Dear readers and subscribers, this week, I have translated and analyzed the poem “Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy” by Sergei Yesenin into English, providing both the English and Russian versions side by side. This poem reflects on the complexities of life and death, as well as the destiny of humanity on Earth, and was written in August 1925, shortly before his tragic suicide. As usual I added a beautiful painting which is “Autumn morning” by Grigoriy Grigorievich Myasoyedov. This great painting captures the serene beauty of an autumn morning and showcases the talent of the painter.
As usual the whole article is freely available on the site, but the French translation of the article is always published one day after the English one.
I hope you enjoy this poem and painting as much as I did
- Short analysis of the poem “Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy” by Sergei Yesenin
- Painting “Autumn morning” by Grigoriy Grigorievich Myasoyedov and about the painter
- Translation of the poem “Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy” by Sergei Yesenin in English with English and Russian side by side
Short analysis of the poem “Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy” by Sergei Yesenin
The poem “Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy” is a poignant example of Sergei Yesenin’s late philosophical lyrics. Written in August 1925, shortly before his tragic suicide, the poem reflects his contemplation on life and death, as well as the fate of humankind on Earth. During this time, Yesenin was traveling across the country and happened to be in Mardakan, Azerbaijan. It is believed that he may have been struggling with tuberculosis, which likely contributed to his depression and ultimately led to his untimely demise. Despite the melancholic circumstances surrounding its creation, this poem serves as a testament to Yesenin’s profound introspection and artistic brilliance.
In the first quatrain of the poem, it becomes evident that Yesenin perceives life as a forceful entity. He portrays life as being strong, and having forceful hand, and having the power to write fatal letters. This imagery suggests that life possesses the power to deliver fatal outcomes, further illustrating Yesenin’s belief in its formidable nature.
Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy
That is why it is so strong,
That with its rough hand
It writes fatal letters.
In the second quatrain, life, as observed by the poet, is a master in the art of disguising the harsh realities of existence with delightful illusions. It is through these fleeting moments of happiness that our affection for life blossoms, enabling us to overlook the constant hardships it imposes upon us. The pure bliss we derive from the smile of a cherished companion makes us willingly forgive life’s relentless trials and tribulations. Perhaps that without the multitude of mistakes and inevitable retributions, we would not truly appreciate and savor the precious instants of joy that grace our lives. It is this intricate dance between adversity and elation that compels us to embrace the beauty of life’s paradoxical nature.
Painting “Autumn morning” by Grigoriy Grigorievich Myasoyedov
Grigory Grigorievich Myasoyedov was a Russian painter born on April 7 (19), 1834, in Pankovo, Tula Province, Russian Empire. He was one of the most prominent figure in Russian realism during the second half of the 19th century, and played a pivotal role as the founder of the Association of Mobile Art Exhibitions. Through his art, Grigory primarily focused on depicting the lives of peasants, making it the central theme of his work. Grigory Grigorievich passed away on December 18 (31), 1911, in Poltava, Russian Empire. but his contributions as an artist continue to be celebrated to this day.
Translation of the poem “Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy” by Sergei Yesenin in English with English and Russian side by side
| Жизнь обман с чарующей тоскою | Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy |
| Translated by Akirill.com Nov 20, 2023 | |
| Жизнь — обман с чарующей тоскою, | Life is a deception with enchanting melancholy |
| Оттого так и сильна она, | That is why it is so strong, |
| Что своею грубою рукою | That with its rough hand |
| Роковые пишет письмена. | It writes fatal letters. |
| . | |
| Я всегда, когда глаза закрою, | I always, when closing my eyes, |
| Говорю: «Лишь сердце потревожь, | Say: “Just disturb our heart, |
| Жизнь — обман, но и она порою | Life is a deception, but sometimes it also |
| Украшает радостями ложь». | Decorates lies with joys.” |
| . | |
| Читать далее … | Continue Reading … |
< < < Je suis un berger (Ru/Fr) / I am a shepherd / Я пастух (Рус/Анг.) / (Рус/ Фра.)
Le Cygne (Ru/Fr) / Swan (Ru/Eng) / Лебедушка (Рус/Анг.) / (Рус/ Фра.) > > >
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