Alexander Blok

The poet kissed by a storm

Who is he?

Alexander Blok is a Russian Symbolist poet, one of the most influential figures of the 20^th century Russian literature.

Why is he an overman?

Alexander Blok can see the beauty in the world even where others would miss it. He understands the ugliness of the present and the superficial and cowardly thoughts of the masses. But always, underneath these things, his poems reveal the wonderful hidden truths that remain invisible for so many people.

Quotes:

Only the person who loves has the right to judge.

The heart asks for a star, and the star asks for eternity.

Significant work:

Night, Street, Lamp, Drugstore

The swamp

The poets

Short biography:

28 November 1880 – 7 August 1921

Alexander Blok was born in Saint Petersburg into an aristocratic family. He spent his early years in the estate of his grandfather where he developed affinity towards literature, philosophy, and nature. He studied law and later history and philology at Saint Petersburg University.

Blok became a regognized poet thanks to his first major collection, Verses About the Beautiful Lady. It was dedicated to his wife, Lyubov Mendeleeva, the daughter of Dmitri Mendeleev. Alexander and Lyubov had a passionate but often difficult relationship. They remained married but both of them had extramarital affairs.

Blok’s early work was deeply influenced by Symbolism. With the political turmoil in Russia, his writing also changed. He initially believed that the Soviet revolution may lead to spiritual renewal but later became increasingly disillusioned by the violence and censorship that followed.

His later years were marked by health and financial problems. He was not allowed to travel abroad and this prevented him from receiving proper medical treatment, which led to his death.