Парус (The Sail) by Mikhail Lermontov
- Myron Kharkover
- May 5, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23, 2020
"Парус" (The Sail) was written by Mikhail Lermontov in 1832. Below is the original Russian text, along with an English translation.
Белеет парус одинокий В тумане моря голубом!.. Что ищет он в стране далекой? Что кинул он в краю родном?.. Играют волны - ветер свищет, И мачта гнется и скрыпит... Увы, - он счастия не ищет И не от счастия бежит! Под ним струя светлей лазури, Над ним луч солнца золотой... А он, мятежный, просит бури, Как будто в бурях есть покой!
A lonely sail is flashing white Amdist the blue mist of the sea!... What does it seek in foreign lands? What did it leave behind at home?.. Waves heave, wind whistles, The mast, it bends and creaks... Alas, it seeks not happiness Nor happiness does it escape! Below, a current azure bright, Above, a golden ray of sun... Rebellious, it seeks out a storm As if in storms it could find peace!
Lermontov wrote "Парус" (The Sail) in 1832 when he was just 17 years old. At that point in his life, he had already been enrolled at Moscow University for two years, but due to an outbreak of cholera, his first year got cut short. However, in his second year at the university, he had developed conflicts with many professors and had decided to leave Moscow altogether. He then enrolled in a cadet school in St. Petersburg. He graduated from the cadet school in 1834 with the rank of Subensign (the equivalent of a Second Lieutenant).
It is very likely that the "lonely sail" Lermontov writes about in the poem is himself. The "lonely sail" had left home, and was in search of "peace." Lermontov had moved to Moscow in 1828, four years prior to his writing of this poem. Living in Moscow for four years prompted him to refer to it as his "home" in this poem. Lermontov then left his "home", Moscow, in 1832 and searched for peace, away from the conflict he experienced at the University. As he elaborates on the sail's motives to leave home, he is also elaborating on his motives to leave Moscow.
This poem serves as a symbol for being true to oneself. Lermontov, like the sail, was naturally adventurous. While the sail may have been happy staying at home, it was not being true to itself, and thus set out on an adventure, as it "seeks out a storm." Lermontov could have stayed at the prestigious Moscow University, but after his outspoken nature resulted in him developing conflicts with professors, he decided to leave the university to remain true to himself. It seems as if Lermontov engaged in a form of self-sabotage. He wanted to set himself free to explore his artistry, but in the process burned bridges with many of his colleagues. Lermontov, however, let the bridges he burned light his way. He was proud of his "rebellious" nature, as stated in the poem, and found peace in the eye of the storm.
Lermontov wrote this poem to empower future readers to stay true to themselves. Lermontov did not compromise his rebellious nature, and in that he found peace. Although his feelings date back to 1832, this message rings most true in today's culture. In today's society, many people are embracing who they are, which ultimately has pushed society forward. This is best exemplified by the LGBTQ rights movements. The LGBTQ community has started a movement to fight the oppression they face. They have created rallies, and rights activist groups to further the stance of LGBTQ rights. This movement has encouraged many to embrace who they are. Now the rest of society has accepted these people. They are now able to achieve the same influence as other people. This all came from their willingness to stay true to themselves and fight for their rights.
The creation of bitcoin is another example of people staying true to themselves. The creators of bitcoin were not satisfied with the financial institutions and systems in place that had not changed for many decades. They then created their own virtual currency whose impact is still being measured today. However, they had to overcome being referred to as crazy, and as anarchists to achieve their goals. It would have been comfortable to do nothing, but they chose to seek discomfort in an attempt to further advance society.
The poem's purpose is to empower the reader. The reader should aim to live their life as the sail mentioned in the poem, constantly searching for a new peace, even if it means sailing through a storm. Lermontov is telling readers to never settle and to continue searching for their next challenge to improve themselves and their lives.
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