Eugene and Peter 1 Bronze Horseman comparison. The image of Peter the Great in the poem "The Bronze Horseman" by A.S. Pushkin

The image of Peter is given in Pushkin’s poem “ Bronze Horseman"twice: in the introduction and in the second part of the poem. In the first case he real face, in the second - “an idol on a bronze horse”, “Bronze Horseman”.

Peter in the introduction to the poem is depicted as great statesman, who, having conquered the shores of the Gulf of Finland in the war with the Swedes, correctly took into account the importance of the construction at the mouth of the Neva new capital states. This was also demanded military-political goals(“From here on, we will threaten the Swedes”), and the tasks of Europeanizing Russia, combating its backwardness (“Nature here is destined to open a window to Europe”), and trade and economic considerations dictating the need for a sea route to foreign countries (“ Here, on the new waves, all the flags will come to visit us").

By founding St. Petersburg on the banks of the Neva, Peter created a state affair of the greatest importance and revealed a brilliant foresight. A hundred years have passed, and the young city. From the darkness of the forests, from the swamps of the deep lands, beauty and wonder. Ascended magnificently, proudly...

Further describing the beauty and splendor of the capital, Pushkin sings a real hymn to St. Petersburg, which, with its flourishing state, justifies the great transformative activity of Peter, clearly reveals the great significance of Peter’s reforms that began new period in the history of Russia.

An act of historical necessity, the founding of St. Petersburg, is explained in the poem, in the words of Pushkin, who spoke about “ government institutions"Peter, as "the fruit of a vast mind, full of goodwill and wisdom" ("Let the Finnish waves forget their ancient enmity and captivity").

But Peter was at the same time the first representative of that despotic absolute monarchy, which in the person of Nicholas I achieved their highest development, clearly revealing the contradiction of their interests with the interests of the democratic masses.

The personification of the absolute monarchy in all its power is Peter in the second part of the poem - “an idol on a bronze horse.” He's not alive
a person endowed with specific human qualities, but the embodiment of the idea of ​​noble statehood. He's the mighty lords
fate", "ruler of half the world", the personification of state power

In The Bronze Horseman, Peter is shown in an atmosphere of peaceful state building. He is depicted in the poem at two historical moments, separated by an entire century. At the beginning of the poem we see Peter as a real historical figure, as a king-builder, reflecting on the shores of the Gulf of Finland about the founding of a new capital:

On the shore of desert waves
He stood there, full of great thoughts,
And he looked into the distance.
From here we will threaten the Swede.
Here would be the city of Evlokhen
To spite an arrogant neighbor.
Nature is where we are destined
And he thought: Open a window to Europe...

The founding of St. Petersburg is considered in the poem as an act of historical necessity, conditioned by both the military-political tasks of Russia and its geographical location. Peter’s brilliant foresight came true: St. Petersburg truly became a “window to Europe” for Russia. The flourishing state of the capital a hundred years after its founding was the best justification for Peter’s plans.

In the second part of the poem, Peter is given the image of the “Bronze Horseman,” “an idol on a bronze horse,” proudly towering over the indignant Neva during the days of the terrible flood in St. Petersburg in 1824. The monument to Peter is a symbolic image of the activities of the tsar-reformer.
O mighty lord of fate! At the height, with an iron bridle
Isn’t it true that you are right above the abyss and have raised Russia on its hind legs? —
exclaims Pushkin.

A soulless character invented by the author rises, like a deity, over the square in St. Petersburg today. In a colossal and powerful work, A.S. Pushkin boldly describes his hero, seemingly indirect, but having a great influence on the entire essence of the idea. The author deeply respects Peter the Great, knowing his biography perfectly as a great tsar. However, he makes it clear that his reign was not impeccable in everything. The tsar's harsh reforms had devastating consequences in many ways.

Idol image of the era

In the person of the monument to the Bronze Horseman, Peter the Great appears rather as a negative hero. This is clearly seen in the climax of the poem, where central character Eugene expressed a formidable contradiction to the ruler. The statue was the opposite reflection of the Tsar of the Russian State. Once upon a time, Peter himself was an ardent patriot of Russia, the pride of his people, a confident and firm ruler. In the poem, the author created a monument where the image of the people's idol is angry and despotic, the same as the king became towards the end of his time. A cold, proud, soulless stone, a formidable symbol of an entire era.

