The era of the 18th century was influenced by classicism. This word was understood as the socio-cultural practice of the elite of ancient Rome, which the nascent bourgeoisie considered perfect and aspired to. Moreover, imitation of antiquity is often inferior to the rationalism of creativity. This style, with its civic ideals, worldview, based on the belief in the possibility of creating an ideal monarchical system, undoubtedly influenced Lomonosov's poetic work.
But the researcher was not satisfied with only a rationalist view of reality.
Features of the work of M.V. Lomonosov
Lomonosov's literary work was aimed at the development of Russian national traditions. He never set himself the goal of reflecting the surrounding reality. In his works, the proclamation of great truths, a vision of the future.
He was not satisfied with the existing landowner system, but in the works he sounded pride in the victories and greatness of Russian statehood created in the time of Peter the Great.
Poetic life and work of M.V. Lomonosov
Ode in the literature of classicism was predominantly developed. This genre most suited the tasks of the era when common goals rose above personal ones. Interest in any poet appeared when his experiences reflected events at the state and national level.
Odes
Lomonosovās work was not accidentally manifested in writing od. This genre was more consistent with solving pressing problems, since in these works the author could express himself in poetic form on the most important issues.
In addition, odes at that time were of particular importance, and they were ordered by the government for the festive ceremonies. Devoting them to royal people, Lomonosov went beyond the official court framework, addressing his appeal to the solution of issues of national importance. In an ode, Empress Elizabeth Lomonosov praises her as the keeper of peace in the state. With the beginning of her reign, the war with Sweden ended.
Solemn odes of the poet are expressive and colorful. He attached particular importance to the accuracy and time of historical events. The lyrical plot of the ode about the capture of Khotin includes many epic elements. The main part of the work is occupied by the battle and the poetās related thoughts. The key moments of the battle, where the Russian Eagles win, stand out especially. In his admiration for success, the author finds the right words to influence the patriotic feelings of readers.
Lomonosov's poetic work, in short, was not extensive and especially outstanding. But his creation of a new system of versification is difficult to overestimate.
The need for reform of Russian versification
In Russia, the problem of versification has long existed. Since the sixteenth century, the syllabic principle has always been used, which did not take into account the peculiarities of the Russian language. The verses were called verses, which are couplets coupled in rhymes. The Virsheviks wrote in Slavic, which created a break with folk poetry.
Another principle is tonic, more suited to Latin and Greek, where there was no category of stress. Its basis is the alternation of long and short sounds.
The principles of versification of Trediakovsky
The transformation of Russian verse began by Trediakovsky. He found that the tonic principle based on the alternation of stressed syllables with unstressed is better suited here. He came close to the concept of a new rhythmic unit - the foot, which includes a combination of stressed syllable with unstressed. By combining in the foot the tonic and syllabic principles of versification, Trediakovsky could not completely move away from the traditions of Russian syllabics. He limited his innovations to a long verse and chose for him the only rhythm of the chorea. Thus, being the discoverer of the syllabonic tonic verse, Trediakovsky created only one of its varieties.
Creating a poetic system by Lomonosov
Lomonosovās work allowed to finally develop the next necessary stage in the reform of Russian poetry, considering accentology as the basis of versification, where there is an analogy between stress-shock and longitude-short. The similarities with the theory of Trediakovsky end there, and the concept of two-syllable and three-syllable feet is introduced, and the need for different types of rhyme appears. Lomonosov comes to the idea of āālimiting the verse to size. Compared to one type of verse, it creates a whole system.
Lomonosov's poetic work was manifested in his addiction to iamba, which was most consistent with the high genre of ode. He believed that the iambic verse multiplies the magnificence and nobility of the work.
Adoption of the new principle of versification
As a result, a reform of versification was gradually implemented, which approved the syllabonic-tonic approach in Russian poetry, which is still its foundation. Here, Trediakovsky is considered the discoverer, who provided a theoretical justification and initial experience in applying the new principle.
