Russian literature

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Tolstoy and chekhov

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Sumarokov by A.Losenko

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Vladimir Borovikovsky 001 (portrait of Gavrila Derzhavin)

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Radishchev color

Tropinin karamzin

Ivan Krylov

Russian literature refers to the literature of Russia and its émigrés and to the Russian-language literature of several independent nations once a part of what was historically Rus' or the Russian Empire. Russian literature is considered to be among the most influential and developed in the world, contributing many of the world's most famous literary works.

History

Russian literature can be divided into several periods. The Old Russian Literature (11th–17th centuries) includes several medieval texts, chronicles, and the first known Russian epic works, such as The Tale of Igor's Campaign. The 18th-century Russian literature was heavily influenced by the European Enlightenment and the works of authors like Catherine the Great, Alexander Sumarokov, and Mikhail Lomonosov marked the beginning of Russian literary standards.

The 19th century is often considered the Golden Age of Russian Literature, with the emergence of highly esteemed novelists and poets such as Alexander Pushkin, Nikolai Gogol, Ivan Turgenev, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Leo Tolstoy. These authors contributed to the diverse genres and styles that defined the era, including the Russian novel, short story, poetry, and drama.

The Silver Age of Russian Poetry occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a focus on symbolism and the works of poets like Anna Akhmatova, Osip Mandelstam, and Marina Tsvetaeva.

The Soviet literature period followed, marked by the control of the Communist Party over literary publication and the promotion of socialist realism. Authors such as Maxim Gorky, Mikhail Sholokhov, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (who also documented the Gulag system in his works) were prominent during this time.

Post-Soviet literature has seen a diversification of themes and styles, with authors like Viktor Pelevin, Tatyana Tolstaya, and Ludmila Ulitskaya gaining international recognition.

Themes and Characteristics

Russian literature is known for its deep exploration of the human condition, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical questions. Themes of fate, suffering, and the search for meaning are recurrent, as are critiques of society and politics. The Russian landscape and the Russian soul are also significant motifs, reflecting the country's vastness and the unique Russian identity.

Influence

Russian literature has had a profound impact on world literature, influencing a wide range of writers from Friedrich Nietzsche to James Joyce. Russian novels, in particular, have been praised for their complex characters and psychological depth.

See Also

• Russian poetry
• Russian playwrights
• Russian science fiction and fantasy