SOURCE: “The Conflict Between Reality and a Higher Realm,” in E. A. Baratynsky, Twayne Publishers, Inc., 1972, pp. 74-98.

In the following excerpt, Dees discusses the development of Baratynsky's poetic style during the 1820s, focusing on his view of nature and treatment of the theme of death as well as the inherent conflict between Romantic content and Classical expression in his poetry.

The middle and late 1820's were a period of perplexed transition in both Baratynsky's creative development and his personal life. In April, 1825, he was promoted to lieutenant (poruchik) which, insofar as his verse was concerned, deprived him of the image of the “exile.” Moreover, in October of the same year he arrived in Moscow on leave and did not return to Finland, thus putting an effective end to the inspiration and background provided by the special character of Finnish nature.

Although his marriage in 1826 strengthened his ties...