Creativity of M.V. Lomonosov in this direction was aimed at its development, systematization and distribution throughout the poetic practice. The poet puts the four-foot iambic in the first place and develops it in his odes. According to Mikhail Vasilyevich, he most closely corresponds to the nobility and the high level of the poetic genre. Lomonosov consistently affirms and expands the possibilities of syllabo-tonic versification, as the most appropriate to the Russian language. Its foundations were embodied in Pushkin's poetry.
Literary work of Lomonosov
The beginning of the 18th century in Russia was characterized by a medieval way, while in Europe there were revolutionary technical and scientific transformations, as well as culture and enlightenment.
Lomonosovās work in literature was clearly manifested in the creation of a new poetic style. He also owns the theory of language and literature set forth in the first Russian grammar and rhetoric. After that, she dominated for a century and found continuation in the works of A.S. Pushkin.
Lomonosovās creative activity was aimed at creating Russian literature. Books were published mainly in the church, and they contained many words from Greek and other languages, which for the most part were incomprehensible to the reader. The theory of the Russian word was built by a scientist on the basis of Church Slavonic and common language, by which was meant the Moscow dialect. The words were divided into 3 calm:
- commonly used;
- book, with the exception of uncommon;
- common people.
The first of the calm (high) was intended for writing odes and poems; the middle one served for prose, elegy, satyr, friendly letters in verse; low - for composing songs, epigrams, comedies and writing ordinary affairs. This style theory was subsequently supported by the literary language of the 18th century.
As a patriot and public figure, Lomonosov in every possible way contributed to the development of Russian enlightenment. An important achievement in this direction is the creation of the first Russian university.
Lomonosovās work in literature is closely connected with scientific works. The poet and the Russian language poet knew better than any of his contemporaries. Translating scientific papers from other languages, he immediately created a new terminology.
About the life and work of Lomonosov, S. I. Vavilov briefly and meaningfully said that scientific and artistic-historical interests and inclinations merged in one person. Moreover, they did not appear under the influence of pressure from outside, but from internal needs. Mikhail Vasilyevich himself urged people not to admire its significance, but to use their own minds.
The need to create new educational institutions for Russians
Higher educational institutions of Russia at the beginning of the 18th century could be counted on the fingers. Education was not enough for people in higher circles, and a person in the lower class could only learn reading and writing. The case of Lomonosov was unique, and only a favorable combination of circumstances, his talent and perseverance made it possible to reach heights in science.
Existing educational institutions could not satisfy the needs of a huge empire. There was an urgent need for domestic specialists, and a classical state university was necessary for noblemen and raznoshintsev.
Creation of Moscow University
Lomonosovās life and work were primarily aimed at the development of science and education in the Fatherland. In 1753, he develops the design and structure of the First National University in Moscow, and after 2 years opens it together with the camera-cadet of Empress Elizabeth I. I. Shuvalov. This was the first institution of higher education in Russia that any capable young man could enter, regardless of class. Despite the fact that the Academy of Sciences was in St. Petersburg, foreign academicians retained their special position there and did not give the opportunity to develop domestic talents.
Mikhail Vasilievich did not teach at Moscow University, since all of Lomonosovās life and work took place in St. Petersburg.
But he did his utmost to help develop Russian science in terms of attracting domestic specialists to work. A few years later, Russian professors gave lectures at all faculties.
The most distinguished students in training received the noble rank. The university developed, solving the problems of science and education. He became one of the centers of world culture.
Conclusion
The life and work of Lomonosov is difficult to describe briefly. His activity was manifested in all areas of science and culture of the XVIII century. He succeeded everywhere, introducing a new, attractive and progressive. The versatility of his interests and activities is comparable in comparison only with Leonardo da Vinci.
The work of Mikhail Lomonosov and the purposeful work of the scientist were extremely necessary for the development of Russia and its exit from the Middle Ages. He achieved the necessary development of science and education, which later became impossible to stop due to the involvement of people of all classes.
In terms of importance and contribution to the formation of the Fatherland, it is put on a par with the most outstanding figures of the country in the entire history of its development.