Russian literature
Origins and Early Period
Russian literature, the body of written works produced in the Russian language, begins with the Christianization of Kievan Rus in the late 10th century. The Kievan Rus was a federation of Slavic tribes under the rule of the Varangians, which is considered a precursor to the Russian state. The adoption of Christianity from Byzantium led to the proliferation of Byzantine cultural and religious influence, which is evident in the early literary works of the period.
The first known work of literature in Old East Slavic, the primary language of the Kievan Rus, is the Primary Chronicle, also known as the Tale of Bygone Years. Compiled in the early 12th century, it provides a valuable record of the early history and culture of the Slavic peoples.
The 12th century also saw the emergence of the first secular literature with the epic tale, "The Tale of Igor's Campaign". This narrative poem describes the unsuccessful campaign of Prince Igor Svyatoslavich against the Polovtsians, a nomadic Turkic tribe.
Middle Ages and the Renaissance
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Russian literature continued to develop, influenced by both Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the cultural trends of Western Europe. Hagiography, or the writing of saints' lives, was a popular genre, as were chronicles, which recorded historical events.
The 16th century marked the beginning of the Renaissance in Russia, with the reign of Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible. His reign was marked by the introduction of printing and the creation of the first printed book, the Apostol, in 1564. This period also saw the development of a distinctively Russian form of epic poetry, the bylina.
18th Century: The Age of Enlightenment
The 18th century, often referred to as the Age of Enlightenment, was a period of significant change in Russian literature. The reign of Peter the Great and his efforts to modernize Russia had a profound impact on Russian culture and literature.
During this period, Russian literature began to take on more European characteristics. The first Russian novel, "The Life of Frol Skobeev", was published, and the first Russian play, "The Comedy of Artakserkses", was performed. The period also saw the rise of satire, with writers like Antiochus Kantemir and Mikhail Lomonosov using the genre to critique society and the state.
See Also
19th Century: The Golden Age
The 19th century is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Russian literature. This period saw the emergence of some of Russia's most renowned authors, including Alexander Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anton Chekhov.
Alexander Pushkin is often considered the founder of modern Russian literature. His works, which include poetry, prose, and drama, have had a profound influence on subsequent generations of Russian writers. His novel in verse, "Eugene Onegin", is considered one of the greatest works of Russian literature.
Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky are often cited as two of the greatest novelists in world literature. Tolstoy's "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina", and Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov", have had a profound influence on the global literary canon.
Anton Chekhov is considered one of the greatest short story writers and playwrights in history. His plays, including "The Seagull", "Uncle Vanya", "Three Sisters", and "The Cherry Orchard", continue to be performed around the world.
20th Century: The Silver Age and Soviet Era
The early 20th century, often referred to as the "Silver Age", was a period of great creativity and experimentation in Russian literature. This period saw the emergence of new literary movements, such as Symbolism, Futurism, and Acmeism, and the work of writers like Anna Akhmatova, Vladimir Mayakovsky, and Osip Mandelstam.
The Soviet era, which began with the Russian Revolution in 1917, had a profound impact on Russian literature. The state took control of literary production, and writers were often subject to censorship and persecution. Despite these challenges, many great works of literature were produced during this period, including Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita", Boris Pasternak's "Doctor Zhivago", and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "The Gulag Archipelago".
Post-Soviet Era
The post-Soviet era, beginning in 1991, has seen a resurgence of interest in Russian literature both within Russia and internationally. Contemporary Russian authors, such as Ludmila Ulitskaya, Viktor Pelevin, and Sergei Lukyanenko, have gained international recognition, and their works have been translated into many languages.
Conclusion
Russian literature, with its rich history and diverse range of genres and styles, continues to be a vital part of the global literary landscape. From the epic tales of the Kievan Rus to the innovative works of contemporary authors, it offers a unique perspective on the human condition and continues to inspire and challenge readers around the world.