Lessons 35–36 · 2 lessons · S. Yu. Islambekova, Yu. Yu. Musurmanova, Z. Kh. Abduraimova, L. N. Tagieva. Russian Language, Grade 10 (textbook for secondary, specialised secondary and vocational institutions with Uzbek and other languages of instruction), 1st edition. DAVR NASHRIYOTI, Tashkent, 2017
35
M. Yu. Lermontov. «Смерть Поэта»
Textbook: pp. 121–125
GoalUnderstand why Lermontov wrote «Смерть Поэта», its theme and idea, and know the main facts of the poet’s life.
M. Yu. Lermontov was born in Moscow in 1814; his childhood passed on his grandmother’s estate at Tarkhany. When Pushkin was killed in a duel in 1837, Lermontov wrote «Смерть Поэта», voicing the anger of public opinion at his death. The poem denounces some members of high society close to the court as guilty of the poet’s fate. It spread rapidly in handwritten copies, and for this Lermontov was exiled to the Caucasus. Later he was exiled a second time and was killed in a duel at Pyatigorsk on 15 July 1841. The poem is an example of civic poetry: the theme is a poet’s public responsibility and judgement on society.
Worked examples
Mini-text: «Лермонтов узнал о смерти Пушкина и написал стихотворение. Он выразил гнев людей и обвинил тех, кто довёл поэта до дуэли». (Lermontov learned of Pushkin’s death and wrote the poem.)
The phrase «невольник чести» is said about Pushkin: a captive of honour. The tone of «Смерть Поэта» is angry and accusing.
Class activity
“Courtroom”. The class splits into two groups: one prepares an accusation in Lermontov’s voice, the other explains the historical background of the poem.
Practice
1
When and where was Lermontov born?
в 1814 году в Москве
2
Which event caused «Смерть Поэта»?
гибель Пушкина на дуэли в 1837 году
3
Why was Lermontov exiled to the Caucasus?
Because the poem sharply accused high society and spread very quickly.
4
Why is «Смерть Поэта» civic poetry?
Because it speaks not of a personal feeling but of an issue important to society: the fate of a poet and social justice.