Artistic time of ode to rulers and judges. The composition of the poem "To the rulers and judges

The accusatory ode to “Lords and Judges” is one of the most important works in Derzhavin’s work, which in an expressive and emotional manner draws the attention of society to the problem of corrupt officials. You can use a brief analysis of “Lords and Judges” according to the plan in a literature lesson in grade 9 and so that schoolchildren understand not only the meaning of the poem, but also the situation in Russia in the 18th century.

Brief analysis

History of creation- Gavriil Romanovich wrote his work in 1870 and with great difficulty achieved its publication in the popular newspaper of that time - the St. Petersburg Bulletin.

Composition- the poem is a whole story, not divided into certain parts, the theme develops sequentially.

Theme of the poem- the need to live according to the laws of universal human virtue, which Derzhavin is trying to convince people in power.

Genre- an ode, but an ode angry and accusatory, for its time - almost revolutionary.

Poetic size- iambic using cross rhyme.

epithets – “last slave”, “withered leaf”, “earth gods”.

Comparisons – “like a withered leaf will fall from a tree”, “you will die, as your last slave will die”.

History of creation

The poem is a sick translation of one of the psalms, which Derzhavin supplemented with his own indignation at those in power. It was written in 1870 and, after great efforts on the part of the poet, nevertheless published - in the newspaper "St. Petersburg Bulletin".

Derzhavin was not only a poet, but also a statesman who for many years held fairly high positions. And such activities showed him all the shortcomings of the administrative system in the Russian Empire - and there were many of them. Over the years of his service, Gavriil Romanovich established himself in the idea that the system needed fundamental changes - this idea was expressed by him in the poem “To the Rulers and Judges”. Thus, the history of the creation of this ode is closely connected with the historical and political realities of his time.

Despite the fact that Derzhavin was a convinced monarchist, his ode was perceived by the courtiers and the empress herself, who generally favored the poet, as a revolutionary call. And, despite the fact that the poet did not put into his lines the ideas of overthrowing the existing system, simply expressing the accumulated bitterness about the reigning injustice, later the accusatory trend set by him was developed in the Russian literary tradition.

Topic

The theme of this accusatory work is the arbitrariness of officials and other statesmen who use their power to the detriment of both the people and the state. They are power-hungry, greedy, vile and unable to understand a simple person or help him. The poet appeals to the rulers, urging them to live according to their conscience, and to the judges (referring specifically to the empress), urging them to make a fair trial and punish the rulers who have become so conceited. However, at the end, the poet expresses the idea that only God can truly rule people.

Composition

It corresponds to the composition of the original source, that is, the 81st Psalm of King David, of which it is a free translation.

Throughout the verse, the poet develops the same idea and the corruption of those in power and the need for change. So, at the beginning, he expresses his views on a just social order, when those in power protect those who need it. He goes on to point out that in reality nothing of the kind is happening, everyone is just looking out for their own interests.

And in the end, firstly, he affirms the idea that such a violation of the laws of humanity cannot go unpunished, and secondly, he appeals to God as the highest authority.

Genre

It is not difficult to determine the genre of this work - it is an ode. But the ode is angry - as the author himself called it. It also contains elements of a spiritual ode, since the biblical text is taken as the basis. The ode is written in iambic and uses a cross rhyme.

Expressive means

The artistic originality of Derzhavin's work is expressed not only in the mixture of subgenres, but also in what means of expression he uses in order to convey his idea. So, it contains the usual ways:

epithets- “the last slave”, “withered leaf”, “earthly gods”.
Comparisons- “like a withered leaf will fall from the trees”, “you will die, as your last slave will die”.

However, they act as aids. The main ones are Slavicisms, with the help of which the poet makes his poem more solemn, and rhetorical exclamations. They play a very important role in the fabric of the work, giving it a resemblance to oratory. In this way, Derzhavin attracts the attention of readers.

Who is Derzhavin addressing in the poem "To the Rulers and Judges"? What is the nature of this appeal (rebuke, punishment, glorification)?

The poem (arrangement of Psalm 81) sounds like a direct angry appeal to the "earthly gods", that is, kings, rulers. In contrast to the established literary tradition of praising the "earthly gods" in odes and other poetic works, Derzhavin not only brings them down from their pedestal, but also judges them, reminding them of their obligations to their subjects. The poem contains both denunciation and punishment (instruction).

How does Derzhavin understand the appointment of rulers, "earthly gods"?

Earthly rulers, according to Derzhavin, must strictly follow the laws, prevent their violation (“do not look at the faces of the strong”), protect the destitute and the poor from injustice (“oh? strong protect the powerless”), take care of material needs and respect for civil rights so that all are equal and united before the law.

What is the real face of "rulers and judges"? Does it correspond to the poet's idea of an enlightened statesman?

