Very often one has to hear the term “classic” or “classic”. But what does the meaning of this word mean?
Classic is ...
The word "classic" has several meanings. Most explanatory dictionaries offer one of them - the works of classics: literature, music, painting or architecture. Also, this word is used in relation to some samples of art, for example, "classic of the genre." However, most often this term is referred to as an indication of a specific time period in the development of a particular type of art, not forgetting that only some of the most successful are considered classical authors. In literature, everything that was written in the 18-19 centuries is considered a classic. In the 20th century, classics give way to modernity. Many modernist writers sought to destroy the preceding tradition, tried to find a new form, theme, content. Others, on the contrary, used the works of their predecessors for their own purposes. Thus, postmodern works are full of allusions and reminiscences.
Classic is something that will always be in fashion. This is a kind of model that forms our worldview, which reflects all the characteristic features of a nation at a particular time.
Which writers can be called classics?
As noted above, not every author is included in the ranks of the classics, but only those whose work has had a significant impact on the development of Russian culture. Perhaps the first classic writers to leave a significant mark in the history of Russian literature are Lomonosov and Derzhavin.
Mikhail Vasilievich Lomonosov
His literary work falls on the first half of the 18th century. He became the founder of such a trend as classicism, so it is impossible not to classify it as a classic of the time. Lomonosov made a huge contribution not only to literature, but also to linguistics (highlighting three styles in his native language), as well as to chemistry, physics and mathematics. His most significant works are: “Morning / Evening Meditation on God's Majesty”, “Ode to the Day of the Ascension ...”, “Conversation with Anacreon”, “Letter on the Use of Glass”. It should be noted that most of Lomonosov’s poetic texts were imitative. In his work, Mikhail Vasilyevich was guided by Horace and other ancient authors.
Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin
The classics of literature of the 18th century is represented by another name - this is Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin. The most significant works of this author: "Monument", "Felitsa". By the beginning of the 19th century, he was the brightest poetic figure; only Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin could outshine him.
It is difficult to name all the bright writers of the time. Russian classics are rich in talented names. Fonvizin, Krylov, Karamzin, Zhukovsky can be considered classics.
The 19th century, called the Golden Age of Russian literature, turned out to be even brighter than the previous one. It all started with the greatest genius of the era - Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin.
Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin
“Cherishing the humanity of the soul” - such a trait could be emphasized in the poetry of Pushkin by critic V. G. Belinsky. Pushkin was able to transform the Russian language, he gave it lightness and simplicity - something that writers of the 18th century lacked. His poetry is full of good and truth, it is permeated with the greatest love for man, for life, for the whole world. It is simply impossible to list the main works of the author, because the list is very long. Perhaps it is certainly worth highlighting his novel in poetry "Eugene Onegin", aptly called Belinsky "encyclopedia of Russian life." All love for the motherland was embodied in this small lyrical epic piece, in addition, Pushkin, like no other, managed to reflect the essence of the era, as well as create a unique female image, which found continuation in all subsequent literature. The first association that arises with the word "classic" is Pushkin.
Mikhail Yurjevich Lermontov
This author can rightly be called Pushkin's successor. But in his works there is less lightness and openness, on the contrary, Lermontov’s lyrics are sometimes gloomy, sometimes cruel to people. Lermontov acutely felt his loneliness, a break with people. All this resulted in the lines of his poems. A classic of literature is his novel "Hero of Our Time". Here the writer worked like a real psychologist, depicting a deep, controversial character. The novel provides wide open spaces for thought, and this is an indispensable criterion of the classics.
Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol
Classical writers of the second half of the 19th century trace their history from the work of Gogol, the first realist in Russia. His works teach a lot: love your country, treats people mercifully, look for vices primarily in yourself and try to eradicate them. The most outstanding works of the author are the comedy The Inspector General and the poem Dead Souls.
Writers of the second half of the 19th century
Among the poets, F. I. Tyutchev and A. A. Fet should be especially emphasized. It was they who marked the whole poetry of the second half of the 19th century. Among prose writers there are such vivid figures as I. S. Turgenev, F. M. Dostoevsky, L. N. Tolstoy, A. P. Chekhov and others. The works of this period are full of psychological research. Each of the realistic novels opens before us an extraordinary world, where all the characters are drawn brightly and vividly. It is impossible to read these books and not think about anything. Classic is a depth of thought, a flight of fantasy, a role model. No matter how sophisticated the modernists, saying that art should be kept away from morality, the works of classic writers teach us the most beautiful thing in life.