On October 15, 2024, the European Foundation for Slavic Literature and Culture conducted an open online lesson dedicated to the life and works of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov. The lesson aimed to deepen knowledge of the poet's biography, examine his fate and works, and analyze how his life experiences are reflected in his literature.
Lesson objectives:
Educational:
- Expand students' knowledge of Lermontov's biography.
- Show the connection between the poet's life events and his works.
- Help students appreciate the poetic nature of Lermontov's verses and improve their expressive reading skills.
Developmental:
- Develop students' ability to find additional information on the subject and present it to an audience.
- Enhance their skills in analyzing and interpreting literary texts.
- Promote oral and written communication skills.
Fostering:
- Instill a love for literature.
- Cultivate interest in Lermontov’s personality and works.
- Develop aesthetic appreciation through the study of poetry and music.
Mikhail Lermontov — Biography and Works
Mikhail Lermontov is one of the most famous Russian poets, who gained recognition during his lifetime. His work, where sharp social themes intertwine with philosophical motifs and personal experiences, had a significant influence on poets and writers of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Moscow YouthMikhail Yuryevich Lermontov was born on October 15, 1814 (New Style) in Moscow, in a house opposite the Krasnye Vorota Square, where a monument to the poet now stands. At the time of his birth, Lermontov’s mother was under seventeen years old, and his father, Yury Lermontov, was known as an attractive but careless man. His grandmother, Elizaveta Arsenyeva, essentially ran the family’s affairs and insisted that the boy be named Mikhail, not Peter, as his father had wanted.
Mikhail suffered from poor health since childhood, which led to mockery from his peers. "Deprived of the opportunity to entertain himself with ordinary children's games, he began to seek them within himself...," Lermontov wrote in one of his autobiographical works. His grandmother played a serious role in his education and treatment, which shaped his inner maturity. In 1825, she took him to the Caucasus for the first time, a place that later became pivotal in his life and works.
University YearsIn September 1830, Lermontov entered Moscow University, initially studying moral and political sciences and then literature. However, his relationship with the university was difficult; he did not seek friendships with classmates, avoided student circles, and showed little interest in debates. Though he displayed a remarkable knowledge of rhetoric and heraldry, his lack of familiarity with lecture material caused conflicts with professors, leading to his departure from the university.
St. Petersburg PeriodAfter moving to St. Petersburg, Lermontov continued his studies at the School of Guards Ensigns and Cavalry Cadets. However, he was disappointed with the city and openly expressed his frustration. Despite the monotony of military service, Lermontov continued writing poetry, including his famous work The Sail.
Literary Fame and Exile to the CaucasusFollowing Pushkin's death, Lermontov wrote The Death of the Poet, which became widely known and led to his first exile to the Caucasus. This period was highly productive, with Lermontov working on poems such as The Demon and Mtsyri. His works were regularly published in the journal Domestic Notes, solidifying his reputation as one of Russia’s leading writers.
Final Years and DeathIn 1841, Lermontov was exiled to the Caucasus once again, where he continued both his military service and literary activities. His final duel with Nikolai Martynov ended in tragedy, with Lermontov being shot dead.