Russians have a special place in their hearts for their beloved writer, Alexander Pushkin. His poetry and stories posses a unique quality of storytelling that has influenced generations of Russian writers and has shaped the whole of Russian literature. But few know the political side of Pushkin’s literature. In fact, a wide range of Pushkin’s writing was greatly influenced by his political convictions, contrary to widely-held beliefs that he lacked a sophisticated political mind (Driver 1). While he is not generally considered a political writer or an important actor in the Russian political arena of his time, and there exists much ambiguity about his political position, Pushkin’s politics are nevertheless a critical aspect in his writings.
Pushkin’s writings, while mainly poetry, are allegories, adventures, mysteries, and histories about the Russian people and, in many cases specifically the everyday life of St. Petersburg. They are often commentaries on Russian culture and societal structures, written in a comical and intriguing manner. But it is difficult to detect distinct political themes in much of his works; Pushkin’s politics must be inferred from context or the sympathies with which he treats different characters “There can scarcely be any doubt that "Boris Godunov", "Poltava", "The Bronze Horseman"…are works which conceal constant and intense workings of the political mind,” says A.N. Sebunin, a writer for the “Periodical of the Pushkin Commission” (Driver 2). One of the reasons that Pushkin is not considered to have a significant role in Petersburg’s political life is because of the lack of overt political commentary or criticism in most of his literature. The Russian censor detected most political references and Pushkin feared that voicing his opinions unreservedly would lead to exile (which it eventually did once). But what seems the main reason for Pushkin’s perceived apolitical position in his works stems from his personal qualms and indecisiveness concerning his political stance—his early convictions tended to waver between loyalty to his class, and critique of its affectations. This in turn, greatly influenced how he matured politically in the years after 1825.
Some interesting Pushkin Sites:
Memoirs of A. E. Rozen: More information on the Decembrists
Position Paper on the Decemebrists
The Schiller Institute : Some Pushkin poems
PBS Frontline: Pushkin's Geneology
Course Home Page : St. Petersburg: Miracle, Mystery, Authority!
last update: May 2, 2003
