Nikolai Zabolotsky is a poet and philosopher, who is rightly called one of the most mysterious and paradoxical personalities of the 20th century. He was known in literary circles as a talented translator and an original master of literary words. In life, he was a very rational and rational person. However, an analysis of Zabolotsky’s poems suggests that the author of these works is sensitive and extremely responsive.
Zabolotsky’s creative career was difficult and thorny, as, indeed, the life of other writers and poets of the beginning of the last century. Today, the legacy of this author occupies a prominent place in the literature. Despite unfavorable historical events, during which Zabolotsky began his journey in literature, he was able to introduce new themes into Russian poetry.
Periodization of Zabolotsky's work
In the work of this poet there are three periods. All of them significantly differ from each other in plots and themes. An analysis of Zabolotsky’s poems created in the 1920s suggests that the first period of his work is characterized by a critical view of the spirituality of the philistine world. In his early creations, the Russian poet emphasized the relief and unexpectedness of pictorial means.
At a later stage, the themes of nature became important for Zabolotsky. The world around him was nothing more than a living creature endowed with intelligence. Like other poets inspired by the revolution, the poet sincerely believed in the incredible power of events that preceded the birth of a new Soviet state. They, according to Zabolotsky, could release not only people, but also animals from exploitation.
The main theme in the post-war lyrics of Zabolotsky was the human soul. What is the difference between true beauty and false? The poet sought to answer this question. An analysis of Zabolotsky’s poems related to the late stage clarifies the author’s opinion regarding the beauty of the human soul.
What is beauty?
The poet attached considerable importance to the beauty of the human soul, which is confirmed by the analysis of Zabolotsky’s poems. Psychologically rich works “Ugly Girl”, “Loser”, “Wife” are devoted to philosophical issues. Soul qualities are undoubtedly more important than physical ones. But for some reason, in our world, people with unattractive features are much more difficult to live than those whose appearance has no flaws. An analysis of Zabolotsky’s poem “Ugly Girl” proves the importance of one of the essential aspects of human relationships for the poet. Reflecting on the inner qualities of the heroine of this work, the author comes to the conclusion that the beauty of the soul is still more important.
How could he not see the treasure of his life?
The analysis of Zabolotsky’s poem “Wife” gives an idea of how important female love and fidelity were to the Russian classic. The image of a loving woman in this work is an embodiment of fidelity and devotion. Her eyes are timid and painful. She walks quietly, silently, while her husband writes. And he knew neither Goethe nor Dante so humble and devoted love.
There are faces - the likeness of jubilant songs ...
To comprehend the depth of the philosophical thoughts of the poet can be done by analyzing the poem "On the beauty of human faces." Zabolotsky speaks in this work about the inner world of a person and about what kind of reflection he can have in his appearance. The author compares faces with huts, which can be cold and closed. They can be deserted and dark. But there are, however, bright and joyful, although outwardly they are inconspicuous.
Again confirms the advantage of spiritual beauty over the physical analysis of the poem "On the beauty of human faces." Zabolotsky compares human faces with architectural structures. Some are luxurious and beautiful, but do not evoke warm feelings in the soul. Others are modest and unpretentious, but are associated with sweet, pleasant memories. Dividing the poem into two parts, the author devotes the last lines to people who are ugly in appearance, but beautiful inwardly.
Beauty, according to the poet, is a tremendous value that can drive you crazy and subjugate yourself. Its owner is often visited by arrogance and vanity, which is the destructive power of physical beauty.
The soul must work ...
In order to understand the ideological content of the poet’s later works, it is necessary to analyze the poem “Soul”. Zabolotsky did not give the work a name, but mainly in it became the inner world of man, which the poet endowed with some human abilities. The soul, in his opinion, should work. Indeed, mental laziness breeds selfishness, callousness and narrow-mindedness. Zabolotsky believed that by making a concession for himself, a person risks losing the last and, perhaps, the main thing in life. And even one who is wise by experience and has come a long way of life must constantly teach himself kindness, justice and compassion. Important philosophical questions, relevant at all times, raises the analysis of Zabolotsky’s poem "Do not let your soul be lazy ...".
Lyrics
The lyrical works of Zabolotsky were created under the influence of the traditions of Tyutchev and Baratynsky. The “Thunderstorm” poem is filled with metaphorical images designed to show the connection between nature and man.
The last works of the Russian poet include ten poems included in the series “Last Love”. Two years before his death, a breakdown occurred in Zabolotsky's married life. For some time, the poet spoke closely with Vasily Grossman, the author of the legendary novel Life and Fate. Wife Zabolotsky could not remain indifferent to the talent and mind of the great writer. The discord led to a short separation, during which the lyrical cycle was created. Ekaterina Vasilievna returned in 1958 to her husband. Two months later he died.
The legacy of Nikolai Zabolotsky is small. It is included in only one volume of poems and poems. But the themes of his works are so diverse and multifaceted that, no doubt, this poet can be attributed to the great masters of the artistic word of the XX century.