Mayakovsky's Vision: Deconstructing 'The Man'
An in-depth analysis of Vladimir Mayakovsky's seminal 1918 poem, exploring its narrative structure, thematic depth, and historical context.
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The Poem: 'The Man'
Overview
The Man (Original title: ะงะตะปะพะฒะตะบ, Tchelovek) is a significant poem by Vladimir Mayakovsky, penned in late 1916 to early 1917 and subsequently published in February 1918 by ASIS Publishers. It is subtitled "The Thing" (ะะตัั).[1]
Bibliographic Details
The poem's publication details are as follows:
Narrative Structure: The Plot
Gospel Parallels and Personal Echoes
The poem's narrative structure is deliberately built along the lines of the Gospel narrative. It chronicles the "Advent," "Life," and "Rise" of Mayakovsky himself, framing the poet as a messianic figure.[1]
A striking element is the protagonist's discovery, after a thousand years on Earth, that the very street where he lived and tragically died by suicide bears his name. This detail acquired a particularly poignant and sinister resonance following Mayakovsky's own suicide in 1930, an event often attributed, in part, to his tumultuous love life.[2]
The Protagonist's Struggle
According to biographer A. Mikhaylov, the poem's central character is depicted as an acutely sensitive young man deeply affected by social injustice and yearning for societal transformation.[3] This hero is presented as a complex synthesis: a lofty, neo-romantic superman engaged in a battle against universal evils, juxtaposed with the mundane, real-life Mayakovsky entangled in quotidian conflicts.
At the core of the poem lies a profound philosophical exploration of the futility inherent in human aspirations, both personal and societal. This perceived futility is attributed to the inherent baseness of human nature and the pervasive influence of money as the ruling force in the world.[4]
The Premiere and Reception
Moscow Recitation
In December 1917, Mayakovsky relocated from Petrograd to Moscow, taking residence in the San-Remo hotel. During this period, he recited his new work, The Man, on several occasions. A particularly notable event was the Poetic Tournament held in late January 1918 at the home of poet Mikhail Tsetlin.[3]
Esteemed Audience and Critical Acclaim
This gathering featured prominent figures from "two generations of Russian poetry," including luminaries such as Konstantin Balmont, Vyacheslav Ivanov, Andrey Bely, Yurgis Baltrushaitis, Marina Tsvetaeva, David Burlyuk, Vasily Kamensky, Ilya Ehrenburg, Vladislav Khodasevich, Boris Pasternak, Alexey Tolstoy, Pavel Antokolsky, and Vera Inber.[3]
Despite the potentially charged atmosphere of such a meeting, Mayakovsky's recitation of The Man garnered almost unanimous praise from the older generation of poets. Notably, Andrey Bely was profoundly impressed, declaring the poem to be far beyond his comprehension and asserting that it was "way ahead now of the whole world literature."[3] According to Nikolai Aseev, Bely's impassioned speech itself served as a revelation and elicited a significant ovation from the audience.[3]
Thematic Analysis
Futility and Human Nature
Central to The Man is the exploration of the perceived futility of human endeavors. Mayakovsky posits that both individual aspirations and broader societal movements are ultimately undermined by the inherent "baseness" of human nature. This pessimistic outlook suggests that even the most noble intentions or revolutionary ideals are susceptible to corruption or rendered ineffective by fundamental human flaws.
The Power of Money
The poem critically examines the pervasive and corrupting influence of money in society. It is presented not merely as a medium of exchange but as a dominant force that shapes human interactions, compromises ideals, and ultimately dictates the course of events, contributing to the sense of disillusionment and futility.
The Poet as Christ Figure
Mayakovsky employs a deliberate Christological framework, positioning the poet-protagonist as a figure of sacrifice and suffering. This elevates the poet's personal struggles and societal critiques to a level of universal significance, mirroring the redemptive or sacrificial narratives found in religious texts. However, this framework is subverted by the poem's bleak conclusion, questioning the efficacy of such sacrifice in a world dominated by base human nature and materialism.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for academic and informational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and aims to provide a scholarly overview of Vladimir Mayakovsky's poem "The Man."
This is not definitive literary criticism. The information presented is not a substitute for rigorous academic study, primary source analysis, or consultation with literary scholars. While efforts have been made to maintain accuracy and adhere to the source material, interpretations and contextual nuances may require further scholarly investigation.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Readers are encouraged to consult original texts and scholarly works for a comprehensive understanding.