The Image of Eastern Women in the Works of Alexander Pushkin

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Russian Literature, Faculty of History and Philology, Gorno-Altaisk State University, Russia.

2 Department of Russian Language and Literature, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature, University of Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This article explores the role and status of Eastern women in the works of Alexander Pushkin, a celebrated figure in Russian literature. From the sacred scriptures to the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, Eastern narratives have long captivated Russian poets and writers. The Russian literary world has demonstrated a profound interest in Eastern culture, with some authors traveling to the East and others drawing inspiration from texts and oral stories. Women play a pivotal role in many of these orientalist narratives. Pushkin, a key literary figure of Russia’s Golden Age, created works enriched by Eastern culture, granting particular attention to the image and emotional world of Eastern women. This study seeks to answer the following questions: From what perspective does Pushkin address the Eastern woman? Does he admire or criticize them? Is his portrayal of these women intended to foster intercultural dialogue? By analyzing the Eastern woman motif in Pushkin’s works, it becomes clear that various dimensions of women’s individual and social lives were significant to him. Inspired by his personal disposition and the cultural climate of his time, Pushkin created narratives where the theme of Eastern women often draws from religious archetypes and touches upon political, historical, spiritual, social, moral, and romantic dimensions. His works have significantly contributed to the understanding of Eastern women and have left a lasting impact on Russian society.

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References

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