Vasily Zhukovsky
Vasily Andreevich Zhukovsky was a prominent Russian poet and translator born in 1783 in Mishenskoe. He was the illegitimate son of a wealthy landowner and a Turkish slave girl, which shaped his early life experiences. Educated in Moscow, he began writing poetry at a young age and later founded the Literary Friendship Society during his university years, which played a crucial role in introducing Russian literature to significant Western works. His notable translation of Thomas Gray's "An Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard" in 1802 is credited with initiating the Romantic movement in Russia. Zhukovsky became known for his translations of German and English literature, including works by notable figures like Gottfried Burger and Lord Byron. He also produced original poetry, particularly celebrated for his ballads "Luidmila" and "Svetlana." During the Napoleonic Wars, he served in the Russian army and wrote patriotic poetry, including the lyrics for the national anthem of imperial Russia. Later in life, he became an influential figure in the literary community and served as a tutor to future Czar Alexander II, before retiring to Germany where he continued his literary pursuits until his death in 1852.
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Vasily Zhukovsky
Poet
- Born: February 9, 1783
- Birthplace: Mishenskoe, Russia
- Died: April 19, 1852
- Place of death: Baden-Baden, Germany
Biography
Vasily Andreevich Zhukovsky, a nineteenth century poet and translator, was born in 1783 in Mishenskoe, Russia, the illegitimate son of a wealthy landowner and his Turkish slave girl. Zhukovsky grew up and was educated in Moscow and began writing poetry at the age of eight. He entered the University of Moscow in 1797.
During his university years, Zhukovsky founded the Literary Friendship Society, an organization dedicated to translating literary works into Russian. Through this society, Zhukovsky produced his first translation of Thomas Grey’s poem “An Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard,” which was published in a Russian journal in 1802. This translation was so widely read that it was credited with establishing the Romantic movement in Russian literature.
In the early 1800’s, Zhukovsky became famous for his translations of German and English works. He was credited with introducing Russian readers to the works of Gottfried Burger, Friedrich Schiller, Sir Water Scott, and Lord Byron. In addition to translations, Zhukovsky wrote many original poems. He was especially noted for his ballads “Luidmila” and “Svetlana,” which became landmarks of Russian poetry. Another ballad, “Vecher: Elegiia,” published in 1806, was acclaimed for its melancholy lyrics and use of simple language.
After Napoleon I invaded Russia in 1812, Zhukovsky joined the Russian army. While performing his military service, he wrote many patriotic verses, including Pevets vo stane ruskikh voina (1813) and the lyrics for the national anthem of imperial Russia. In 1813, Zhukovsky proposed marriage to Masha Protasova, the daughter of his half sister, but the two were not permitted to wed. For the next three decades, Zhukovsky dedicated most of his works to Protasova, and these works reflect his sadness and unrequited love.
In 1815, Zhukovsky helped found Arzamas, a group of writers dedicated to the reform of the Russian language. Other members of the group included free thinkers such as poet Alexander Pushkin, Alexander Herzen, and Taras Schevchenko. Zhukovsky’s literary achievements earned him a favorable reputation at the imperial court. In 1826, he was appointed the tutor to future Russian Czar Alexander II. Zhukovsky was praised for his progressive educational methods and became well respected within the imperial court.
In 1841, Zhukovsky retired from the court and married Elizabeth Reitern, the daughter of an artist. They settled in Germany. He devoted his remaining years to translating Homer’s Odyssey. Zhukovsky died in 1852, at the age of sixty-nine.