To Chaadaev
To Chaadaev - meaning Summary
Hope for National Renewal
Pushkin addresses his friend Chaadaev with a patriotic, hopeful call for Russian renewal. The poem contrasts fading youthful passions with a persistent, collective yearning for liberty. It transforms private desire into public resolve, urging personal devotion to the country’s struggle against oppression. The speaker envisions a future awakening when freedom returns and their names endure as part of the nation’s rebirth, reflecting Pushkin’s reformist and freedom-minded sympathies.
Read Complete AnalysesThe lies of fame and love’s resolve Have vanished now without a trace, Our youthful passions have dissolved As though a dream or morning haze. Yet, still, we’re burning with desire, And with impatience in our souls, Beneath the yoke of strength and fire, We hark our country’s pleading calls. In expectation, full of ardor, The day of freedom we await, — Thus waits a youthful, eager lover The moment of the promised date. And whilst with liberty we burn, And whilst our hearts adore ovation, Our country needs us, — let us turn And dedicate our soul’s elation. My friend, believe me that with thunder, The star of joy will rise again! And Russia will arise from slumber, Our names will be incised with wonder On remnants of oppressive reign! Translated by Andrey Kneller
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