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Alexander Pushkin

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Early Life

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was born on June 6, 1799, in Moscow, Russia. He came from a noble family. His father, Sergey Pushkin, was a retired military officer. His mother, Nadezhda Pushkina, was the granddaughter of an African prince, Abram Petrovich Gannibal. Gannibal had been brought to Russia and later became a respected military engineer.

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Pushkin was a smart child who loved to read books. His family had a big library, and he spent a lot of time there. He was very interested in French literature, which was popular in Russia at that time. Pushkin's nanny, Arina, told him many Russian folk tales, which inspired his love for the Russian language and its culture.

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Education

In 1811, when Pushkin was 12 years old, he went to a special school called the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum near St. Petersburg. This school was for children from noble families. Pushkin’s talent for poetry was noticed here, and he started writing his first poems. He wrote in both Russian and French. His teachers and classmates were very impressed by his talent.

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At the age of 15, Pushkin’s first poem was published, and soon, he became well-known in literary circles. After finishing school in 1817, Pushkin began working for the government in St. Petersburg, but he was more interested in writing poetry.

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Pushkin's Writing

Alexander Pushkin is known as the "father of Russian literature" because he was one of the first writers to use everyday Russian language in his works. His poems and stories reflected the life, traditions, and people of Russia. He wrote about love, freedom, nature, and human emotions. His writing style was simple, yet powerful, which made it easy for people to understand.

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Some of his most famous works include:

  • "Ruslan and Ludmila" – a long poem that tells a magical love story.

  • "Eugene Onegin" – a novel in verse about a young man named Onegin and his relationships with others.

  • "The Bronze Horseman" – a poem about St. Petersburg and its great leader, Peter the Great.

  • "The Queen of Spades" – a short story about gambling and fate.

 

Pushkin also wrote plays, such as "Boris Godunov", which was about a Russian tsar and his rule.

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Political Problems

Pushkin was not only a poet but also a person who loved freedom. He often wrote about the need for political change in Russia. His poems and letters were sometimes critical of the Russian government. As a result, he got into trouble with the authorities. In 1820, the government sent him away from St. Petersburg to the south of Russia as a form of punishment. However, this time away from the capital allowed Pushkin to see more of his country, and he continued to write poems during his travels.

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Marriage and Personal Life

In 1831, Pushkin married a beautiful young woman named Natalya Goncharova. They had four children together. Pushkin loved his family, but his personal life was not always happy. He often worried about money because writing did not pay well at that time. Pushkin also had conflicts with other noblemen who did not respect his social status.

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The Duel and Death

Unfortunately, Pushkin’s life ended tragically. In 1837, he was involved in a duel with a French officer named Georges d'Anthès. D'Anthès had insulted Pushkin and his wife, which led to the conflict. In those days, it was common for men to fight duels to defend their honor. During the duel, Pushkin was seriously injured. He died two days later, on February 10, 1837, at the age of 37.

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Pushkin's death shocked the people of Russia. He was buried in his family's estate near St. Petersburg. Today, he is remembered as one of Russia’s greatest poets and writers.

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Legacy

Alexander Pushkin had a great impact on Russian literature and culture. He inspired many writers, including famous Russian authors like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Pushkin’s works are still read and studied today in Russia and around the world. His ability to capture human emotions, along with his use of the Russian language, makes his works timeless.

Each year, on June 6, Russia celebrates Pushkin Day to honor the poet's legacy. Statues and monuments of Pushkin can be found in many cities, and his home in Moscow has been turned into a museum.

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Summary of Achievements

  • Alexander Pushkin is known as the "father of Russian literature."

  • He wrote many famous works, including "Eugene Onegin" and "The Queen of Spades."

  • Pushkin was also a political thinker, and he got into trouble with the government for his ideas.

  • He died in a duel in 1837 at the age of 37.

  • Pushkin’s legacy continues to influence Russian literature and culture.

 

Conclusion

Alexander Pushkin’s life was full of creativity and passion. He used his talent to express his love for his country, the people, and freedom. Though he faced challenges, including political problems and personal conflicts, Pushkin’s works have left a lasting mark on literature. He is considered a national hero in Russia, and his poems, stories, and plays continue to inspire readers around the world.

Pushkin

True/False Questions

  1. Alexander Pushkin was born in 1799.
     

  2. Pushkin only wrote poetry in the Russian language.
     

  3. "Eugene Onegin" is one of Pushkin’s famous novels written in verse.
     

  4. Pushkin never got in trouble with the Russian government.
     

  5. Pushkin died at the age of 37 after a duel.
     

Open-Ended Questions

  1. Where was Alexander Pushkin born, and in what year?
     

  2. What inspired Pushkin to love the Russian language and its culture?
     

  3. What was the name of the school Pushkin attended at the age of 12?
     

  4. What was Pushkin’s first published work, and at what age was it published?
     

  5. Name two of Pushkin's most famous works.
     

  6. Why did Pushkin get in trouble with the government?
     

  7. What was Pushkin’s role in Russian literature, and why is he called the "father of Russian literature"?
     

  8. How did Pushkin die, and who was involved?
     

  9. What important role did Pushkin's family background play in his life and work?
     

  10. How is Pushkin remembered in Russia today?
     

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