Mandelstam and Aloysius Bertrand: a question of interpretation

O. Mandelstam's poem Like chiaroscuro Martyr Rembrandt combines ekphrasis, testament of the poet, and declaration social position: this combination has posed difficulties for interpreters. A number obscure images, such as imprisonment, wealth, or a tribe associates, are convincingly interpreted Mandelstams deduction his own biography from circumstances Rembrandts life, but explain neither expressive poetics nor place Calvary plot among other life-plots. I suggest that one poems by French Romanticist Aloysius Bertrand, Gaspard de la nuit, which is synopsis images Gothic novels, should be considered key to poem. Bertrands in prose contains main short, it may well considered, if not pretext text, then keys clarify its plot. Thus, Bertrand understands dark light crucifixion an impression window frame at night, searing pain onset midnight, guards warriors presence ancestors curse associated with them, treasure hint hell incest. Thus reduced willingness give up earthly goods accept martyrdom imitation Christ, share noble poverty friends. This plot, key, reconstructed follows: midnight threatens nightmares, chief these nightmares sensation burning pain, conscience unfulfilled, midnight. After reflection on time passes into dreamlike experience what happening, series fantasies pointing former treasures life impressions art. In dream experience, human brotherhood can only experienced communion shadows therefore inevitable bodily martyrdom. poem, Mandelstam reassembled Romantic symbols emotional modes distinguish between subjective relationship objective defined autonomies art, soul, body.