What was Vladimir Mayakovsky's full birth name and his native name?

Vladimir Mayakovsky's full birth name was Vladimir Vladimirovich Mayakovsky. His native name in Russian was Владимир Маяковский.

When and where was Vladimir Mayakovsky born?

Vladimir Mayakovsky was born on July 19, 1893, in Baghdati, which was then part of the Russian Empire and is now in Georgia.

What was the cause of Vladimir Mayakovsky's father's death?

Mayakovsky's father, Vladimir Mayakovsky, died suddenly in 1906 from blood poisoning, which he contracted after pricking his finger on a rusty pin while filing papers.

What languages did Mayakovsky speak at home and with friends in his youth?

At home, Mayakovsky's family spoke Russian. With his friends and at school, he spoke Georgian, and he also noted his mother's Ukrainian heritage.

How did Mayakovsky become involved in socialist activities as a teenager?

While attending the Kutaisi gymnasium, Mayakovsky, at the age of 14, participated in socialist demonstrations. His mother was aware of his activities and supported his engagement with new trends.

What led to Mayakovsky's first imprisonment?

As a young Bolshevik activist, Mayakovsky was involved in distributing propaganda, possessing a pistol without a license, and smuggling political activists out of prison. These activities resulted in his arrest and an 11-month imprisonment in 1909.

When and where did Mayakovsky begin writing poetry?

Mayakovsky began writing verses for the first time while in solitary confinement in the Moscow Butyrka prison in 1909. He stated that his literary career began in that year.

How did Mayakovsky's encounter with David Burlyuk influence his literary path?

In 1911, Mayakovsky met fellow student David Burlyuk, leading to a lasting friendship. Burlyuk recognized Mayakovsky's poetic talent, encouraged him by providing financial support and introducing him to literature, and is credited with turning him into a poet.

What was the nature of the Hylaea group that Mayakovsky joined?

Mayakovsky became an active member and spokesman for the Hylaea group, which was part of the nascent Russian Futurist movement. This group sought to liberate art from academic traditions through provocative public performances and unconventional aesthetics.

What was the significance of the manifesto A Slap in the Face of Public Taste?

Co-signed by Mayakovsky in 1913, A Slap in the Face of Public Taste was a Futurist manifesto that famously called for the rejection of classical Russian literary figures like Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy, advocating for a radical break with tradition.

Describe Mayakovsky's early public performances and his signature stage persona.

Mayakovsky's early public performances, often with fellow Futurists, were characterized by outlandish dress and provocative behavior. He became known for his self-made yellow shirt, which became a distinctive element of his early stage persona.

What was the consequence for Mayakovsky and Burlyuk of their 1913 Russian tour?

The 1913 Russian tour, which involved riotous performances, led to Mayakovsky and Burlyuk being expelled from the Moscow Art School. Their public appearances were deemed incompatible with the school's academic principles.

How did Mayakovsky attempt to avoid military service during World War I?

When World War I began, Mayakovsky volunteered but was rejected for being 'politically unreliable.' Later, in the autumn of 1915, he was mobilized but, unwilling to go to the front lines, joined the Petrograd Military Driving school as a draftsman.

Who was Lilya Brik, and what was her relationship with Mayakovsky?

Lilya Brik was a married woman whom Mayakovsky met in July 1915 and fell deeply in love with. She became his muse, and they lived together with her husband, Osip Brik, for a period. Mayakovsky dedicated many of his major works to her.

What are some of Mayakovsky's major poetic works from the period influenced by his relationship with Lilya Brik?

Influenced by his relationship with Lilya Brik, Mayakovsky wrote several significant poems, including A Cloud in Trousers (1915), Backbone Flute (1915), The War and the World (1916), and The Man (1918).

How did Mayakovsky embrace the Bolshevik Revolution?

Mayakovsky wholeheartedly embraced the Bolshevik Russian Revolution, viewing it as 'his Revolution.' He participated in events supporting the new political regime and expressed his allegiance through his work.

What was Mayakovsky's role in the early Soviet film industry?

