Alexander Pushkin ​

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was a Russian poet, playwright, and novelist of the Romantic era who is considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. Famous works include the drama "The Stone Guest", the verse novel "Eugene Onegin", and the novel "The Captain's Daughter".

Quick Facts ​

• Considered Russia's greatest poet and the founder of modern Russian literature.
• His most well-known work is his novel in verse, Eugene Onegin.
• His works were often censored by the Russian government.
• Despite his untimely death at the age of 37, he managed to produce a voluminous amount of work, including plays, stories, and novels.
• His writings are still studied and revered by Russians today.
• A monument dedicated to him stands in the Lyceum garden in Tsarskoye Selo.
• His fairy tales are well-known and loved by children in Russia.

Background ​

Pushkin was born in 1799 in Moscow, Russia into a noble family with connections to the Russian court. His great-grandfather was Abram Petrovich Gannibal, a Black man who was a general in Peter the Great's army. He was educated privately by tutors and at the Lyceum in Tsarskoye Selo. Pushkin produced his first large-scale work, Ruslan and Ludmila, at the age of 20. His political views led to his banishment from the capital, during which time he wrote some of his most famous works including Eugene Onegin. In 1837, at the age of 37, Pushkin was killed in a duel by Georges d'Anthès, a French officer who tried to seduce his wife. His literary legacy is considered one of the greatest in Russian literature and he is often called the "Russian Shakespeare".

Writing Style and Impact ​

Pushkin's writing style is accomplished and versatile, and he is considered a master of Russian literature. His works spanned multiple genres, including poetry, drama, and prose, and his ability to blend these different forms was revolutionary. His works are also characterized by his deep exploration of human nature, and his use of contemporary Russian language and themes. His work has had a profound impact on Russian literature and culture, and he is often referred to as the father of modern Russian literature.

Notable Works ​

• Eugene Onegin (1833)
• Boris Godunov (1831)
• The Captain's Daughter (1836)
• The Bronze Horseman (1833)
• The Queen of Spades (1834)