The poem, which will be discussed now, was written by the author in 1185. In order for the idea of the work “The Word of Igor's Campaign” to become clear, you need to know the history of writing. What was happening on Russian soil at that time?
History
Then the great and united lands of Russia and Kiev - the state created by Prince Oleg, began to decay into separate principalities. As a result, Kievan Rus began to fall inexorably.
All this would not be so deplorable if the division of land did not entail bloody wars. Each prince tried to snatch a “fatter piece”, all the rulers were attracted by the richer lands. The Polovtsians were close to the borders, but the first attack was repelled. In 1185 a small army was assembled, which went on a campaign against the Polovtsy. Then they felt that Kievan Rus is no longer united and very vulnerable.
The main idea of the work “The Word of Igor’s Regiment” is an acquaintance with that era. The poem has become a real literary monument. The author with great trepidation and love describes his homeland, mourns for the collapse of such a great power. The idea of the work “The Word of Igor’s Regiment” is to show how a simple working people suffers because of the desire to profit from higher layers of the population.
First part
Here is a description of the campaign of 1185. Although Igor wants to save Ancient Russia from enemies, he does not pay attention to many factors and omens that are trying in every possible way to save both the leader and his army. Now we are talking about a solar eclipse before the exit of the prince and a bloody sunrise, which warn in advance of danger.
Another idea of the work “The Word of Igor’s Regiment” is to show the superstition of the people, they will take on meaning and significance. Igor is a very decisive person by nature, he was not going to retreat. In the second battle he was captured, the Russian army fought to the last and fell in a fierce and bloody battle. The whole Russian people began to live hard.
The rescue
The second part of the work is dedicated to the clever and reasonable man Svyatoslav the Great. He has a dream, which is interpreted as follows: the sons of Svyatoslav gathered an army that lost the battle with the Polovtsy. Then he decided that it was necessary to combine forces, and called for unity of all the principalities, seeking to end all internecine insults and feuds.
Further in this part there is a story about the return of the prince from the captivity of the Polovtsy. The idea of the work “The Word of Igor's Campaign” can also have the following wording: the unity of man and nature. When Yaroslavna grieves over her husband, she calls on the Sun, Wind and Dnieper to help her husband. In addition, the image of Igor’s companion is the personification of all of Russia in those days, suffering from Polovtsy. And requests were heard - the prince managed to escape from captivity, followed by a pursuit, which was unsuccessful.
The end of the work has quite positive notes. The prince's courage is praised, his return is celebrated. And yet, what is the idea of the work “The Word of Igor's Campaign”? The main idea that the author wants to convey is that Russia must be united and indivisible, and this is precisely its strength. The fragmentation will lead to the inevitable destruction of the entire state. I would also like to add that the "Word about Igor’s Regiment" is a kind of prophecy that showed historical development in subsequent eras.