Biography
Mikhail Lermontov, a towering figure in Russian Romantic poetry, left behind an enduring legacy through his poignant lyrical and narrative works. Known also for his contributions as a dramatist and novelist, his novel "A Hero of Our Time" foreshadowed the deep psychological realism characteristic of Russian literature seen in the works of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Lermontov's life, marked by personal turmoil and societal conflict, infused his writings with a unique blend of introspection and critique.
Early Life and Influences
Lermontov's story begins with his father, a modest army officer descended from a Scottish mercenary linked to the legendary Thomas the Rhymer. His father's major accomplishment was marrying Marya Arsenieva, the sole progeny of the affluent Elizaveta Arsenieva, part of the influential Stolypin family. The early demise of Marya in 1817 when Lermontov was only three, led to a custody dispute between his grandmother and father, resulting in Lermontov being raised by his grandmother.
Elizaveta Arsenieva lavished care upon young Mikhail, employing tutors to teach him languages, music, and the arts. His proficiency extended beyond poetry to include music composition, as well as drawing and painting, amassing a collection of over 400 artistic works. His admiration for Byron's poetry kindled a desire to learn English, a pursuit his grandmother supported by hiring a tutor during his teenage years.
Significant journeys to the Caucasus Mountains further shaped Lermontov's imagination, offering him a vision of unbridled freedom and adventure, themes that would permeate his later works. These trips, intended to distance him from his father and improve his health, left him with memories of the breathtaking landscape and its untamed inhabitants, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and a disdain for the perceived corruption of civilization.
Educational Journey
In 1827, Lermontov moved to Moscow with his grandmother and enrolled in a prestigious preparatory school at Moscow State University. Here, he immersed himself in the works of contemporary Russian poets, developing a passionate admiration for Alexander Pushkin. His literary career began to take shape during this period, with his poetry gaining attention and publication in journals such as Atheneum.
By 1830, Lermontov transitioned to Moscow University, initially focusing on ethics and politics before shifting to literature. He mingled with future influencers like Vissarion Belinsky and Aleksandr Herzen, yet maintained a haughty distance, considering himself superior. His academic journey was fraught with controversies, leading him to abandon university for the military, a decision that displeased his grandmother but ultimately led him to the School of Ensigns of the Guards and Cavalry Cadets.
Literary Contributions and Military Life
During his university years, Lermontov crafted notable works such as "Angel" and "The Sail," and began his long labor on "Demon," a romantic narrative poem rich with Caucasian imagery. His unrequited romantic pursuits inspired a cycle of poems exploring themes of love and melancholy.
Lermontov's time in the military was marked by a rebellious spirit and a penchant for stirring drama and prose writing. His play Masquerade reflected his disillusionment with societal norms, while his unfinished novel Vadim hinted at his burgeoning interest in historical fiction. His move towards prose culminated in A Hero of Our Time, a novel that presented the superfluous man archetype and revealed Lermontov's own introspective struggles.
Fame and Exile
The tragic death of Pushkin in 1837 prompted Lermontov to pen "The Death of a Poet," a poem that catapulted him to fame but also led to his arrest and exile to the Caucasus. Despite the severity of his sentence, his grandmother's influence and his patriotic poetry helped secure his return to St. Petersburg.
From 1838 to 1841, Lermontov reached...
(This entire section contains 1062 words.)
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the zenith of his popularity, with his poetry frequently gracing literary journals. He continued to explore themes of freedom and isolation, as seen in works like "Cossack Lullaby" and "The Novice." His literary prowess was marked by a keen ability to weave his personal anguish and societal critique into his poetry.
Final Years and Legacy
Lermontov's enduring masterpiece, A Hero of Our Time, introduced readers to Pechorin, a character embodying the conflicts of an intellectual estranged from society. This work resonated with successive generations, cementing Lermontov’s place in literary history.
A fatal duel with Nikolai Martynov in 1841 prematurely ended Lermontov's life, echoing the fate of Pushkin. Despite his short life, Lermontov bequeathed a rich legacy of poetry and prose that continues to influence Russian literature and its portrayal of complex human emotions.
Assessing Lermontov's Impact
Western critics often highlight A Hero of Our Time for its psychological depth, impacting authors like Turgenev, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy. Lermontov's work initiated a shift from the clear moral binaries of Romantic literature to a nuanced exploration of character and motive.
In Russia, Lermontov's poetry is celebrated for its melodious quality and emotional resonance. His verses are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, with their themes of love, freedom, and patriotism striking a chord with audiences. Lermontov’s ability to capture the essence of the Russian spirit ensures his place as a beloved and influential poet.
In conclusion, Mikhail Lermontov was a complex figure whose literary contributions arose from a life of personal turmoil and creative passion. Though faced with challenges and an untimely death, his exploration of profound human experiences leaves a lasting mark on literature.
Further Reading
Eikhenbaum, Boris M. Lermontov. Translated by Ray Parrot and Harry Weber. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Ardis, 1981. A seminal study by the renowned Soviet scholar on Lermontov’s poetic method, focusing on the literary precedents of his figures of speech. Includes citations of poetry from Lermontov’s Russian predecessors and contemporaries.
Kelly, Laurence. Lermontov: Tragedy in the Caucasus. New York: George Braziller, 1977. A biography of Lermontov which delves thoroughly into the influence on Lermontov’s work of his time spent in the Caucasus Mountains.
L’Ami, C. E., and Alexander Welikotny. Michael Lermontov: Biography and Translation. Winnipeg, Canada: University of Manitoba Press, 1967. An older-style biography with reminiscences of Lermontov’s contemporaries and a general outline of Russian history.
Lavrin, Janko. Lermontov. London: Bowes and Bowes, 1959. Introduces Lermontov and Russian society of the early nineteenth century, highlighting his key role in the development of Russian literature.
Lermontov, Mikhail. Major Poetical Works. Translated with a biographical sketch, commentary, and an introduction by Anatoly Liberman. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1983.
Mersereau, John, Jr. Mikhail Lermontov. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1962. A concise biography with a focus on Lermontov’s development of a prose style, particularly in A Hero of Our Time.
