From Imperial to Soviet Power: Interpretation of Zabolotsky’s Creative Quest in the Ararat Collection

This article examines the role of Zhukovsky, a nineteenth-century ballad author, in Zabolotsky’s creative consciousness. Among biographical facts and writings twentieth-century poet that reveal his constant interest canonic figure predecessor, author pays special attention to Zhukovsky’s Ballad (1927) has metaliterary title. Zabolotsky included this work which looks like riddle composition Ararat, handwritten book, therefore is considered by context collection. The paper aims overcome semantic opacity determine its place functions structure Ararat poetic cycle. Methodologically, analysis based on historical poetics, implies, one hand, identification genre basis relevant both Zhukovsky Zabolotsky, other hand – transformations underwent “new worldview new art”. Another theoretical reference point B. M. Gasparov’s Poetics Tale Igor’s Campaign dedicated interpretation opaque text linguistic genre-stylistic features. main sources research are manuscript as well cover with drawings writer, poems result lies reconstruction cyclical plot implying unity all collection through prism their motifs imagery, which, turn, revisits biblical story Flood. analyses intertextual connections within book specifies functions. In first part completed was most conflictual triad texts end old tsarist imperial way life. Based clarified symmetrical cycle, second half, discovers poem Movement mirroring Ballad. Instead tsar ballad, there appears cabman sitting “as if throne” representative “proletarian” authorities. drowned man who lived “round village,” reader now sees “poor horse” driving force modernity. Thus, captures change social everyday life paradigms, bringing heroes era fore.