The Bronze Horseman: A Tale of Petersburg by Alexander Puskin serves as continuation of similar texts we’ve covered on Russian national consciousness and pride, specifically Russian glory and cunning, and historical counts that seem like myths. The mythic language is so strong that the narrative begins with a disclaimer that the story is based on trut . Pushkin’s use of analogy to describe the birth of St. Petersburg contained poetic language reminiscent of those in The Tale of Bygone Years. This lyrical element is especially present in the descriptions of the capital’s shift from Moscow to St. Petersburg. He writes, “From swamps and gloomy forest prison,/ Crown gem and marvel of the North.” The words ‘swamps’, ‘gloomy’, and ‘prison’ effectively demonstrate the dismal attitude of Russians at this time towards Moscow. At this time, Moscow is the location of the end of Rurik’s lineage, so it makes sense that pushkin would view it so negatively. ‘Prison’ especially works to exhibit the way that Russian feel held back by Moscow’s somber past. Pushkin’s description of Moscown as a ‘Crown gem’ and ‘marvel’ work to illustrate the shift that Peter the Great’s reforms brought to the Russian people. Peter and his city renewed Russian’s sense of pride and glory.
You make a great point about the documentary (fact-based) underpinnings of this very poetic text, and your pointing out the “mythic” nature of the tale Pushkin weaves is also very astute. However, there is some confusion later on in your post about what city is being referred to. In the quote you give, the contrast is not between Moscow and St. Petersburg, but between the swampy land that existed prior to the city of St. Petersburg’s construction, and the city that rises up upon that land. The contrast with Moscow, on the other hand, can be found at the bottom of p. 9: “Outshone, old Moscow had to rend / The younger sister pride of place” etc.
thanks for pointing that out! I was confused when we spoke about it in class.