The contrast between the two heroes of the work best describes a significant part of the history of the Great Power. The main characters are two radically opposite images: a petty official who dreams of a quiet, peaceful life with his beloved, and a stern, purposeful autocrat, a high example of an entire state. A gray faceless shadow and a charming, but strict and influential reformer. Two epoch-making antipodes, which are right in their own way. However, what is an ordinary citizen against an immortal state?

No matter how much Pushkin loved Peter the Great, his image, actions and perseverance, he also loved the Russian people. In his poem, he exposes those qualities of the king, which in many ways turned into destructive events. He built a great city that became a tomb for hopes ordinary people. The poet sympathizes with the people, but his admiration for the “powerful ruler of Fate” is clearly expressed in the lines of the poem.

The face of autocracy

The Bronze Horseman is a somewhat exaggerated character. Such tactics were used by the outstanding poet with the goal that the reader could feel the unshakable character of the sovereign, thereby raising his authority to unimaginable heights.

The disaster that occurred in the capital city claimed the lives of people along with their homes. Great city partly turned into a pitch-black mess, causing enormous damage to the residents of St. Petersburg, a city that “... had a solid foot” at the sea in order to “... cut a window to Europe.” And above all of this, HE stands motionless - a stone symbol, an insensitive “idol”.

The Soulless Horseman comes to life in the imagination of poor Evgeniy, insane after the tragedy, when he decides to threaten the symbol of the Russian Empire. The tramp, until his body trembles, expresses all his resentment for his fate, blaming the monument for all the troubles. But the man did not receive compassion in response, on the contrary - fear. The despicable statue came down from its pedestal to pursue the pathetic rebel, subsequently achieving obedience from him.

Evgeniy died in anguish, having never achieved his cherished goal. The monument on Sennaya Square stands firmly, untouched for centuries. A rearing horse, as the personification of the state, under the leadership of Peter the Great. The rider, in spite of everything, guides him further, keeps him in check, proudly looking at the entire empire: “...at the height of the bridle iron Russia reared up..." The chosen genre of the work smoothly but confidently emphasizes historical events. The plot presented by the author is thought out in detail so that the role of each hero on the scale of the Empire is colorfully and clearly defined.

The image of Peter in the poem by Alexander Pushkin 8220 The Bronze Horseman 8221

In the poem “The Bronze Horseman” Pushkin tries to evaluate the role of Peter in the history of Russia and in the destinies of people. The image of Peter in the poem “bifurcates”: he becomes not only a symbol of the movement of life, its change and renewal, but above all embodies the stability and steadfastness of state power. V.G. Belinsky wrote: “We understand with a confused soul that it is not arbitrariness, but rational will that is personified in the Bronze Horseman, who in an unshakable height, with an outstretched hand, seems to be admiring the city...”.

The poem “The Bronze Horseman” is Pushkin’s most complex work. This poem can be viewed as historical, social, philosophical or fantastic work. And Peter the Great appears here as a historical figure “on the shore of the desert waves,” as a symbol “above the very abyss,” as a myth, as “The Bronze Horseman // On a loudly galloping horse.” It goes through a whole series"incarnations".

In the “Introduction” Pushkin glorifies the genius of Peter, who managed to raise the people to the feat of building a magnificent city. It is no coincidence that, without naming Peter’s name, Pushkin emphasizes the pronoun “he” in italics, thereby equating Peter to God; his name turns out to be sacred. Peter is the creator of the city, which rose “from the darkness of the forests, from the swamp of blat.” St. Petersburg with its wide Neva and cast-iron fences, with “single feasts” and “militant liveliness” is a monument to Peter the Creator. Peter's greatness is emphasized by the brilliant implementation of his bold plans:

...young city

Full countries beauty and wonder

From the darkness of the forests, from the swamps of blat

He ascended magnificently and proudly.

...ships

A crowd from all over the world

They strive for a rich marina.

And Pushkin loves the creation of Peter, loves Petersburg with all its contradictions. It is no coincidence that the word “love” is repeated five times in the “Introduction.” Peter himself seems to Pushkin to be the greatest, most brilliant Russian figure.