In 1918, Mayakovsky wrote scripts for and starred in three silent films produced at Neptun Studios in Petrograd. The only surviving film is The Lady and the Hooligan, based on a story by Edmondo De Amicis.

What was the theme of Mayakovsky's play Mystery-Bouffe?

Mayakovsky's play Mystery-Bouffe, first premiered in 1918 and revised in 1921, depicted a universal flood and the triumph of the 'Unclean' (the proletariat) over the 'Clean' (the bourgeoisie), serving as the first Soviet play.

What was the purpose of the ROSTA posters Mayakovsky created?

From 1919, Mayakovsky worked for the Russian State Telegraph Agency (ROSTA), creating satirical Agitprop posters with rhymes and slogans. These posters aimed to inform the largely illiterate population about current events during the Russian Civil War.

What were some of Mayakovsky's works that criticized the Soviet system?

Mayakovsky wrote works that criticized or satirized aspects of the Soviet system, including the poem Talking With the Taxman About Poetry (1926) and the plays The Bedbug (1929) and The Bathhouse (1929).

What was the Left Art Front (LEF), and what was Mayakovsky's role in it?

Mayakovsky was a prominent member and co-founder of the Left Art Front (LEF) from 1922 to 1928. He helped define its credo of 'literature of fact, not fiction' and edited its journal, LEF, which aimed to re-examine leftist art practices and increase art's value for Communism.

What was the subject of Mayakovsky's epic poem Vladimir Ilyich Lenin?

Mayakovsky wrote the epic poem Vladimir Ilyich Lenin in 1924, following the death of the Soviet Communist leader. The poem was highly successful in public readings and was later published as a book.

What countries did Mayakovsky visit during his travels in 1925?

In May 1925, Mayakovsky traveled to several European cities, then visited the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. In the US, he visited cities like New York, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

What was the nature of Mayakovsky's relationship with Tatiana Yakovleva?

In 1928, Mayakovsky met Tatiana Yakovleva in Paris and fell deeply in love with her, dedicating two poems to her. He attempted to persuade her to return to Russia and even sought to marry her, but was denied a visa.

What were the main criticisms leveled against Mayakovsky's later works?

Some critics and fellow writers, like Boris Pasternak and Valentin Katayev, felt that Mayakovsky squandered his immense talent on propaganda in his later years. Marina Tsvetaeva suggested that Mayakovsky the man had destroyed Mayakovsky the poet over twelve years, culminating in his suicide.

When and how did Vladimir Mayakovsky die?

Vladimir Mayakovsky died by suicide on April 14, 1930, in Moscow. He shot himself through the heart, leaving a suicide note.

What did Mayakovsky's suicide note request?

In his suicide note, Mayakovsky asked not to be blamed for his death, requested that gossip be avoided, and addressed his family members (mother, sisters, Lilya Brik, and Veronika Polonskaya), asking for their provision and stating that the deceased disliked gossip.

What was the scale of public mourning following Mayakovsky's death?

Mayakovsky's funeral on April 17, 1930, was attended by approximately 150,000 people, making it the third-largest public mourning event in Soviet history at that time, following those for Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin.

What controversy surrounds the circumstances of Mayakovsky's death?

Controversy exists regarding Mayakovsky's death, including claims that the bullet removed from his body did not match his pistol, that neighbors heard two shots, and that the investigating officer was later killed. These factors have fueled speculation about whether his death was truly a suicide.

How did Joseph Stalin's posthumous assessment affect Mayakovsky's reputation?

Following Mayakovsky's death, Joseph Stalin declared him 'the best and the most talented poet of our Soviet epoch.' This statement led to Mayakovsky being hailed as a Soviet classic, though his more controversial or intimate works were often censored or ignored.

What changes occurred in Mayakovsky's hometown and in Moscow after his death?

After his death and Stalin's endorsement, Mayakovsky's birthplace, Baghdati, was renamed Mayakovsky in his honor. Triumphal Square in Moscow was also renamed Mayakovsky Square, and the Mayakovskaya Metro Station was opened in 1938.