In fact, the appearance of "rulers and judges" is very far from the ideas of the classical poet about an enlightened statesman. With their connivance, villainy and injustice are happening, bribery (bribery) flourishes. "Earthly gods" do not want to fulfill the duties assigned to them by the Almighty God. Derzhavin puts forward a very well-aimed formula that reveals the foundations of the activity of such a monarch, his attitude to the transgressions he does: “They don’t listen! see - and do not know! Covered with bribes of the eye." The insignificance of kings, their human weakness, their propensity for temptations become especially noticeable thanks to the antitheses: the ideal sovereign is a real sovereign, the king is a slave:

Kings! I thought you gods are powerful, No one is a judge over you,

But you, like me, are passionate And just as mortal as I am.

And you will fall like this

How a withered leaf falls from the trees!

And you will die like this

How your last slave will die!

Does the poet hope to correct the vices of power?

No, Derzhavin harbors no hopes of correcting the vices of power. That is why he turns to the Almighty to be "one king of the earth" and to punish the crafty rulers and judges.

Indignation, contempt, irony towards earthly rulers. Even the expression "earthly gods" is perceived here as irony. Villainy, untruth, are covered with bribes, the evil ones are vocabulary that characterizes the vices of those in power. At the same time, we hear in the poem a deep sorrow about the fate of the disadvantaged, who must be protected, "to wrest the poor from their fetters." The poor, orphans, widows are the object of the author's sympathy. He calls them right and turns to God: “God of the right”, in whom those in need of protection hope with prayer and hope. The transcription of the psalm ends with an energetic call-plea to punish the villains and become the only king of the earth.

What is the style of the poem "Lords and Judges" written in?

The poem is written in a high style, which is chosen by the author not to praise the reigning persons, but to denounce and show the high purpose of earthly power. Archaic vocabulary (risen, Almighty, host, look, cover, uproot, tow, sag, heed) gives solemnity to the expression of Derzhavin's thoughts and feelings.

Compare this poem with Lomonosov's ode. What do you think are the similarities and differences between the two works?

Similarity in understanding the purpose of the supreme power: care for citizens, observance of the law, protection from injustice; both Lomonosov's odes and Derzhavin's poem are full of teachings to monarchs. The difference lies in the fact that Lomonosov, according to the laws of the odic genre, identifies progressive state ideas with the intentions of the reigning empress, her activities. Perhaps this is to some extent a wish, an image of the proper, ideal. But in Lomonosov's odes we will not find Derzhavin's denunciations of power.

Who is Derzhavin addressing in the poem "To Rulers and Judges"? What is the nature of this appeal (rebuke, punishment, glorification)?

How does Derzhavin understand the appointment of rulers, "earthly gods"?

What is the real image of "rulers and judges"? Does it correspond to the poet's idea of an enlightened statesman?

In fact, the appearance of "rulers and judges" is very far from the ideas of the classical poet about an enlightened statesman. With their connivance, villainy and injustice are happening, bribery (bribery) flourishes. "Earthly gods" do not want to fulfill the duties assigned to them by the Almighty God. Derzhavin puts forward a very well-aimed formula that reveals the foundations of the activity of such a monarch, his attitude to the iniquities he does: "They do not heed! They see - and do not know! The hair is covered with bribes." The insignificance of kings, their human weakness, their propensity for temptations become especially noticeable thanks to the antitheses: the ideal sovereign is a real sovereign, the king is a slave:

Kings! I thought you gods are powerful, No one can judge you, But you, like me, are passionate And just as mortal as I am. the slave will die!

Does the poet hope to correct the vices of power?

No, Derzhavin harbors no hopes of correcting the vices of power. That is why he appeals to the Almighty to be "one king of the earth" and to punish the crafty rulers and judges.

Indignation, contempt, irony towards earthly rulers. Even the expression "earthly gods" is perceived here as irony. Villainy, untruth, hair covered with bribes, crafty - vocabulary that characterizes the vices of those in power. At the same time, we hear in the poem a deep sorrow about the fate of the disadvantaged, who must be protected, "to wrest the poor from their fetters." The poor, orphans, widows are the object of the author's sympathy. He calls them right and turns to God: "God of the right", in whom those in need of protection hope with prayer and hope. The transcription of the psalm ends with an energetic call-plea to punish the villains and become the only king of the earth.

What is the style of the poem "Lords and Judges" written in?

Compare this poem with Lomonosov's ode. What do you think are the similarities and differences between the two works?

How to download a free essay? . And a link to this essay; Questions and answers to the poem by G. R. Derzhavin "To the Rulers and Judges" already in your bookmarks.

Additional essays on the topic

The "angry ode" born from the pen of Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin shocked Russia at the end of the 18th century. Gavriil Romanovich, who has vast experience in serving the state in high ranks, was so struck by lawlessness and injustice that he poured out all his indignation in an ode to "Rulers and Judges." This work received a huge public outcry and shook the stable position of the author.

This was probably due to the fact that France was then shocked by revolutionary slogans, which were based on the paraphrased Psalm 81.

