself. The theme of poetry and poetry in the lyrics of Lermontov is usually also studied on such verses as "The Prophet", "Poet", "Journalist, Reader and Writer."

Analysis of the poem "The Prophet"

In literature, as in any other art, continuity is indispensable. Lermontov's “Prophet” is a peculiar continuation of Pushkin’s poem. However, Mikhail Yuryevich painted it in darker colors. Let's try to compare these two works, what is common in them? First, a poetic gift in both poems is seen as a gift of God. The poet is equal to the prophet, that is, he carries the word of God on earth, he knows the truth. All elements are accessible and subject to him ("the creature is submissive to me there," we read at Lermontov).

However, if Pushkin depicts the very moment of the transformation of an ordinary person into a poet, then Lermontov begins already from the moment a person is transformed. The theme of poet and poetry in the lyrics of Lermontov and Pushkin is interpreted differently. Alexander Sergeyevich expresses the hope that he will burn with the verb of the heart of people, Lermontov does not have this hope. From a prophet, his lyrical hero turns into an exile despised by people. The incomprehensible crowd accuses him of pride, while he carries the "truth pure teachings." Lermontov is right, people can hardly admit their mistakes and see their vices. Angry, they expel the poet. And alone, in the lap of nature, he feels harmony.

"Poet": the brightness of characters and features of the construction of the poem

Another bright poem, which implements the theme of the poet and poetry. In the lyrics of Lermontov there are a lot of vivid images that continue in the form of allusions and reminiscences in subsequent literary works. This is a famous sail, a lone cliff, a leaf and others. Another image is a dagger, which means a poetic gift. The beginning of the poem "Poet" is unusual. This is not about poetic creativity, but about a dagger that faithfully served its master, but, unfortunately, after his death, he lay for a long time in a shop, and then was bought by someone, hung on the wall as an accessory. But he has a different purpose. His damask steel was created for battles, for fights and campaigns, and not to be a brilliant toy. And so the second part of the poem begins. It becomes clear to the reader why this poem is about poetry. Indeed, like this dagger, the poet ceased to play an important role in the life of his contemporaries. And not only himself is to blame for this, but also a society that is used to listening to the sweet lies, satisfying the hearing of speech. But once the poet’s voice was significant, they listened to him, they feared him. The poem ends with a rhetorical question in which Lermontov expresses the hope that one day the "ridiculed prophet" will wake up for revenge and take out his blade.

"Journalist, reader and writer"

Even the title of the poem reminds Pushkin - "The conversation of the bookseller with the poet," in form it also represents a dialogue. And this is a vivid example of how the theme of poet and poetry is realized in the lyrics of Lermontov. The summary of the poem can be expressed in the following words: in modern times, poetry has lost its former power, it has become empty and useless. In part, it echoes the poem "Poet". Indeed, in him the lyrical hero of Lermontov again asks the question:

"When in Russia is barren,
Having parted with false tinsel,
Thought will find language simple
And passion noble voice? "

This is a desperate cry of a poet who was sent into exile for his courage in poetry, it is his hope that someday in Russia they will be able to think and write freely.

"The death of the poet" as a turning point in the writer's work

For this work, Lermontov was sent into exile. From this moment in his poems there will be no youthful maximalism, categoricalness. Now they will be more sad and soulful. Loneliness will deepen and intensify. As for the work itself, in it Lermontov accuses the modern generation of greed, baseness, misunderstanding of art. The crowd weaved dirty gossip around the holy name of the poet, not realizing that thereby destroying him. Along the way, Lermontov also raises the topic of censorship, talking about the persecution of Pushkin.

What does poetry mean for Lermontov?

The theme of poet and poetry in Lermontov’s lyrics sounds so sad! The verses mentioned above are not the only ones. In many works of the author, the idea is heard that a poetic gift becomes a curse for him. For example, in the early poem "Prayer," he calls creativity "an all-burning fire." His thirst to write poetry becomes unbearable, it destroys the lyrical hero.

There was another bright early work, which is called "The Poet" ("When Raphael Inspired"). This is one of the first poetic experiments of Lermontov. The theme of the poet and poetry in the lyrics of Lermontov acquires a special sound in it. Poems written by the lyrical hero are soon forgotten, he himself cools to them. Lermontov's writings are compared with painting: an inspired artist, having created his creation, falls before him, but after a couple of days it becomes indifferent to him. This is a kind of attempt to comprehend the essence of inspiration. Under his influence, the poet is subject to everything, but as soon as this sensation leaves, he forgets "heavenly fire."

Theme of poet and poetry in the lyrics of Lermontov (briefly)

Summing up, it should be said that for Lermontov, poetry is primarily a gift from God. He is not just given to him, not worked out, not trained. He is sent down so that the poet carries the truth to people. However, sometimes this gift turns into a curse, because in the modern world people cannot heed the poet’s voice. They do not perceive verses, because they have too much truth, too many revealing words. Fear of condemnation and exile makes many poets abandon their true destiny and become a "useless toy." However, this is not Lermontov himself. He believes to the last that the time will come when the poet’s strength will be as great as in the past. When his words “like God's spirit” will be carried over the crowd and inspire her to act, when the word can reach the hearts, reveal the truth to them. And the truth is simple - in love for your neighbor, for your land, in kindness and understanding. In what the poet himself lacked in life.

The theme of poet and poetry in Lermontov’s lyrics is very deep and multifaceted. A lesson in grade 9, which compares the attitude of two poets to this topic - Lermontov and Pushkin, will help to better understand the problem. This topic is also addressed in grade 10, during repetition.