How did Mayakovsky's legacy evolve in the later Soviet period?

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Mayakovsky's popularity resurged among a new generation of writers who saw him as a symbol of artistic freedom and experimentation. Young poets often gathered at his statue in Moscow for readings.

Which poets and artists acknowledged being influenced by Mayakovsky?

Mayakovsky's work influenced poets such as Nazım Hikmet, Louis Aragon, Pablo Neruda, Frank O'Hara, and Billy Bragg. He also influenced the Lithuanian Four Winds movement and artists like Vladimir Vysotsky.

What is distinctive about Mayakovsky's poetry's visual presentation?

Mayakovsky's poetry is often recognizable by its unique indentation, where lines are staggered across the page. This visual arrangement, sometimes called ladder-like or stepped verse, was part of his experimental style.

What was Mayakovsky's contribution to the journal LEF?

Mayakovsky was a key figure in the Left Art Front (LEF) and served as an editor for its journal, LEF. He helped define its ideology, which focused on documentary art and the rejection of individualism in favor of Communism.

What were Mayakovsky's satirical plays, The Bedbug and The Bathhouse, intended to critique?

Mayakovsky's satirical plays, The Bedbug (1929) and The Bathhouse (1930), were written to critique bureaucratic incompetence, opportunism, and the perceived negative aspects of Soviet society and its emerging philistinism.

What was the nature of Mayakovsky's relationship with Elli Jones?

During his trip to New York in 1925, Mayakovsky had a three-month affair with Elli Jones, an interpreter. They kept their relationship secret, and Jones later gave birth to their daughter, Patricia, whom Mayakovsky met only once.

What is the significance of Mayakovsky's essay How to Make Verses?

How to Make Verses is an essay by Mayakovsky published in 1926, where he discussed his theories and methods of poetry creation, offering insights into his approach to language, form, and poetic expression.

What literary movement is Vladimir Mayakovsky most associated with?

Vladimir Mayakovsky is most strongly associated with Russian Futurism, a movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its rejection of traditional artistic conventions and embrace of modernity, technology, and radical experimentation.

What was Mayakovsky's stance on the concept of Socialist realism?

Mayakovsky found himself in confrontation with the development of Socialist realism, a state-sanctioned artistic doctrine in the Soviet Union. His works that satirized or criticized aspects of the Soviet system met with disapproval from the state and literary establishment.

What were some of the key themes Mayakovsky explored in his poetry?

Mayakovsky's poetry explored a wide range of themes, including love, revolution, religion, art, social critique, the individual's place in society, and the complexities of life in the Soviet era. His work often blended personal experience with political and social commentary.

How did Mayakovsky's early work differ from his later work in terms of critical reception?

Mayakovsky's early Futurist poetry, with its experimental forms and street language, was considered unconventional and even unpoetic by some critics at the time. While his later works, such as Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and All Right!, were praised by some, others felt they represented a decline from his earlier innovative style.

What role did Mayakovsky's sister, Lyudmila Mayakovskaya, play in relation to his legacy?

Lyudmila Mayakovskaya, Vladimir Mayakovsky's sister, was among those who viewed Lilya Brik critically, seeing her as an insensitive manipulator. She was part of a group that sought to preserve an objective picture of Mayakovsky's life and legacy.

What was Mayakovsky's connection to the Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry?

Mayakovsky enrolled in the Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry in 1908, where he studied for two years. His sister, Lyudmila, had also studied there a few years prior.

What is the significance of the Mayakovsky monument in Moscow?

A monument to Vladimir Mayakovsky stands in Moscow, specifically in Mayakovsky Square (formerly Triumfalnaya Square). This location became a gathering place for young poets in the late Soviet period who were inspired by Mayakovsky's spirit of artistic freedom and experimentation.

What was Mayakovsky's view on the role of poetry in society?

Mayakovsky believed poetry should be engaged with society and politics, serving a purpose beyond mere aesthetics. He aimed to create a 'democratic language of the streets' and saw poetry as a tool for social change and propaganda, particularly in support of the Communist Party.

