G.R. DERZHAVIN’S POEM GLIMPSE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL BEATITUDES

Abstract

The article analyzes Derzhavin’s poem Glimpse [Problesk] (1810, ed. 1816), which is mistakenly considered a translation from L. Kosegarten, and proves that this is an original work. Only the first and last stanzas of it (5 out of 14) have partial correspondences in Kosegarten’s poem Aussicht, which deals with posthumous retribution for earthly suffering, the bliss of eternal life that awaits the one who does not completely lose faith in it. Derzhavin, in contrast to Kosegarten, who proceeds from the doctrine ‘sola fide’, writes about his deeds, for which he deserves heavenly bliss. The central stanzas in Glimpse are autobiographical, they contain an apology for Derzhavin’s life, especially his official activities. He applies the Gospel Beatitudes to himself in order (Mt 5:3-11), dedicating a separate stanza to each, and proves that he has fulfilled them (everywhere using the implicative construction ‘if ... then ...’) and deserves ‘eternal blessings’. The article comments on all these stanzas, notes correspondence with other texts of Derzhavin, including his memoir and business prose, hints at the political circumstances of 1810, when, while on Zvanka, he created a cycle of spiritual poems, which began with Hope, and finished with Glimps (the Beatitudes refer specifically to Hope as one of the three Christian virtues: Faith, Hope and Love). In two of those stanzas that have a correspondence with Kozegarten, Derzhavin also refers to his literary work. Glimpse is among such his poems as Monument (1795), My Idol (1794), Swan (1804), etc., where Derzhavin speaks of his rights to ‘immortality’ and the gratitude of posterity, and should be considered in this series as well.