Alexander Pushkin

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-12-07 Diary Coverage: Book 00 (1884 preface)

Identity

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin (1799-1837) was Russia's greatest poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. Marie mentions him as a contemporary of her maternal grandfather.

Biography

Life and Career:

• Born 1799 in Moscow to noble family
• Considered the father of Russian literary language
• Master of poetry, prose, drama, and historical writing
• Major works include "Eugene Onegin," "The Bronze Horseman," "Boris Godunov"
• Combined Romantic sensibility with emerging Realism

Death:

• Killed in a duel in 1837 at age 37
• Defending his wife's honor against Georges d'Anthès
• His death shocked Russian society
• Lermontov's poem denouncing the court for Pushkin's death made Lermontov famous

Cultural Significance

Pushkin's importance to Russian culture cannot be overstated:

• Created the foundation of modern Russian literary language
• Influenced every Russian writer who followed
• Symbol of Russian cultural identity
• His works are memorized by Russian schoolchildren
• June 6 (his birthday) is celebrated as Russian Language Day

Pushkin's Generation

The generation of the 1820s-1830s:

• Influenced by the Napoleonic Wars (1812 invasion of Russia)
• Witnessed the Decembrist Revolt (1825)
• Embraced European Romanticism while developing Russian themes
• Combined aristocratic privilege with liberal sympathies
• Often faced censorship and exile for political views

Connection to Bashkirtseff Family

Marie's maternal grandfather was "le contemporain de Lermontoff, Pouchkine etc." This identifies him as:

• Member of educated Russian nobility (1820s-1840s)
• Cultured and literary ("militaire lettré")
• Part of the Romantic generation
• Likely familiar with Pushkin's poetry
• Representative of Russia's "Golden Age" of literature

This cultural context was important to Marie's understanding of her family heritage.

Related Entries

• #Lermontov - Major poet of next generation
• #Lord_Byron - Influence on Russian Romantics
• #Grand_papa - Marie's grandfather, Pushkin's contemporary
• #Russia