June 6 – Pushkin Day in Russia

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, born on June 6, 1799, stands as a towering figure in the history of Russian and world literature. On his father Sergei Lvovich's side, he came from an old noble family, while his mother, Nadezhda Ossipovna, was the granddaughter of Abram Petrovich Gannibal, an African who was a godson and favorite of Tsar Peter the Great. In 1811, he entered the newly founded Imperial Lyceum at Tsarskoye Selo near St. Petersburg.

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, born on June 6, 1799, stands as a towering figure in the history of Russian and world literature. On his father Sergei Lvovich's side, he came from an old noble family, while his mother, Nadezhda Ossipovna, was the granddaughter of Abram Petrovich Gannibal, an African who was a godson and favorite of Tsar Peter the Great. In 1811, he entered the newly founded Imperial Lyceum at Tsarskoye Selo near St. Petersburg. In St. Petersburg, he joined the literary society Arzamas. Moving from lyrical work, he began writing poems celebrating the freedom of spirit and mind. He lived for a time in southern Russia and at the family estate in Mikhaylovskoye near Pskov. He traveled around Crimea and the Caucasus. His lyrical poem "Ruslan and Ludmila" was published in 1820, and in 1822, he published the poem "The Captive of the Caucasus."

In 1823, he wrote the poem "The Fountain of Bakhchisaray" and a year later "The Gypsies." He also began writing his masterpiece, "Eugene Onegin." In 1825, he completed the tragedy "Boris Godunov," the humorous poem "Count Nulin," and continued writing "Eugene Onegin." In April 1830, he proposed to the then-eighteen-year-old Natalia Goncharova, who was considered one of the most dazzling beauties of St. Petersburg. He moved to her estate in Boldino. Meanwhile, cholera broke out in Russia, and Pushkin was forced to stay in Boldino for several months. This period, known as the "Boldino Autumn," was the most creative period of Pushkin's life. In addition to 40 lyrical poems, he returned from Boldino with short stories, four small tragedies: "The Covetous Knight," "Mozart and Salieri," "The Stone Guest," and "A Feast in Time of Plague," and he continued his work on "Eugene Onegin." "Eugene Onegin," Pushkin's magnum opus, is a novel in verse that deeply explores themes of love, rejection, the passage of time, and the clash between romantic idealism and the harsh realities of life. Its innovative structure and lyrical beauty have earned it a place among the greatest works of world literature. His ability to intertwine Russian ethos with universal themes made his works a cultural bridge, influencing Slovak literature and fostering a rich literary exchange. The work of the Slovak poet Ján Kollár echoes Pushkin’s thematic and stylistic elements. Similarly, Slovak romantic poet Samo Chalupka drew inspiration from Pushkin’s works, particularly in his use of national history and legends to forge a distinct Slovak literary voice. Prominent Slovak writers such as Andrej Sládkovič and Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav translated Pushkin's works for the Slovak audience.

Pushkin's personal life was as dramatic as his literary works. His life was marked by numerous duels (at least 26), a common practice among Russian nobility of the time. These duels often stemmed from his sensitive nature and defense of his honor. Tragically, Pushkin's life was cut short at the age of 37 when he was mortally wounded in a duel with Georges-Charles de Heeckeren d'Anthès, a French officer.

Andrej Sládkovič expresses sadness over the loss of a world literary genius and the power of his legacy in his poem "To the spirit of Pushkin" as follows:

Singer of the north, brother of my soul,
the genius of excited youth!
My soul is sad, oh, it's painful,
that in the mound your bones!

Pushkin! I love your creation.
I love beloved Circassian,
your zeal for gossipers,
and Poltava outraged,
and Onegin, the beautiful fellow,
a player with waves of lucky days,
i love the images of your dreams,
sparkling like a rainbow.

Pushkin! why did death tear you away young?
Why did she snatch you from me, brother?
Fate! Why have you thrown my people into grief?
Why did you make your country cry?!

The Slavic Museum of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin in Brodzany, Slovakia, documents his extensive influence on Slovak literature and maps the most significant stages of his life. The museum was established in 1979 in the building of a Renaissance mansion from the 17th century. After Pushkin's death, his wife Natalia and children often visited this place. Despite his premature demise, Pushkin's legacy endured, with his works continuing to inspire and engage readers worldwide. 

Autor: Robert Russel