Children's literature began its development as an independent direction in the XVII century. Its founders are considered the directory of Savvatiy, Karion Istomin and Simeon of Polotsk. Who were these people? What made them engage in literary activity? Consider the example of the poet Savvaty.
Who is the directory
This is a man who in the 17th century held a very responsible position at the Moscow Printing House. He could be appointed only royal person. And for this he needed to have a good education and an impeccable reputation. A person who claims to be a reference officer must have been recognized in the upper strata of society, as well as being a member of the royal family.
All of these characteristics had the reference book of Savvaty. The first
children's poet left short descriptions of his biography in his own works.
Biographical Information
Studies conducted by writers give reason to believe that Savvaty had a wife and children. But in one of the epidemics that often raged in Europe and Russia at that time, he lost his family.
The facts indicate that after the sad events, Savvaty was tonsured a monk. He began to serve in the Kremlin in one of the court churches. It was then that he met and became close to members of the royal family.
Appointment to office
An educated person was noticed not only by the king, but by many noble people of that time. Patriarch Filaret personally recommended a monk for service at the Printing Yard, where he received a position called a reference. This opened up new opportunities for Savvaty.
He began to actively engage in educational activities. There is evidence that he had opened a school where the children of nobles studied. Home teaching was also not excluded from the practice of enlightener.
Teaching children, Savvaty understood that in the arsenal of teachers of that time there was little specialized literature that would help in the development of the child, his education in the basics of science. The guide tried to correct this circumstance by taking up the writing of children's poems. Of the twenty famous works of the poet, eleven are written specifically for the younger generation. Most of them are placed in a book for reading, which was published by the Moscow Printing House in 1634. Three years later, the textbook was reprinted. It was in this issue of the book that scientists discovered children's poems written by a handbook. These are good, diverse in subject matter, easy for children to perceive works. A similar appeal to the child was an innovation in the literature. The verses of Savvaty were immediately noticed and appreciated by critics.
Theme of children's works
Today, the precept of the authors of books or textbooks is not unusual for the reader. But in the first half of the XVII century, such an appeal of the author was a real innovation. This is the poem Savvatiy wrote for his little readers. The work was placed at the beginning of the book, intended for teaching reading. In it, the author convinces children of the importance of their knowledge. Calls for diligence and compares study with this difficult task. In addition, several times the author starts a conversation about the need for respect for mentors involved in the education and upbringing of children.
The reference book of Savvaty in another poem tries to honestly talk with a child who is very capable of learning, but unusually lazy. The author does not choose educational means not threats and the desire to deal with the student physically, but conviction.
In another work, the poet shows the same student, but has already changed his attitude to study. The author finds words of praise for the pupil. Of the literary devices, Savvaty uses vivid figurative comparisons, contrasts, which makes the language of works understandable and memorable.