Boris Pasternak

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Leonid Pasternak - Boris and Alexander

Boris Pasternak in youth

BORIS BESIDE THE BALTIC AT MEREKULE, 1910 by L.Pasternak

Mayakovsky Pasternak

Boris Pasternak with family 1920s

Boris Leonidovich Pasternak (10 February [O.S. 29 January] 1890 – 30 May 1960) was a Russian poet, novelist, and literary translator. He is best known for his epic novel Doctor Zhivago, a tragic story set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Civil War. Despite his significant contribution to Russian literature, Pasternak's relationship with the Soviet authorities was fraught with difficulties, culminating in his rejection of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958 under government pressure.

Biography

Born in Moscow to a talented family—his father was a noted painter and his mother a renowned concert pianist—Pasternak was exposed to the arts from an early age. He initially pursued a musical career before shifting his focus to philosophy and ultimately to literature. Pasternak's early poetry was influenced by Symbolism, but he gradually moved towards a more personal and emotional style that resonated with the tumultuous events of his time.

During the Russian Revolution of 1917, Pasternak's ambivalent attitude towards the Bolsheviks reflected the complexities of the period. He chose not to emigrate like many of his contemporaries, believing his literary voice could best serve humanity from within Russia. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he enjoyed relative success and was able to publish his works, although he was often criticized by Soviet authorities for his individualistic and apolitical themes.

The publication of Doctor Zhivago in 1957, after being rejected by Soviet publishers, was done in Italy. The novel's critical portrayal of the October Revolution and its aftermath led to Pasternak's expulsion from the Union of Soviet Writers, effectively silencing his voice in the Soviet Union. The international uproar over his Nobel Prize rejection highlighted the oppressive nature of the Soviet regime's control over intellectual and cultural life.

Literary Work

Pasternak's literary legacy is vast, encompassing poetry, translations, and novels. His poetry, characterized by its innovative use of language and exploration of philosophical themes, remains influential in Russian literature. As a translator, Pasternak brought the works of Shakespeare, Goethe, and Rilke to Russian audiences, enriching the literary landscape of his country.

Doctor Zhivago remains his most famous work, offering a unique perspective on the Russian Revolution and its aftermath through its deeply personal and ethical lens. The novel's exploration of love, freedom, and the human spirit has resonated with readers worldwide, making it a landmark in 20th-century literature.

Legacy

Pasternak's impact on literature and his moral courage in facing political oppression have made him a symbol of the artist's struggle for creative freedom. Despite the controversies that surrounded him during his lifetime, his work continues to be celebrated for its profound humanity and artistic integrity.