But at the same time, Pushkin in “The Bronze Horseman” in the person of Peter shows the terrible, inhuman face of autocratic power. Bronze Peter in Pushkin’s poem is a symbol of state will, the energy of power. But Peter’s creation is a miracle, not created for man. The autocrat opened the “Window to Europe”. He envisioned the future Petersburg as a city-state, a symbol of autocratic power alienated from the people. Peter created a cold city, uncomfortable for Russian people. It is cramped, which Pushkin often emphasizes in his lines:

Along busy shores

Slender communities are crowding...

...There were crowds of people crowding around.

The city created by the people was turned by Peter into the capital Russian Empire, he became a stranger to people. A simple person, such as Evgeniy, is only a “petitioner” in him. St. Petersburg “strangles” people, drains their souls.

In the climactic episode of the poem, in the chase scene, the “idol on a bronze horse” turns into the Bronze Horseman. A “mechanical” creature gallops after Eugene, becoming the embodiment of power, punishing even a timid threat and a reminder of retribution.

For Pushkin, the deeds of Peter the Great and the suffering of poor Eugene were equally reliable. The world of Peter was close to him, and his dream was clear and dear - “to stand with a firm foot by the sea.” He saw how the “defeated element” humbled itself before Peter, the “powerful ruler of fate.”

But at the same time, Pushkin was aware of what a high price was paid for this celebration, at what price the slender appearance of the military capital was purchased. Therefore, his poem has true depth, high humanity and harsh truth.

So why is Evgeny so drawn to Peter? And why do they seem to be connected to each other? The Bronze Horseman gallops after him “on the shocked pavement”...

It would be strange if the events of the beginning of the century were not reflected in Pushkin’s poem, filled with thoughts about history and modernity. Herzen said that the Decembrists were continuers of the work of Peter the Great even when they opposed absolutism - they logically developed the ideas embedded in his reforms. The tragedy was that Peter brought to life the dreams of the Decembrists, but the empire he founded suppressed and dispelled their uprising.

And, clenching my teeth, clenching my fingers,

As if possessed by black power,

“Welcome, miraculous builder!” –

He whispered...

And then the face of the formidable king trembled, looking from a terrible height at poor Eugene.

Many years of studying the history of Peter helped Pushkin to understand and reflect in “The Bronze Horseman” the true complexity of the policies of this autocrat. Undoubtedly, Peter was a great monarch because he did a lot of necessary and important things for Russia, because he understood the needs of its development. But at the same time, Peter remained an autocrat whose power was anti-people.

1. The role of a historical figure in the artistic space.

2. A contrasting picture of the life of the city and people.

3. The monumentality and majesty of the idol.

It is necessary to find meaning in nonsense: this is the unpleasant duty of the historian.

V. O. Klyuchevsky

Historical events and various great personalities appeared more than once on the pages of A. S. Pushkin’s works. And the writer placed each of them in a special artistic canvas, thereby showing the shades of people who are ambiguous, but at the same time playing big role in the destinies of Russia. However, on the pages of Pushkin’s works they are not only a reflection of a certain historical era. Historical figures also play a significant role in the lives of the main characters, that is, they are not a background, but an active protagonist. This is, for example, one of Pugachev’s functions in the novel “ Captain's daughter" In this work, a historical figure plays the role of Grinev's imprisoned father. She helps young man in a whirlpool of events that twists and breaks people's destinies. The figure of Peter I in Pushkin’s St. Petersburg poem “The Bronze Horseman” is presented from a completely different perspective.

In this work, the writer creates a multifaceted image of a historical figure and his era. The peculiarity of the text is that the action does not take place during the reign of Peter I, as for example in the poem “Poltava”. Many years have passed since that significant historical page Russia, but in the present the attributes of a distant era have been preserved. Firstly, this is a city on the Neva, which has become northern capital our homeland. Secondly, this is a monument to Peter I, as warlike and majestic as the sovereign himself was. It is with these two images that Pushkin’s work “The Bronze Horseman” begins.

At the beginning of the poem, Peter I is presented to us alive. The king on the banks of the still unconquered river reflects that this is a great place to found a new city. It is he who will allow us to threaten the Swede, conduct trade affairs and protect our northern borders.

Here the city will be founded to spite the arrogant neighbor.

Nature here destined us to cut a window into Europe...

