Biography
Joseph Aleksandrovich Brodsky, born on May 24, 1940, in Leningrad, emerged as a significant literary figure of the 20th century. With a life deeply intertwined with the socio-political fabric of Soviet Russia, he navigated the challenges of censorship and exile to become a celebrated poet and Nobel laureate. His journey from a rebellious youth to a respected professor and American citizen reflects a remarkable tale of resilience and artistic dedication.
Early Life and Influences
In Brodsky's early years, his family experienced the harsh realities of World War II and the tense atmosphere of post-war Soviet Union. His mother worked as a translator, a skill Brodsky would later adopt, while his father was a photographer capturing the nation's propaganda. The German siege of Leningrad forced Brodsky to spend time with his grandparents, a period that etched deep impressions on him. The anti-Semitic purges of 1953 further molded his worldview, instilling a fear of displacement from his hometown. These turbulent times left Brodsky disenchanted with formal education, prompting him to leave school in 1955. He embarked on an autodidactic journey, delving into various languages and literatures, including Polish, which became his gateway to Western literature previously inaccessible in Russian. It was through Polish that Brodsky first encountered Kafka, Faulkner, and the poetry of Czesław Miłosz, whom he greatly admired.
The Turning Point of 1956
The year 1956 was pivotal for Brodsky, marking his self-identification as part of the "generation of 1956." This was the year of the Soviet invasion of Hungary, an event that solidified his understanding of his role as a poet in an oppressive regime. For Brodsky, Stalinism transcended a mere political era to represent a pervasive "state of mind." Despite Stalin's death three years prior, the events of 1956 underscored the regime's persistent repressive nature, soon affecting Brodsky personally.
Explorations and Early Repressions
Brodsky's excursions across the Soviet Union on geological expeditions introduced him to diverse landscapes, influencing the vivid natural imagery in his poetry. These journeys granted him a semblance of freedom, yet his unorthodox associations caught the attention of the KGB. By 1959, Brodsky faced his first arrest and was twice sent to mental institutions—a harrowing experience that inspired his ambitious poem "Gorbunov and Gorchakov." Although he began writing poetry in 1958, Brodsky considered 1963 as the turning point in his serious poetic endeavors, marked by his elegy to John Donne.
Trial, Exile, and Literary Growth
In 1964, Brodsky was arrested again and charged with "parasitism," a reflection of the Soviet state's disdain for artistic pursuits devoid of official endorsement. His trial became infamous, illustrating his belief that the state's political interpretation of writing stifled true poetic expression. Yet, Brodsky's plight drew support from prominent Soviet cultural figures, risking their own safety to advocate for him. Consequently, his five-year sentence was reduced to twenty months, during which he worked in a remote village near Arkhangel’sk. There, he continued to write and encounter new literary influences, including Auden, whose works he discovered in 1965.
Return to Leningrad and Influence
Brodsky's poem written after T.S. Eliot's death in 1965 reflects Auden's influence and heralds his evolving poetic voice. Upon returning to Leningrad, he benefited from the support of friends like Anna Akhmatova, who had played a crucial role in securing his early release from labor camp. Although initially not deeply connected, Brodsky and Akhmatova forged a meaningful friendship. Her embodiment of Russia’s poetic legacy and historical upheavals deeply resonated with him, though his style was more aligned with Mandelstam.
Exile and New Beginnings
The period from 1965 to 1972 was marked by Brodsky's maturation as a poet, despite the...
(This entire section contains 784 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
limited official publication opportunities in the Soviet Union. He managed to publish a few poems and sustain himself through translation work. However, his nonconformity ultimately led to his exile from the Soviet Union in 1972. Boarded on a plane with no disclosed destination, Brodsky found himself in Vienna, where he was greeted by Carl Proffer with an offer to teach in the United States. In Vienna, Brodsky connected with Auden, who facilitated his introduction to Western literary circles, including a participation at the Poetry International in London.
Life in the United States
Settling in America, Brodsky embraced a new life of academia, teaching, and writing. He held positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan, Queens College, and the Five Colleges, where he became the Distinguished Professor of Literature in 1981. Brodsky's naturalization as a U.S. citizen in 1977 marked a new chapter of freedom and recognition. In 1987, his contribution to literature was honored with the Nobel Prize, cementing his status as a seminal figure in contemporary poetry. Brodsky's life came to an end in Brooklyn, New York, on January 28, 1996, leaving behind a legacy of poetic brilliance transcending the boundaries of his tumultuous origins.