In the 18th century, Russian poetry begins a new stage of development. It was at this time that the author's personality manifests itself. Until the 18th century, the poet’s personality was not reflected in verses. It is difficult to talk about the lyrics as the embodiment of the subjective feelings of the author.
Poetic personality
Old Russian literature was often anonymous. Its authors were scribe monks. They strictly followed 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.
The lyrics as a kind of literature, involving the disclosure of the inner world of the writer, in such conditions did not find a place. 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 Antiochus Cantemir and Vasily Trediakovsky.
Discoverers of personality in literature
Themes, motifs, and lyric poetry of the 18th century are relevant today. The circle of priorities was outlined by Antioch Cantemir. His poems reflect deep and complex emotional experiences. For example, in the work “On the hope of God,” the poet speaks of uncertainty about the future and the perishability of human life. But at the same time, he calls to turn to the Creator and entrust himself to his care.
The love theme is already present in the early translated works of Trediakovsky. 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 locality. 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, motifs, and lyric poetry of the 18th century became a response to the activities of Peter the Great. He established absolute imperial power. But the motto of his reign was enlightenment. The pursuit of 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 others - dark and destructive. The grand peasant war of Emelyan Pugachev became the apotheosis of numerous riots against the absolute power of the landlords over their serfs.
Themes, motifs, and lyric poetry of the 18th century were a reflection of the basic processes of development of society. The high syllable and rhythmic harmony of the verses of Kantemir, Trediakovsky, Lomonosov are often combined with gloomy moods and anxious sensations.
Russian classicism
The formation of Russia as a national state required the appearance of new literature. The writers of the 18th century focused primarily on the achievements of European art. In Germany and France, classicism reigned supreme. It was this style that was reflected in Russian literature.
Themes, motifs, and lyric poetry of the 18th century relied 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 ​​classicism literature is the priority of civic duty over personal feelings.
Works of Lomonosov and Radishchev
Russian poetry of the 18th century was deeply national. Vasily Trediakovsky carried out the reform of versification. It consisted of a transition from a syllabic structure alien to the Russian language to a syllabonic tonic.
Lomonosov reflected themes, motifs, and images of the poetry of the 18th century especially vividly and distinctively. In his work, he relied on the reform of Trediakovsky. One of Lomonosov’s most famous lyric works is “Conversation with Anacreon.” The author chose the form of dialogue between two writers - the ancient Greek and the modern Russian poet. Anacreon sings about the love of a beautiful maiden. A contemporary of Lomonosov is also able to admire female beauty. However, he is more attracted to the description of the heroic deeds and grandeur of the homeland. Lomonosov was not only a brilliant scientist. He also became the greatest figure in Russian literature.
Themes, motifs, images of the poetry of the poets of the 18th century Radishchev embodied in his individual manner. The political and philosophical views of the writer are reflected in his main work entitled "Travel from St. Petersburg to Moscow." Radishchev's views appeared 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 refers to the folk sources in the poem "Bova". This work is characterized by a combination of high and low styles. The characteristic poetic features of classicism are present in the poem along with frankly folklore speech phrases. For example, Radishchev uses words and phrases such as “gruin,” “burning tears.” This is the peculiarity of the composition.
These are the themes, motifs, images of the poets 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 composition. Teenagers learn to see the moral, universal, human foundation of outstanding works of art. 18th-century Russian poetry is perfect for this.