The bourgeois revolution in France led to the collapse of West European feudalism, the struggle of the oppressed peoples for freedom and the growth of their national identity. In Russia at that time, the best representatives of the nobility realized that the abolition of serfdom was politically necessary, since it served as an obstacle to the economic and social development of the state. But the task of the leaders of progress was even broader - they set themselves the goals of the emancipation of the individual, her spiritual freedom. Russia's victory over Napoleon, who encroached on world domination, gave rise to hopes that social reforms would finally take place in the country. Many figures of that time called on the king to swift, decisive action.
The theme of liberty in the work of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin
Through the work of Alexander Sergeyevich, the idea of ​​a free Russia passes. Already in his early works he opposed the despotism and injustice of the modern social system, exposed the tyranny, destructive for the people. So, at the age of 16 he wrote the poem "Licinius", and in 1818 - one of the most ardent songs about freedom - "To Chaadaev", in which one hears the belief that the country "will rise from sleep." The theme of liberty is also heard in the poems "Arion", "In the depths of Siberian ores", "Anchar" and others.
Creating the Liberty ode
However, Pushkin’s views were most clearly and fully expressed in his famous ode to Liberty, written in 1817, shortly after leaving his lyceum. It was created in the apartment of the Turgenev brothers. Its windows overlooked the place where Paul I was killed - Mikhailovsky Castle.
The influence of Radishchev's ode on Pushkin
The name itself suggests that Alexander Sergeyevich took as a model a poem of another Russian poet with the same name. Ode "Liberty" (Radishchev), the summary of which is similar to the creation of the same name by Alexander Sergeyevich, is still slightly different from Pushkin's. Let’s try to answer what exactly.
Pushkin emphasizes that his work is connected with Radischevsky and a version of one line from the poem "Monument". Like his predecessor, Alexander Sergeyevich glorifies political freedom and liberty. Both poets point to examples of the triumph of liberties in history (Radishchev - the English revolution that took place in the 17th century , and Pushkin - the revolution in France in 1789). Alexander Sergeevich, following Alexander Nikolaevich, believes that a law that is common to all is a guarantee of the existence of political freedom in the country.
Ode "Liberty" of Radishchev is a call of the people for revolution, for the overthrow of the power of the tsar in general, while in the case of Alexander Sergeyevich it is directed only against the "tyrants" who place themselves above any law. This is what Pushkin writes about (Liberty). Analysis of the work allows us to say that in his creation he expressed the views of the early Decembrists, whom he sympathized with and influenced by.
Features of Pushkin's ode
The strength of the verse by Alexander Sergeyevich, his artistic prowess attached more revolutionary significance to this work. As a call for an open speech, the progressive youth ode "Liberty" was perceived, the analysis of which is proposed in this article. For example, Pirogov, a famous Russian surgeon of that time, recalling his young years, tells the following fact. Speaking about the political views of Alexander Sergeyevich, reflected in the work "Liberty", one of his comrades, at that time still a student, said that the revolution in our opinion is such a revolution, "with a guillotine" as the French.
Revolutionary sounded, in particular, the lines ending the second stanza: "tyrants of the world! Tremble! ..."
Ode "Liberty": a summary
Pushkin, following the example of Radishchev, wrote his poem in the form of an ode. It begins with an appeal to the muse, a formidable singer of freedom for kings. A theme is also outlined here - the author writes that he wants to “sing freedom to the world” and hit the vice on the thrones. After this, the main point is stated: for the public good, powerful laws must be combined with the liberty of the saint. It is illustrated by examples from history (Paul I, Louis XVI). Representing historical events (the execution of Louis during the French Revolution, the assassination of Paul I in the Mikhailovsky Palace with the hands of mercenaries), the poet treats with dislike not only tyranny, but also those who destroy the enslavers, since the blows of these people are inglorious: they are illegal and treacherous.
Calling for a rebellion of self-consciousness, spirit, Alexander Sergeevich understands the importance of resolving conflicts legally - this is precisely what the historical analysis carried out by Pushkin indicates. You should try to get liberty, while avoiding bloodshed. Another method is destructive both for tyrants and for the Russian people themselves.
Ode "Liberty", the analysis of which is brought to your attention, ends, as usual, with an appeal to the emperor himself with an appeal to learn a lesson from the foregoing.
Compositional harmony helps us observe the movement of the poet’s feelings and thoughts. Verbal means of expressing content are in accordance with it. Ode "Liberty", the summary of which is presented above, is an example of high artistic perfection.
Features of poetics
Poetic speech (excited, upbeat) reflects the diverse feelings that the author possessed: a passionate desire for freedom (in the first stanza), indignation against oppressors and tyrants (second stanza), grief of a citizen of the state at the sight of the lawlessness (third stanza), etc. Poet it was possible to find exact and at the same time figurative words in order to convey the feelings and thoughts that owned him. For example, he calls "freedom of a proud singer", "a storm of kings" the muse of a political ode to Pushkin. Liberty, an analysis of which is proposed to you in this article, is a work inspired from above. It is the muse that inspires the poet with "bold hymns."
The revolutionary value of ode
Ode "Liberty" (see analysis above) had a significant revolutionary effect on the contemporaries of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, and was used in the revolutionary agitation by the Decembrists.
Soon the poet becomes disillusioned with his previous idealistic ideas that the monarch seeks to do everything he can to improve the life of his people, because Alexander the First could not decide on radical reforms that would put an end to serfdom. Russia still remained a feudal state. The nobles, thinking progressively, including the friends of Alexander Sergeyevich, created with the aim of forcibly overthrowing the autocracy and thus eliminating serfdom various revolutionary societies.
Pushkin did not formally belong to any of them, but the way of thinking related to the revolutionaries led him to realize that it was impossible in Russia to liberalize transformations “from above”. He reflected this idea in his subsequent works. The Ode to Liberty, the analysis of which makes it better understood, also called for the overthrow of tyrannical power from below through revolution.