A Masterpiece of Russian Literature
1 total work
Mikhail Lermontov's famous novel, "A Hero of our Time," was and remains one of the great literary achievements of the 19th century. Lermontov is considered to be the only true Romantic poet from Russia, and it is easy to see why after reading this book. He is greatly influenced by Byronism (a literary movement in Europe started by the Romantic poet George Gordon Lord Byron). In his work, Lermontov creates a character who encapsulates Byronic principles. Pechorin, Lermontov's protagonist, is a darker hero than most in Russian society are accustomed to. He is sensitive and cynical; he has great insight into his own personality and yet remains extremely arrogant. Pechorin is remarkably intelligent and prefers to rely on the certainty of intellect rather than the unpredictable nature of emotions.