Poem Analysis - To E N Ushakova

Introduction: A Modern Enchantment

Alexander Pushkin's "To E. N. Ushakova" is a playful and passionate declaration of infatuation. The poem contrasts an old, formulaic method of warding off evil spirits with the speaker's inability to resist the "ghost-goddess" that is Ushakova. The tone is initially light and almost humorous, invoking a sense of folklore and superstition, but it quickly shifts to a fervent and almost desperate plea to break free from the spell Ushakova has cast. The poem explores the power of beauty and the overwhelming nature of desire.

The Power of Beauty: A Modern "Ghost"

The central theme revolves around the overwhelming power of beauty and its ability to render one helpless. The speaker is not facing a literal ghost or demon, but the captivating presence of E. N. Ushakova. He describes her "profile, and sweet eyes, and curls of pure gold," emphasizing her physical perfection. Her "gentle voice / And speeches so lovely, bold" further amplify her allure. This beauty acts as a supernatural force, charming and burning the speaker to the point where he "cannot pray" and shudders before her, indicating that she holds a power over him akin to a deity or a ghost.

Superstition Transformed: From Exorcism to Internal Struggle

The poem uses the old superstition of warding off evil spirits as a metaphor for the speaker's internal struggle. The phrase "Amen, amen, break up!" was traditionally used to banish ghosts. However, instead of using it to repel the "ghost-goddess," the speaker directs it inward, attempting to quell his own intense feelings. This suggests that the real battle is not against an external force but against his own overwhelming desire and the captivating power Ushakova holds over him. The shift from external exorcism to internal plea underscores the modernity of the speaker's dilemma – a psychological battle against powerful emotions rather than a literal fight against supernatural beings.

Burning Imagery: The Fire of Desire

The recurring image of fire, particularly the phrase "I burn," symbolizes the speaker's passionate desire and the intensity of his infatuation. The burning is not a destructive force but a consuming one, indicating how completely he is captivated by Ushakova. The use of "charmed" also suggests a state of bewitchment, reinforcing the idea that her beauty has a magical effect, rendering him powerless and overwhelmed. This combination of burning desire and bewitched helplessness illustrates the consuming nature of love and attraction.

Conclusion: The Unbanishable Beauty

"To E. N. Ushakova" is a testament to the captivating power of beauty and the overwhelming nature of desire. By contrasting traditional superstition with a modern experience of infatuation, Pushkin suggests that the forces that bind us can be just as potent, even if they are not supernatural in origin. The speaker's inability to use the old incantation effectively highlights the futility of resisting such profound emotions. The poem ultimately celebrates the bewitching allure of beauty and the internal conflict it can inspire, leaving the reader to contemplate the irresistible forces that shape our human experience. Is the final line a true wish to be free or simply a poetic expression of the depth of his enchantment?