Pushkin: Why the Father of Russian Literature Is Still Underrated in the West

Apr 17

Who Was Alexander Pushkin?

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin (1799–1837) was a poet, playwright, and novelist whose work laid the foundation for modern Russian literature. Often compared to Shakespeare in terms of cultural influence, Pushkin transformed the Russian language, making it more accessible and expressive.

He was also a pioneer of literary realism and tackled themes ranging from love, freedom, and honor to political oppression and identity. His life was as dramatic as his works—ending in a fatal duel at the age of 37 over the honor of his wife.

Despite his short life, Pushkin wrote prolifically: narrative poems, fairy tales, historical dramas, satirical verse, and his masterpiece novel in verse, Eugene Onegin.

Why Pushkin Matters in Russian Culture

To understand Russian culture without understanding Pushkin is like trying to understand American culture without knowing about Shakespeare or the Founding Fathers.

Pushkin is:

Taught in every Russian school from a young age
Quoted in everyday speech
Seen as the father of the Russian literary language
A symbol of Russian identity and pride

Much like how Shakespeare shaped English, Pushkin revolutionized the Russian language. Before him, Russian literary works were written in a highly formal, Church-Slavonic style that didn’t reflect the way people actually spoke. Pushkin introduced a lively, elegant, and modern Russian that combined high art with colloquialism. His influence can be felt in every Russian writer who came after him—from Tolstoy to Bulgakov to Akhmatova.

Why Is Pushkin Underrated in the West?

Despite his immense influence in Russia, Pushkin remains something of a literary shadow figure in the West. There are a few reasons why:

1. Translation Challenges

Pushkin’s genius lies not just in what he said, but how he said it. His poetry is rhythmically perfect, rich in wordplay, and infused with musicality. These qualities are notoriously difficult to translate into English.

Take Eugene Onegin, for example. It’s written in a unique stanza form now called the “Onegin stanza”—a sonnet-like structure with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. Only a handful of English translators have attempted to preserve this structure, and even fewer have succeeded without sacrificing meaning or tone.

As a result, much of Pushkin’s artistry is lost in translation, leaving English readers with a watered-down version of his brilliance.

2. Overshadowed by His Successors

Tolstoy and Dostoevsky followed in Pushkin’s footsteps, building on the literary foundations he laid. Their novels were more easily translated and their themes—existentialism, morality, psychology—resonated strongly with Western audiences.

Because of this, Western readers often discover Russian literature through these later giants, without realizing they’re walking a path Pushkin paved.

3. Cultural Distance

Pushkin’s references, humor, and politics are deeply rooted in early 19th-century Russian society. Without cultural context, Western readers can miss the layers of meaning in his work. In Russia, these references are second nature. In the West, they often require footnotes—and not everyone likes footnotes.

Pushkin’s Greatest Works You Should Know

If you’re new to Pushkin, here are some essential reads:

Eugene Onegin

A novel in verse that captures the disillusionment of Russian aristocracy, the fragility of love, and the depth of the human spirit. It’s Pushkin’s magnum opus and arguably the cornerstone of modern Russian literature.

The Queen of Spades

A haunting short story about obsession, fate, and gambling. It showcases Pushkin’s mastery of suspense and economy of language.

Boris Godunov

A historical drama that combines political intrigue with philosophical introspection. Later adapted into an opera by Mussorgsky.

The Bronze Horseman

A poetic tribute to Saint Petersburg, infused with myth, love, and the relationship between the individual and the state.

Ruslan and Ludmila

A playful, fantastical epic that blends Russian folklore with satire. It helped popularize fairy tale motifs in Russian literature.

Pushkin’s Legacy in Russia Today

Pushkin is not just studied—he's celebrated. His birthday (June 6) is recognized as Russian Language Day. Statues of him stand in nearly every major Russian city. Streets, squares, and even metro stations bear his name. Lines from his poetry are inscribed on buildings, quoted in songs, and referenced in political speeches.

He's also a unifying figure across generations and ideologies. Whether tsarist, Soviet, or modern-day Russia, Pushkin has remained a constant cultural touchstone.

Why the West Should Rediscover Pushkin

So why should Western readers make the effort to explore Pushkin?

To Understand Russian Literature: Without Pushkin, there’s no Tolstoy, no Chekhov, no Nabokov. He’s the root of the tree.
To Discover Incredible Poetry: Even in translation, Pushkin’s work is charming, thoughtful, and moving.
To Bridge Cultures: In a time of global misunderstanding, reading Pushkin is a window into the Russian soul—its humor, sadness, complexity, and warmth.
To Challenge Ourselves: Pushkin’s works ask the big questions—about love, honor, fate, freedom—in ways that still resonate today.

Learning Russian Opens the Door to Pushkin’s World

Reading Pushkin in English is a good start—but reading him in Russian is a revelation. His wordplay, rhythm, and nuance are best appreciated in the original language.

At Polyglottist Language Academy, we offer engaging, flexible Russian classes that help you build the skills to enjoy authors like Pushkin in their original form. Whether you're a total beginner or brushing up your skills, our Russian classes—available online and in-person in Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose—can guide you on your journey into Russian literature and culture.

Conclusion: Pushkin Deserves a Place in the Global Canon

Alexander Pushkin isn’t just Russia’s greatest poet—he’s a literary giant whose work still feels fresh, powerful, and relevant today. It’s time the West gave him his due.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Russian language and literature, don’t wait. Discover Pushkin. Learn Russian. Connect with a culture that has produced some of the world’s most brilliant minds and beautiful works.

Your journey starts with a single word—perhaps one written by Pushkin himself.

Explore More on Russian Language and Culture

If you enjoyed this article, check out these other posts from the Polyglottist Language Academy blog:

And don’t forget—exploring Russian literature is even more rewarding when you learn the language. Join a Russian class today and start your own Pushkin journey!

Olga Sylvia