Бородино

by Mikhail Lermontov, Михаил Юрьевич Лермонтов

Известное стихотворение замечательного русского поэта Михаила Юрьевича Лермонтова, посвященное Бородинскому сражению.

Genres: Poetry, Russia, Classics, Russian Literature, Fiction, Historical Fiction, 19th Century

6 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1837

About the author

Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov (Михаил Юрьевич Лермонтов), a Russian Romantic writer, poet and painter, sometimes called "the poet of the Caucasus", was the most important Russian poet after Alexander Pushkin's death. His influence on later Russian literature is still felt in modern times, not only through his poetry, but also by his prose.

Lermontov died in a duel like his great predecessor poet, Aleksander Pushkin.

Even more so tragically strange (if not to say fatalistic) that both poets described in their major works fatal duel outcomes, in which the main characters (Onegin and Pechorin) were coming out victorious.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lermontov is probably the second most revered poet in Russia after Alexander Pushkin. If Pushkin can be compared to William Shakespeare in scale of the impact he had on his native language, then I would say Lermontov is like John Keats, who had a bright, albeit brief literary career. Like Pushkin, Lermontov died young in a duel.

Naturally, Lermontov's themes and stylistic choices were heavily influenced by his great predecessor. This volume collects his most famous poetry, often dedicated to the wild beauty of Caucasus, unrequited love, or admiration for a number of famous people. Both poets seemed to have idolized Byron, and saw his brooding, tragic hero as their ideal, which often translated into their works.

I did find that Lermontov was more inclined to be experimental with rhythm in his works, often switching to non-standard structures. Some worked for me better than others. To appreciate this variety, I think it's important to read all his work aloud.

Thematically, I saw myself drawn to his narrative poetry more. Pieces like Three Palm Trees, The Gifts of Terek, Tamara, and Night series were definitely my favourite. More often than not, I reread those at least twice just because I was amazed at the depth of story and brightness of imagery contained within such a constrained format. Out of the three long poems included, I had to single out A Song about Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich, the Young Oprichnik, and the Valorous Merchant Kalashnikov (yes, it's a very long title). It was written in a style of an old bard song, without rhyme, but with focus on rhythm. It reminded me a lot of Pushkin's fairytales, but with much darker undertones. I can see myself reading it over and over again in the future, while skipping the other two altogether.

I am a bit surprised that the collection is titled after Borodino, since the majority of the poetry within is about anything, but war. I guess Borodino is one of Lermontov's most famous poems, and most Russian students have to learn and recite it as part of school program, therefore this would be the most catchy title, but I stand my case. I would rather give the collection a title Prisoner of the Caucasus, given Lermontov's history in the region, as well as his love for Caucasian way of life.

[Justyn Gronek · Rating 3 out of 5]

this whole Lermontov guy is way easier to read than Pushkin but unfortunately it's still romanticism, which i am not a fan of

[Igor Chubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Обязательно не только прочитать, но и выучить наизусть. Великолепно, живо, бессмертно

[Дмитрий Давыдов · Rating 3 out of 5]

Все-таки тяжело ставить оценку сборнику, т.к. произведения там собраны разные и неоднородные.

Довольно забавно сопоставлять то, что пытались нам приподнести на уроках литературы с нынешним впечатлением от авторов из школьной программы. Лермонтов мне тогда казался каким-то гигантом мысли, который справедливо упрекает свое поколение, прогнившее общество и его пороки. И даже сейчас, когда читаешь его стихи, в них сплошь и рядом видится эдакое гордое самолюбование: видно, что Михаил Юрьевич тащился от осознания своей интеллектуальной исключительности. И жизнь он познал, и очерствел после обманов несчастной любви, и презирает он лживое общество, в котором подлецы что-то шепчут у него за спиной. А потом смотришь на год написания - а ему тогда было 15 или 16 лет.

К авторам, постоянно сетующим на пороки общества, у меня скептическое отношение, как минимум, еще со времен прочтения Скорби Сатаны. Но вот замогильно-мрачная лирика Лермонтова очень даже понравилась. Больше всего запомнились, пожалуй, несколько часетй "Ночи", но тема эта у него в числе повторяющихся, наряду, например, с Кавказом или Наполеоном. Лермонтов, похоже, вообще очень любил Наполеона. Большая часть стихов читалась тяжело, но чем дальше - тем проще, видимо, сказалось растущее поэтическое мастерство. Поздние стихотворения как будто более складные и ритмичные.

В очередной раз убеждаюсь, что поэзию в целом я воспринимаю туговато, хуже прозы. Но поэмы (Демон и Мцыри), ради которых я и начинал этот сборник, зашли на ура. Лермонтов, ИМХО, хоть и был снобом, но чертовски талантливым.

[Halina Hetman · Rating 1 out of 5]

To understand Russian culture better, here is a YouTube video on Lermontov:

[Alex Kul · Rating 5 out of 5]

impressive writing

[Miles Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but powerful poem about Russian soldiers at the Battle of Borodino during the war between France and Russia in 1812.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Eadweard · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Borodino'