Russian Literature of the 17th Century vs. Russian Literature of the 18th Century

Attribute	Russian Literature of the 17th Century	Russian Literature of the 18th Century
Major Authors	Fyodor III, Avvakum, Simeon Polotsky	Alexander Sumarokov, Vasily Trediakovsky, Mikhail Lomonosov
Themes	Religious and moralistic themes, exploration of individual faith	Enlightenment ideas, social criticism, exploration of human nature
Genres	Religious texts, spiritual autobiographies, sermons	Neoclassical poetry, drama, satire
Language	Old Church Slavonic, Church Slavonic	Russian, French influence

Historical Context

Russian literature of the 17th century was heavily influenced by the political and social climate of the time. The country was going through a period of turmoil, with the Time of Troubles leading to the establishment of the Romanov dynasty. This instability is reflected in the literature of the time, with themes of chaos, suffering, and redemption prevalent in many works. In contrast, the 18th century saw Russia undergoing a period of cultural and intellectual growth, known as the Russian Enlightenment. This era was marked by a renewed interest in Western European ideas and a push towards modernization.

Themes and Subjects

In the 17th century, Russian literature often focused on religious themes, reflecting the strong influence of the Orthodox Church. Works from this period frequently explored questions of faith, sin, and salvation. One of the most famous works of this time is "The Tale of Tsar Saltan" by Alexander Pushkin, which tells the story of a virtuous ruler who overcomes adversity with the help of divine intervention. In contrast, the literature of the 18th century began to shift towards more secular themes. Writers of this era were interested in exploring human nature, society, and politics. Satire and social commentary became more common in works from this period.

Style and Language

Russian literature of the 17th century was characterized by its use of archaic language and poetic forms. Many works from this period were written in a style reminiscent of medieval epics, with a focus on rhyme and meter. The language used in these works was often ornate and formal, reflecting the influence of Church Slavonic. In contrast, the literature of the 18th century saw a move towards a more modern and accessible style. Writers of this era began to experiment with new literary forms, such as the novel and the short story. The language used in these works became more straightforward and colloquial, making them easier for a wider audience to understand.

Notable Authors

• 17th Century: One of the most famous authors of the 17th century was Feodor Sologub, known for his religious poetry and philosophical works. Another notable figure from this period was Avvakum Petrov, a priest and writer who is best known for his spiritual autobiography, "The Life of Archpriest Avvakum."
• 18th Century: The 18th century saw the rise of several influential writers, including Mikhail Lomonosov, who is considered the father of Russian literature. Lomonosov was a polymath who made significant contributions to poetry, science, and linguistics. Another important figure from this period was Alexander Sumarokov, a playwright and poet who is credited with introducing the concept of classical tragedy to Russian literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Russian literature of the 17th century and 18th century differed in terms of themes, style, and language. The 17th century was characterized by its focus on religious themes and archaic language, reflecting the turbulent political and social climate of the time. In contrast, the 18th century saw a shift towards more secular themes, modern literary forms, and accessible language. Despite these differences, both periods produced works of enduring significance that continue to be studied and appreciated today.