“But quiet was our bivouac open…”: A few words about the sources of Lermontov’s inspiration

Establishing the sources of “Borodino” is a task with many unknowns, hardly feasible even for modern philology. Nevertheless, we do know about several components masterpiece: 1829 school sketch “Le champ de Borodino” and “Field composed year or two later to some extent allow us determine between which alternatives Lermontov was choosing. For example, French prose text paints night before battle in both camps, while author juvenile poem focuses on Russian. Historicity obviously conflicts here lyrism. Overcoming conflict, that is, acting as historian remaining costume its hero, works better if one represents action assumed given plot situation. Besides memoirs, among notes F. N. Glinka Lubenkov reveal obvious overlaps Lermontov’s texts, poet turns literary models. Among latter Iliad Gnedich’s translation, came out lively discussed by scholars scholars, particular teacher A. Merzlyakov. Complementing parallel Il. 11, 523, add list contrasting description Trojan Achaean seen through eyes Agamemnon (10, 11–16), especially since describes behaviour almost same terms Homer Trojans.