The city on the Neva is becoming a kind of window for new relations with Europe. Thus, from the first lines of the work, a monumental and majestic image is created not only of the future city, but also of Peter I himself. And the author cannot contain his admiration for what happened to this swampy place in just 100 years. He confesses his love for this wonderful place - the city on the Neva. In this picture we see not only the image of Peter I, but also the power of Russia itself. Thus, a historical figure becomes a kind of symbol of an entire state.

Show off, city Petrov, and stand

Unshakable like Russia,

May he make peace with you

And the defeated element;

Enmity and ancient captivity

Let the Finnish waves forget

And they will not be vain malice

Disturb Peter's eternal sleep!

But in the further narration, the image of Peter I acquires completely different shades. His greatness and determination to build a city on this swampy river coast turns out to be disastrous for an ordinary person. Eugene's poor life becomes a contrasting picture in relation to the splendor that the city has acquired over the century. All this monumentality seems to be erased against the background of life common man. She can give nothing but admiration for herself, especially the warmth that Eugene is deprived of that evening. The Neva has been chained and the bridges have been curbed, but they will be opened, as the river is restless in bad weather. The hero, in this dreary time and November bad weather, will be left alone, instead of sharing his bitter thoughts with his beloved girl Parasha.

However, thoughts about happy family life win. Evgeniy manages to fall asleep. But in the morning, anxiety for loved ones - the girl and her mother - flares up with renewed vigor. Now we see the dilapidated housing of those who remained on the island during this flood. It reflects a special little world, which is still the same, but within the magnificent ridge, indicating that not everyone lives happily in this royal place.

Then on the pages of the work, as if in confirmation of our thought, the image of Peter I appears again in the form bronze statue. And it acquires a double content in the work. On the one hand, it saves Evgeniy from the water. On the other hand, he remains just a statue that doesn’t care about people’s suffering. Thus, the writer opens a new turn for considering the image of Peter I in this work, which is reflected not only through the image of the city, but also with the help of the monument. The monument to Peter I rises above the water and gives “shelter” to Eugene, at the same time it does not lose its grandeur even after many years.

In the unshakable heights,

Above the indignant Neva

Stands with outstretched hand

Idol on a bronze horse.

Therefore, the elements could not bring any harm to the statue, which soon subsided. But she left an indelible mark on Evgenia for the rest of her life. It's not only the pain of losing a loved one, but also the madness. Main character as if he is withdrawing into himself small world, which does not want to let anyone in. He creates a special atmosphere in the soul, far from the greatness of Peter I, and even to some extent contradicts it. The city was able to recover after the disaster and return to its previous course of life.

Everything returned to the same order.

The streets are already free

With your cold insensibility

People were walking.

But Evgeniy’s soul cannot find peace again. The element that took the lives of people dear to his heart continues to reign in him. The hero does not want to come to terms with this loss. In such a striving, he somehow for a moment becomes close to Peter I himself with his iron will and powerful desire. It is not for nothing that the author talks about how Evgeniy seemed to merge with the streets of St. Petersburg. Now they, and not the service, bring him food, since he feeds on alms. Evgeniy lives in this state for a long time, but on the anniversary of the tragedy he seems to see the light. The hero believes that it is the Emperor of Russia, or rather the bronze man on horseback, who is to blame for his troubles. So Peter I becomes a kind of enemy to the main character. It was his city, built on the “sea”, that brought “ little man» much more grief than he could bear. Seeing the monument, the hero understands that even after centuries Peter I continues to rule over the destinies of people. He again controls their lives and dictates his will. And it is expressed by the city and this pedestal.

He is terrible in the surrounding darkness!

What a thought on the brow!

What power is hidden in it!

And what fire there is in this horse!..

O mighty lord of fate!

Aren't you above the abyss?

At the height, with an iron bridle

Raised Russia on its hind legs?

At the time of the new meeting, Evgeniy does not need help. On the contrary, a flame lurks in his heart, which does not warm, but burns. The hero has already rebelled in his soul against this man in the person of the monument. Therefore, in his eyes he is a proud idol, and not a majestic figure.

“Welcome, miraculous builder! -

He whispered, trembling angrily, -

Already for you!..” And suddenly headlong

He started to run.

