The image of the sea in Russian poetry has always occupied and continues to occupy one of the most important places. And no wonder, because it is a powerful, mysterious and at the same time romantic element, inspiring thousands of magical images. The “marine” theme plays a particularly significant role in the poetry of romanticism. The aesthetics of this literary trend is largely based on the opposition of the real, earthly and otherworldly worlds. In contrast to boring reality, romantic poets described the realm of dreams, tales, and fantasies, and only a genuine Creator could gain access to it.
The image of the sea in Russian poetry in this context takes on new meanings:
what is it, if not a portal, a country inhabited by magical creatures. The water element is dual in nature. Mirror surface at any moment can turn into huge waves that bring death and destruction.
Personalities
More specifically, the image of the sea in Russian poetry was widely used in the works of such great representatives of literature as Zhukovsky, Pushkin, Lermontov, Tyutchev. Even after the influence of romanticism began to fade, the motives of the water element now and then arise in the poems of Balmont, Akhmatova, Tsvetaeva.
V.A. Zhukovsky
Characterizing the image of the sea in Russian poetry, it is impossible not to mention Zhukovsky’s work. Some literary scholars note that a real keen interest in such topics begins with the elegist from the poem "Sea", written in 1882. The poet personifies the water surface: it becomes an endless space that does not obey any human laws, free from all prohibitions.
The lyrical hero identifies himself with the sea element - an abyss, an abyss also lurks in his soul. The motive of double peace, characteristic of the poetry of romanticism, is revealed in the poem. The sea, according to Zhukovsky, hopelessly seeks to reach heaven, to touch it. The "firmament" in this case becomes precisely that unattainable ideal in pursuit of which earthly life passes. Researchers compare the relationship of the Sea and the Sky with the relationship of the human soul and God. An important place is occupied by the image of the storm as the embodiment of an unnatural, incorrect state.
A.S. Pushkin
Library of Russian poetry would be incomplete without creativity A.S. Pushkin. The poet called Zhukovsky his teacher, but his romanticism was of a slightly different sense: rebellious, daring, implacable. His poem "To the Sea" was written during the Odessa exile. The young poet then dreamed of fleeing abroad, passionately wanted to break out of stuffy bondage. "To the Sea" has become a kind of poetic manifesto, reflecting all these aspirations.
Written on the death of Byron, one of the founders of literary romanticism, this work is distinguished by its vivid imagery: the sea for Pushkin becomes a symbol of freedom, unrestrained.
F.I. Tyutchev
With the words "the theme of nature in Russian poetry" is primarily associated, of course, Tyutchev's poetry. The images of the sea elements are reflected in his work. The famous poet depicts the sea mainly at night.