Alexandr Sergeyvich Pushkin

1
Alexandr Sergeyvich Pushkin

• 1799-1837
• Born in Moscow
• Worked in government but was banished to South
  Russia on the Crimea because of his political
  poems.
• Lived on the Black Sea
• Famous for poetry as well as a novel in verse
  Eugene Onegin.

2
The Hills of Georgia
The hills of Georgia are covered by the night
Ahead Aragva runs through stone My feelings
sad and light my sorrow is bright My sorrow is
full of you alone Of you of only you... My
everlasting gloom Meets neither troubles nor
resistance. Again inflames and loves my poor
heart for whom Without love tis no existence.
3

• In 1823 Pushkin was transferred to Odessa where
  his life was more filled with social activities
  such as the opera.

• But after a letter was intercepted in which he
  supported atheism Pushkin was transferred again
  this time to North Russia.

• Though he was freed from Exile by Nicholas I in
  1826 he was not allowed to travel or publish
  without permission.

4
(No Transcript)
5
Mozart and Salieri

• Pushkin is also famous for Mozart and Salieri
  a fictionalization in play format of the struggle
  between the two men. This story has become known
  as a musical urban legend. The movie Amadeus
  was based on the Peter Schaffer play of the same
  name but the poem is reminiscent of the same
  themes as those found in the play
• Salieris frustration at seeing genius in so
  low a character as Mozart.
• Salieris belief that his discipline and lifetime
  in music should have been rewarded by God.
• Salieris final push poisoning Mozart.

6
Though Pushkin had taken his place at court he
had married a beautiful woman who proved to be
his downfall.
Mme. Pushkina Natalia Goncharova was pursued by
and fell in love with dAnthes-Heeckeren who
Pushkin later accused of writing a letter calling
him a cuckold.
Pushkin challenged dAnthes to a duel.
7

• Pushkin lost the duel though he did manage to
  wound dAnthes.
• Pushkin died two days after the duel.

8
(No Transcript)
9
To a Poet A poet! Do not prize the love of people
around It soon will pass -- the glorifying hum
And come a court of fools and laughing of cold
crowd But you must always stay firm morose
and calm. Youre king live lonesome. Along the
freedoms road Stride there to where just
shows your free mind While modernizing fruits
of thoughts beloved And not demanding you to
be awarded. Awards inside of you. You are your
highest court Severely then all you value your
effort. Well are you satisfied oh my severe
artist Youre satisfied. Then let the mob
condemn your verse Spit at the altar where
your fire burns And toss your brass tripod with
somewhat childish wildness.
10
Sources

• http//falcon.jmu.edu/pleckesg/Pushkin/Bio.html
• http//www.tnr.com/classic/nabokov04211941.html
• http//www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/pushkin/push
  kin_ind.html
• http//www.allmovie.com