Eugene did not accept the help that Peter I provided him, since it went against his personal life. Therefore, he finds the strength to express all his pain and despair to the sculpture. But in the imagination of the protagonist, the monument accepted this challenge with dignity and began to pursue him, flying street after street “on a loudly galloping horse.” Evgeniy spent the entire night in this state. And after that, he began to treat all the actions of Peter I with humility. Passing by the monument, he took off his cap and walked sideways.

The end of the work is built on contrast as well as the story itself. The story opens with the greatness of such a historical figure as Peter I, and ends with the death of Eugene, distraught with grief. He could not find a place in his soul for this city and monument, which saved him, but at the same time took away all his hopes.

In the St. Petersburg poem “The Bronze Horseman,” the image of Peter I is one of the key figures, despite the fact that he as a person appears only on the first pages of the work. However, during his life, Peter I was able to do a lot that left an immortal memory of him for many times. The author’s use of the image of Eugene suggests that not everyone can favorably accept the actions of Peter I. After all, having built a city on the Neva, he not only “cut a window to Europe,” but also “doomed” people from year to year to face the natural elements that You can only chain it in granite, but not restrain it. However, the greatness of Peter I will remain for a long time. And after every flood or natural disaster it will remain as majestic and beautiful.

On the porch

With a raised paw, as if alive,

The lions stood guard,

And right in the dark heights

Above the fenced rock

Idol with outstretched hand

Sat on a bronze horse.

In the poem “The Bronze Horseman,” Alexander Pushkin talks and evaluates the role of Peter the Great in history, both of the entire country and in the destinies of specific people. But the author shows it in a special way, in two ways. On the one hand, this is a kind of symbol of the fact that life is constantly moving, updating and changing. Peter I is the power in the state, which must be strong and stable. Therefore, the reader sees this image in the form of a monument that rises above the city.

“The Bronze Horseman” is rightfully considered the most complex work of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. In it the author touches a huge number problems that are historical, social, fantastic and philosophical in nature. Peter the Great is shown in the poem by the writer as a historical figure, as a symbolic image, as a kind of mythical person. The author takes his hero through different incarnations.

Already in the introduction to the poem, Pushkin glorifies Peter, his genius, his wonderful creation - the city. But the entire introduction, which is completely addressed to the autocrat, does not mention the name of the tsar, since the author uses the word “he”. This technique allows Peter the Great to be brought closer to God. The name of this king is inscribed in history, as he created a city in a swamp and among forests. The name of such a ruler is simply sacred, since he was able to conquer the raging river and create a city where there are fences made of cast iron, feasts are constantly taking place, but there are also many monuments to Peter.

The author constantly mentions that he loves the creation of Peter's works, even despite the fact that this city has both positive and negative aspects. And if you carefully read the poem, then only in the introduction the author expresses his love for this beautiful city and repeats the words of love for it five times. Pushkin also expresses his attitude towards the figure Peter, admiring his actions. But, despite this, in the poem the poet shows the terrible appearance of the king, who is dressed in bronze and looks indifferently at human misfortune. Therefore, the monument in the poem is a symbol of power and strength. But it is known from history that the city on the Neva itself is a symbol of the “window to Europe,” as a symbol of the power that reigned in a country that did not care about its people.

The city created by Peter the Great turned out to be cold and uncomfortable for common man. But it is densely populated by people, and the author of the poem also talks about this in his text. This city was turned into the capital of Russia, but it became alien to the common man. And an example of this is Eugene, who loses the most important thing in life - his bride, so his life, his soul becomes empty. The climax of the poem lies in the episode when the chase occurs. The author turns a bronze idol into a copper horseman. The main character is being chased inanimate creature which rules the country.

For the author, Eugene’s experiences and the actions of the sovereign are equivalent. He understands the construction of a city on the Neva - this is Peter’s dream, which is great and significant. But for the triumph of the construction of the city and the conquest of the water element, one has to pay too much high price. Therefore, Pushkin’s poem shows humanity and the harsh truth. But both heroes are connected to each other and are constantly drawn to each other. That is why the monument chases Eugene in the poem. The poem had a huge influence on the views of the Decembrists, who later organized an uprising against the autocracy.

According to the text of the poem, the formidable and powerful king, looking at the poor and suffering Eugene from the height of his pedestal, changed the expression of his face. Peter is a great monarch and autocrat, under whom the people remained oppressed and humiliated, but he is also a grandiose historical figure, which has done a lot for the development of this country.