In reading Alexander Pushkin’s The Bronze Horseman, I find that the story carries on in an effortless, intriguing way with the help of Pushkin’s use of imagery. Pushkin’s retelling of St. Petersburg’s transition from a swamp to a thriving city makes for a magnetic and immersive experience for the reader. Specifically, his personifications of nature (rivers, fog, dark forests, sun rays) continues to build upon a different perspective founded in ecocentrism and creativity as he intertwines the beauty of nature to highlight the industrialization of St. Petersburg. In this way, his ideas and descriptions further complement his portrayal of contemporary Russia (for his time).
On a similar note, his use of specificity– like Yevgeny, Parasha, and Neva, and Mars Field, as well as referencing different works–strengthens the reader’s understanding of St. Petersburg that wouldn’t necessarily stand out in any other context. I think Pushkin’s allusions to events and places within his work also helps to bring a stronger connection with the reader. In a way, it may be a mild form of nationality in creating a shared sense of knowledge between those who are familiar with the places and events mentioned within The Bronze Horseman. Overall, I believe that Pushkin’s portrayal of St. Petersburg has a deeper meaning and provokes a stronger emotional reaction from his audience through his use of imagery.
Yes, you are quite right that the nature imagery in this poem is crucial to its central meanings, and also that the particular, small-scale story of individual characters (Yevgeny and Parasha) humanizes the poem’s larger themes. Perhaps in future blog posts you could give some specific quotes and examples from the texts to support your sensitive observations! Just one small correction: this time (early 18c) is far too early for any sort of industrialization; in fact, industrialization did not really come to Russia until the Soviet period in the 20th century! 🙂