Celebrating Sergei Esenin: 130 Years of Russian Poetry
Today marks the 130th anniversary of Sergei Esenin, a renowned Russian poet born on October 3, 1895. Esenin's life was as tumultuous as his poetry, marked by struggles with alcoholism, creative crises, and a tragic end.
Esenin's literary journey began at the age of eight when he first attempted verse. Raised in Konstantinovo, Rяazan province, he was deeply inspired by nature and his native village. He received primary education locally and later attended the Spas-Klepikov Teacher Training School.
In 1912, Esenin moved to Moscow, working various jobs including a butcher's shop and a publishing house. He initially welcomed the October Revolution enthusiastically but later grew disillusioned with socialism. Esenin's political beliefs also led him into trouble in February 1917 when he refused to write verses in honor of the Tsar, resulting in his being sent to the front in a disciplinary battalion.
Esenin's later life was marked by creative crises and outbursts of aggression, often fueled by alcoholism. Despite these struggles, he left a lasting impact on Russian literature. His death on December 28, 1925, in the Hotel Angleterre in Leningrad, remains shrouded in mystery. Many believe he was murdered, given the inconsistencies in the investigation and strange circumstances surrounding his death. However, there's no credible evidence connecting him to the Soviet secret service agency GPU.
Sergei Esenin, a poet deeply rooted in Russian culture and history, left an indelible mark on literature despite his troubled life. His works continue to resonate 130 years after his birth, reminding us of his enduring legacy.