The main theme of the poem

The first version of the ode was called "Psalm 81". This is due to the fact that this particular psalm, written by King David, served as the basis for the work.

Derzhavin addresses officials in his poem, calling them "gods of the earth." He asks them how long this lawlessness will continue. He threatens them with punishment from higher powers. He tries to convey to them that there is no significant difference between them and other people. All are mortal and all are equal before the Lord. Derzhavin calls to follow the same laws of justice for all.

The semantic content of the ode can be divided into two parts. In the first, Gavriil Romanovich tells what exactly the powers that be should do. He explains their role and responsibilities to the common people. The second part is incriminating. In it, the author points to the indifference and venality of power. He prophesies the guilty high court, in which their bribes will not decide anything. Derzhavin does not assume the role of Judge, he only reminds the "blind" of His supreme justice.

His conversion is similar to the harsh rebuke of naughty children and the powerless cry of a loving father at the same time. His angry lines confused not only the environment, but also the empress, who was quite favorable to the poet. Even Catherine saw revolutionary motives in the ode, which the author did not even think of investing there.

Structural analysis of the poem

Derzhavin is an innovative poet of his time. "To the Rulers and Judges" is written in a manner typical of him, but very progressive for that era. The author himself calls his work an angry ode. But it would be more accurate to call it a spiritual ode, since it is based on one of the main religious treatises - the Psalter. In addition, Gavriil Romanovich uses exclamations and vocabulary typical of this style. A special solemnity is given to the work not only by the use of Slavonicisms, but also by frequent appeals, rhetorical questions and exclamations. Anaphora and syntactic repetitions make the text of the poem more tense.

The poet creates vivid images of the victims of his denunciation - officials who are corrupt and blind to the troubles of the people. The work has a special sound that attracts the attention of the listener from the first lines. It is simply impossible to recite it quietly and unemotionally. A special system itself brings the speaker to the desired level of expression.

Conclusion

Derzhavin, who so fiercely accused the officials, sincerely believed in the integrity of the empress. He believed that the august person was surrounded by false flatterers and Catherine simply did not know the real state of affairs.

How sad it is to realize, but the work written by Derzhavin almost three centuries ago is relevant to this day. The ode, which caused a lot of anger and gossip, unfortunately, did not change the situation in any way.

Always strives to be in the thick of events concerning the fate of the country and people. Many poets dedicate poems to their homeland, praise or reproach the authorities, express their opinion about any events. At the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th century, the authorities in Russia completely ceased to understand the people, and such an attitude towards people could not but be reflected in the work of many poets. The favorite of Empress Catherine II also could not stand aside. The poet was distinguished by a hot and fair character, so he was outraged by the lawlessness that was happening around him.

Challenge to autocracy and lawlessness

The analysis of "Lords and Judges" shows how unusual it was for that time to argue with the authorities, to show one's disobedience. From the first lines of the work, it becomes clear that it is impossible to live like this any longer, even God is unable to look at earthly rulers. The author believes that kings should help widows, orphans and other unfortunates, but they only hear and protect the strong. The homeland is shaking from villainy, but government officials do not see this.

The analysis of "Lords and Judges" suggests that Gavriil Romanovich wanted to reveal all the vices of power. For the Russian people, a monarchy that is indifferent to the lives of ordinary people is a real tragedy. Kings are not like gods either in their actions or in their lives. At the end of the poem, the poet lost faith that everything can be fixed by bringing the monarchs to their senses, because the concepts of honor and conscience are not familiar to rulers and judges. shows: the poet is convinced that only God's judgment can save Russia.

Artistic originality of the verse

An analysis of "The Rulers and Judges" allows us to understand what kind of innovator Gabriel Derzhavin was. In his time, most lyricists wrote poetry for certain sections of society. Ordinary people did not understand the lofty and pathos speeches, so Gavriil Romanovich decided to simplify the language a little and add to his poems that most people can understand. The author himself called the work “To the Rulers and Judges” an angry ode. He took as a basis the biblical text - Psalm 81.

The poet created a solemn style with the help of appeals, questions, an abundance of Slavicisms. An analysis of "Lords and Judges" shows that the author managed to achieve oratorical sound. In his ode, the poet expressed bitterness from the depravity of the modern world, he tried to arouse in the reader not only anger, but also the desire to cleanse and change life for the better.

The meaning of the poem "Lords and Judges"

Derzhavin (analysis shows that the author did not put any revolutionary impulse into his work) was a monarchist in his convictions and had a very good attitude towards Empress Catherine II. Even when writing an ode to “Lords and Judges,” he did not oppose the ruler, because he was convinced of her virtue. The officials surrounding the empress are to blame for the lawlessness reigning in the country - this is exactly what Gabriel Romanovich wanted to warn her about. Despite this, many perceived the poem as a call for a change of power. The trend was continued in the works of Pushkin, Lermontov and other poets of the 19th century.

Portal for the student. Self-training