"Babii Yar" is a poignant poem consisting of ninety-two lines of free verse, drawing attention to historical injustices. The title refers to a ravine near Kiev, notorious as the site of a mass massacre of Jews during the Nazi occupation. Despite its historical significance, the poem's focus lies not merely on the event itself but on the subsequent neglect in honoring its victims.

Historical Context and Symbolism

The poem’s title, "Babii Yar," translates to "Women’s Cliff", a reference to a ravine in Ukraine where countless Jews were brutally murdered by Nazis. Although the name itself holds no symbolic weight in the poem, it has become synonymous with the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. Despite this association, Yevgeny Yevtushenko’s primary concern is the absence of a monument commemorating these tragic events, as highlighted in the poem's opening line.

Identification with Jewish Suffering

Yevtushenko immediately aligns himself with Jewish suffering through historical references. He reflects on the Jewish plight from ancient Egypt through the crucifixion, then leaps to the Dreyfus Affair of 19th-century France, a notorious case of anti-Semitic injustice. The poet also references a boy in Byelostok, a region heavily affected by pogroms and the Holocaust, and Anne Frank, whose diary evokes the harrowing realities of the Holocaust.

Solidarity and Memory

In the poem's powerful conclusion, Yevtushenko stands in solidarity with the victims interred at Babii Yar. Amidst the silent judgment of trees and the voiceless cries of the lost, he becomes a symbolic scream for the innocent victims, vowing to remember them. The poem suggests that the absence of a monument results from both the survivors' forgetfulness and lingering anti-Semitism, as exemplified by the callous cry, "Beat the Yids, Save Russia!"

Rhetorical Style and Influences

"Babii Yar" employs a simple, direct style, characterized by declarative statements like "O my Russian people!" and "I am afraid." This straightforward approach echoes the styles of Vladimir Mayakovsky and William Carlos Williams, marked by cascading lines and impactful brevity. Yevtushenko, with his background in performance, uses this style to deliver a dramatic, powerful message.

Use of Metaphor

Metaphor serves as a crucial device throughout the poem, enhancing Yevtushenko's critiques. By identifying as a Jew in ancient Egypt or recalling the injustice faced by Dreyfus, he bridges past Jewish suffering with contemporary observations. A poignant metaphor describes a boy in Byelostok amidst bloodshed, illustrating the brutal cruelty faced by innocent children.

Anne Frank and the Power of Innocence

Anne Frank occupies a significant portion of the poem, with her innocence and tenderness prompting noble emotions in the poet. Her transparent imagery, like a branch in April, reinforces the profound injustice against youthful innocence. Yevtushenko weaves auditory imagery, transforming the ominous sounds of police into the hopeful sounds of spring, to convey tender hope amidst despair.

Thesis of Anti-Semitism

The poem’s thesis asserts the enduring presence of anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union, despite official denials. Yevtushenko uses Babii Yar as a potent symbol to denounce this bigotry, exacerbated by its concealment. The unacknowledged anti-Semitism renders the original Nazi crimes even more reprehensible.

Yevtushenko's Activism

Yevtushenko has consistently voiced his opposition to systemic injustices in his country, as exemplified by "Babii Yar" and works like "The Heirs of Stalin." Despite varying levels of success, he remains vocal in his dissent. As a post-Holocaust Soviet citizen, "Babii Yar" stands as a powerful testament to his commitment to change.

Universal Solidarity

Beyond its political critique, "Babii Yar" is a declaration of global solidarity with oppressed peoples. By connecting with figures like Dreyfus and Anne Frank, the poem transcends local politics, advocating for universal justice. Yevtushenko's work warns of anti-Semitism's dangers and broader injustices worldwide.

Artistic Merit and Legacy

Ultimately, the poem's strength lies in Yevtushenko's artistic prowess, transforming a socio-political message into a transcendent work of art. Its impact is further highlighted by its inclusion in Dmitri Shostakovich’s Thirteenth Symphony, cementing "Babii Yar" as a crucial piece of cultural and historical commentary.