The poem "The Monument" of Pushkin and Derzhavin: a comparison

The theme of monuments has always occupied a special place increativity of both poets. Touching this subject in their poems, they, as it were, thereby expressed their right to immortality. The works of both authors are very similar, but they also have differences, are endowed with slightly different ideological content.

The similarity of works

The poems of Pushkin and Derzhavin are similar inits construction. Their size is a six-legged iambic, they contain both male and female rhymes. In each of the verses, the first line rhymes with the third, the second with the fourth and so on. In other words, both authors use the cross method of rhyme.

Comparing the poetic works of Pushkin andDerzhavin, it is also worth noting that both poets do not spare their bright, living epithets. Alexander Sergeevich uses such words as "not made by hands", "covenant", "great". Adjectives in the poem of Gavrila Romanovich - "wonderful", "fleeting", "cordial".

Receiving Inversion

In the poem "The Monument" Pushkin and Derzhavin also use such a literary device as an inversion:

"Before the Slavs we shall honor the family of the universe." (Derzhavin).

"And for a long time I will be so kind to the people ...". (Pushkin).

This method allows you to highlight the most importantmembers of the proposal, focus on their idea, give the poem a more emotional coloring. In particular, this technique is often used in poetic works to give melodies and melodies to poems.

Imitation of Horace

The "Monument" was written as an imitation of Derzhavin,which, in turn, was a remake of the Horace Ode. Thus, the poem "Monument" in fact was written about 2 thousand years ago. Everything that later was born in Russian literature was a response to this work of the Roman poet. However, imitating Horace, Pushkin and Derzhavin adhered to their rules, relying on their own understanding of poetry, as well as their place in history. The main point is that Alexander created his work under the influence of Derzhavin.

How do poets see themselves?

Gavrila Romanovich presents himself in hisa work not only as a creator, but also as a courtier. Therefore, he will be honored, because he was able to talk openly with high-ranking people. Derzhavin also sets himself the credit for talking about higher spiritual values, about God.

Pushkin, by contrast, sees in his workhimself, first of all, as a poet. And already through the image of the poet, he comes to understand himself as a citizen, a servant of society, a humane person. At the very beginning of his work he emphasizes his closeness to the people - "The people's path will not grow to him." And people's love for him is the highest value.

Thus, we can draw an important conclusion: Pushkin's values ​​in relation to personal and civic development are much higher than Derzhavin's values. If Gavrila Romanovich most appreciates his closeness to the ruling nobility, then Pushkin puts in the first place service to people. He proclaims the ideal not only of the poet, but also of a humane, progressive person.

Attitude towards the autocracy of poets

G.R. Derzhavin was considered a court poet, he was revered in a secular society. Indeed, a decade earlier he wrote his famous ode "Felitsa", which was dedicated to the celebration of the virtues of Catherine II. In this there is a difference between Pushkin and Derzhavin. After all, Pushkin was the enemy of the autocracy. No matter how Nicholas I tried to make him a court poet, none of these attempts did not work out. From here and references, persecution, constant persecution.

Summing up the results of life

A poem called "The Monument" by Pushkinand Derzhavin had a unique way to sum up his own life path. Derzhavin wrote the work in 1795, at the age of 52. In addition to literary creativity, Gavrila Romanovich worked hard, serving at court. However, he saw his merit before the fatherland in the fact that he managed to sing the great empress, which was mentioned by the poet in the "Monument". Derzhavin believed that all the inhabitants of the earth - "from White waters to the Blacks" - would remember him for that. Pushkin also believed that only the Slavs would be remembered.

The poem "Monument" was written by Pushkin in1836, a year before his death. The plot of the work was prompted by the very life of the poet, it seemed to sum up his creative path. At the time of writing the poem, Pushkin was only 37 years old. But, perhaps, he had a premonition of his sudden death.

The purpose of creativity Derzhavin

By giving a comparison to Pushkin and Derzhavin - or rather,their poetic works - we should also mention the value that each of the poets saw in their work. Gavrila Romanovich says that he was the first to risk the rejection of a grandiose, solemn syllable in odes. After all, he created "Felitsa" in the "funny Russian syllable". Possessing the boldness and talent of the poet, he was able to "tell the truth to the kings with a smile." Pushkin's work, both in form and content, is much more connected with Derzhavin's poem than with the original version of Horace.

What was the purpose of his poetry Pushkin?

In comparison of the "Monument" of Pushkin and Derzhavinit is necessary to mention that Alexander Sergeevich saw the supreme value of his poetic creativity in the struggle for the freedom of the people. And these ideas are reflected in the first lines of the work: "I erected a monument to myself ...". The poet saw the value of his works in the fact that he was able to awaken in the people "good feelings", called "mercy to the fallen." Pushkin is the only poet of his time who dared to call the tsar to pardon the insurgent Decembrists. The great Russian poet emphasizes the social value of his works.

Appeal to the muses

Also, the analysis of Pushkin and Derzhavin will be incomplete,if you do not consider the appeal of both poets to their muses. Gavrila Romanovich calls on her inspirer to be proud of the "merit of the fair", and also to express contempt for those who dare to despise her. Pushkin wants the same - that his muse was obedient to the "order of God", was not afraid of vain insults. He tells her not to demand from others the glory, not to pay attention to the "hula and slander" sent to her, and not to argue with fools.

The political lyrics of Alexander Sergeevich drawsHe was one of the most advanced spokesmen of public opinion of his era. At the time when Pushkin created the "Monument", he also wrote a lot of other poems. Belinsky said of him that he was not so much a classical poet as a singer of his time, related to romanticism. Belinsky also noted that, like Pushkin and Derzhavin, every word and every feeling is true. "Everything is in its place, everything is full, nothing is unfinished" - he wrote about the poets.