135043 PS "I read my verses to dragons...": the Poetic World of the Russian Silver Age (2024S)

This course invites you to explore the turbulent and transformative period of the Silver Age, an artistic era dating from the very late 19th century and ending in the 1920s. Named after the precious metal, this period reflects the luminescent qualities of silver—elegance, sophistication, and an ethereal glow that defies time. Within this course, we will traverse the realms of Symbolism, where words transcend mere language; Acmeism, where clarity emerges from the poetic fog; and Futurism, where time itself becomes the canvas for expression. We'll uncover the nuances of Imaginism, ensuring it is not confused with Imagism. We will decipher the enigma of the hauntingly beautiful poems crafted by luminaries of this era. The Silver Age is filled with mysteries, where each verse serves as a key, unlocking the secrets of an era where dragons may be more than mere mythical creatures.