Poem Analysis - They Are Drinking Here Again Brawling Sobbing

Sergei Yesenin's "They Are Drinking Here Again, Brawling, Sobbing" is a lament for a lost Russia, steeped in alcohol, despair, and simmering rebellion. The poem paints a grim picture of a society grappling with disillusionment and the lingering trauma of the past. The overall tone is one of melancholic resignation, punctuated by bursts of anger and a faint glimmer of hope. The mood shifts between drunken revelry and introspective sorrow, creating a sense of unease and instability.

Echoes of a Troubled Past

Yesenin, writing in the tumultuous years following the Russian Revolution, provides a glimpse into the societal anxieties of the time. The poem is haunted by the specter of the Civil War and the oppressive atmosphere of the emerging Soviet state. References to the "secret police" and "bony October" (likely a reference to the October Revolution) underscore the pervasive sense of fear and the loss of traditional values. The poem isn’t simply a snapshot of a drunken gathering; it’s a reflection of a nation struggling to reconcile its past with its present.

The Crushing Weight of Loss

One of the central themes is the inescapable sense of loss. This is most directly expressed in the line, "There is something that we have all lost forever." The specific "something" is open to interpretation, but the references to "My dark blue May, my pale blue June" suggest a lost innocence, a vanished era of peace and beauty, likely before the revolution and subsequent turmoil. The “corpse smell” that permeates the drunken carousal serves as a constant reminder of this loss and the ever-present shadow of death and decay.

Vodka-Fueled Disillusionment

The theme of disillusionment is woven throughout the poem, fueled by alcohol and resentment. The characters in the poem are not celebrating; they are drowning their sorrows. They "curse their luck" and long for "a Russia - a Moscow - of other days." The vodka serves as both a temporary escape and a catalyst for expressing suppressed anger and grief. Even the accordionist, a symbol of folk tradition, is presented as a damaged figure, seeking a "vodka cure" for a disease contracted during the Civil War, highlighting the corruption of even the purest elements of Russian culture.

Simmering Rebellion and a Glimmer of Hope

Despite the prevailing sense of despair, the poem also hints at a latent rebellion. The "hatred shifts in the eyes" and "rebellion grates in the raised voices." This isn’t an organized uprising, but rather a visceral reaction to the oppressive forces shaping their lives. The poem ends with the ambiguous image of "Oh Russia, my Russia, / rising in Asia." This final image could be interpreted in several ways. Is Yesenin suggesting that Russia's salvation lies in the East, away from the perceived corruption of the West? Or is this "rising" a sign of renewed strength and resilience? The ambiguity leaves the reader pondering the future of Russia and the possibility of redemption.

Symbols of a Fractured Nation

The accordion serves as a potent symbol, representing both Russian folk tradition and its current state of disrepair. The "noseless accordionist" and the instrument's "amber woes" suggest a damaged and incomplete culture. Similarly, the ever-present vodka is not simply a drink but a symbol of escapism, self-destruction, and the attempt to numb the pain of the past. The "blizzard" of "bony October" is a chilling image that encapsulates the harsh realities of the revolution and its aftermath, leaving a lasting mark on the Russian psyche.

A Haunting Reflection on a Nation's Soul

In conclusion, "They Are Drinking Here Again, Brawling, Sobbing" is a powerful and haunting poem that captures the anguish and disillusionment of post-revolutionary Russia. Through vivid imagery, a somber tone, and recurring symbols of loss and decay, Yesenin paints a portrait of a nation struggling to come to terms with its past and facing an uncertain future. While the poem is filled with despair, the final image of Russia "rising in Asia" offers a sliver of hope, suggesting the enduring spirit of the Russian people and their potential for renewal, even amidst immense suffering.