Mikhail Lermontov

Date of Birth: October 15, 1814

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: July 27, 1841

Biography

Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov was a prominent Russian poet, novelist, and playwright of the Romantic period. Born into an aristocratic family, Lermontov’s early life was marked by tragedy when his mother died when he was just three years old. Raised primarily by his grandmother, he showed an early aptitude for literature and the arts. Lermontov’s career as a poet began to flourish in the 1830s, and he quickly became known for his passionate, introspective, and often melancholic works. Lermontov’s most famous work, the novel “A Hero of Our Time,” is considered one of the first examples of Russian psychological realism and remains a significant influence in Russian literature. His poetry often dealt with themes of love, nature, and existential angst, and he was known for his sharp social commentary. Lermontov’s life was cut tragically short at the age of 26 when he was killed in a duel, a common occurrence among Russian aristocrats of the time. Despite his brief life, his impact on Russian literature was profound, earning him the moniker “the poet of the Caucasus” due to his frequent references to the region in his works.

5 Interesting Facts about Mikhail Lermontov

1. Mikhail Lermontov was a descendant of the Scottish poet Thomas the Rhymer.

2. He was expelled from Moscow University due to his rebellious behavior and later attended the Saint Petersburg Cadet School.

3. His poem “Death of the Poet,” written after the death of Alexander Pushkin, catapulted him to fame but also led to his exile to the Caucasus.

4. Lermontov was a talented painter and created many sketches and watercolors, particularly of the Caucasus region.

5. He wrote his first poem at the age of 14, showing early signs of his literary genius.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mikhail Lermontov

1. “A hero of our time is indeed a portrait, but not of one man only. It is a composite portrait, made up of all the vices of our generation in the fullest expression.”

2. “Boredom is the mother of all evils.”

3. “I am not made to be loved.”

4. “There is no happiness on earth, but there is peace in the heavens.”

5. “The only thing that we can be sure of in this life is that we will not be sure of anything.”