Abstract：In the developing process of world literature, Russian literature once deviated from the mainstream trends, and it was not until the 18th century that it attempted to integrate into the main literary trends such as Classicism, the Enlightenment, and Sentimentalism. The end of the 18th century to the 1820s was the era of the generation of the concept of “Weltliteratur” (“World Literature”) represented by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and it was also the beginning of the rise and glory of Russian literature. The brilliant achievements of Russian literature in the 19th century were inseparable from Alexander Pushkin’s artistic innovation in its integration with world literature. This kind of artistic innovation is typified by the following three aspects:
The first is the innovation of the rhythmic system and genre of Russian poetry. In terms of the innovation of the rhythmic system, Pushkin played an exemplary role in the popularization and standardization of Russian accent-syllable poetry in the 19th century and laid the foundation for the formation of the “Golden Age” of Russian poetry. Pushkin’s “Southern Poems” composed during his exile in southern Russia epitomized his acceptance of Lord Byron’s “Oriental Tales” and world literary traditions, as well as his deep understanding of Russian cultural heritage. In the emerging genre of narrative poetry, Pushkin’s depiction of rebellious themes echoes the spirit of Western European romanticism, especially Byron’s “Oriental Tales”, which infuses Pushkin’s poetry with a unique romantic charm. Among Pushkin’s works, Eugene Onegin is considered the pinnacle of his literary achievements. It combines a fascinating narrative structure with an innovative “Onegin Stanzas” with a unique charm, thus creating unparalleled brilliance and originality in the genre.
The second is the successful practice of “Bildungsroman” in Russia. “Bildungsroman” is a concept that originated in Germany and is closely linked to “World Literature”. Pushkin’s works such as Berkin Novellas and The Captain’s Daughter closely followed the trends of world literature, pioneering and innovating new genres, and conveying unique educational concepts, making outstanding artistic contributions to the creation and development of Russian “Bildungsroman”. Representative works of this kind, including “The Village Girl Dressed as a Lady” and The Captain’s Daughter, delve into the themes of identity and growth, as well as the complexity of growth and education, and in particular, put forward his unique insights on children’s education issues. These groundbreaking works not only enriched the narrative structure of Russian literature but also left an indelible mark on the field of world literature. Pushkin’s literary exploration of moral dimensions still resonates today, providing contemporary readers with profound moral thinking.
The third is the refraction of Russian national consciousness and the spirit of that time. In terms of presenting Russian national consciousness, Pushkin was in tune with Western European culture, while adhering to the foundation of national culture and promoting its spirit. In an era when the concept of “World Literature” was taking shape, Russian literature represented by Pushkin, was in the process of integrating with the process of world literature. While learning advanced culture, it adhered to the position of national literature and reshaped the “diversity” of national literature in the process of “homogenization” of integration. This is the key factor to Pushkin’s success. If one blindly follows the trends of world literature, disregards “preserving tradition while innovating”, and neglects the fundamental characteristics of the language and culture of national literature, it is difficult to achieve the desired success.
Pushkin’s artistic innovation in inheriting tradition and connecting with world literature benefited from the development of world literature and also made outstanding contributions to the initial formation of the concept of “World Literature”, which still has unique and inspiring significance today.
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Wu Di. Pushkin’s Artistic Innovations in the Convergence with World Literature. JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, 0, (): 1-.