How did Mayakovsky's artistic style evolve over his career?

Mayakovsky's style evolved from the radical experimentation of Russian Futurism, characterized by unconventional forms, neologisms, and bold imagery, to a more direct, propagandistic style supporting the Soviet regime. However, even in his later work, elements of his innovative linguistic approach and powerful emotional expression remained.

What was the impact of Mayakovsky's travels to the United States?

Mayakovsky's travels to the United States in 1925 resulted in his book of essays, My Discovery of America. His experiences and observations in America, including his affair with Elli Jones, also influenced his poetry.

What literary movement did Mayakovsky help found and define?

Mayakovsky was instrumental in founding and defining the Left Art Front (LEF), a movement that emphasized documentary art and the role of art in building Communism. He also contributed to the concept of Communist Futurism.

What literary criticism did Mayakovsky face regarding his later work?

In his later years, Mayakovsky faced criticism for what some perceived as a decline in artistic quality and an overemphasis on propaganda. Critics like Valentin Katayev and Boris Pasternak felt he was squandering his potential on state-sanctioned messaging.

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Biographical Sketch

Origins

Vladimir Vladimirovich Mayakovsky was born on July 19, 1893, in Baghdati, Russian Empire (now Georgia). His background was a confluence of Russian, Ukrainian, and Cossack heritage. His father was a forester, and the family relocated to Moscow after his father's death from blood poisoning.

Early Activism

As a youth, Mayakovsky became involved with socialist movements, joining the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. His political activities led to arrests and a period of imprisonment in Butyrka prison, where he began writing poetry. This early experience intertwined his revolutionary fervor with his artistic expression.

Artistic Education

Mayakovsky studied at the Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry and later the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. His artistic inclinations were profoundly shaped by his encounter with David Burlyuk, a key figure in Russian Futurism, who recognized and nurtured his poetic talent.

Literary and Revolutionary Career

Futurist Vanguard

Mayakovsky was a leading figure in Russian Futurism, co-signing the manifesto "A Slap in the Face of Public Taste" (1913). His early works, like "A Cloud in Trousers" (1915) and "Backbone Flute" (1916), were characterized by bold experimentation, powerful rhythms, street language, and a rejection of traditional poetic forms.

Embracing the Revolution

Mayakovsky wholeheartedly embraced the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. He became a prominent voice for the Communist Party, producing agitprop posters, topical verses, and plays like "Mystery-Bouffe" (1918) that celebrated the proletariat and the new Soviet era. His work often aimed to serve the cause of Communism.

Complex Relationship with the State

Despite his ideological alignment, Mayakovsky's relationship with the Soviet state was often fraught. He frequently clashed with increasing censorship and the imposition of Socialist Realism. His satirical works, such as "The Bedbug" (1929) and "The Bathhouse" (1930), which critiqued bureaucratic elements within the system, drew criticism from the literary establishment.

Theatrical Works

Early Dramas

Mayakovsky's theatrical output began with his avant-garde tragedy, Vladimir Mayakovsky (1914), which explored themes of sacrifice and societal progress. His post-revolutionary play, Mystery-Bouffe (1918, revised 1921), is considered the first Soviet play, allegorizing the class struggle.

Satirical Masterpieces

In his later years, Mayakovsky penned sharp satires targeting the burgeoning bureaucracy and philistinism of Soviet society. The Bedbug (1929) and The Bathhouse (1930) are prime examples, using absurdist and grotesque elements to critique societal failings. These works, though controversial, showcased his enduring critical spirit.

Vladimir Mayakovsky (Tragedy, 1914)
Mystery-Bouffe (1918)
The Bedbug (1929)
The Bathhouse (1930)
Moscow Burns. 1905 (1930)

Cinematic Ventures

Silent Film Era

Mayakovsky ventured into filmmaking in the early Soviet period, writing scripts and acting in silent films. He starred in three films produced by Neptun Studios in Petrograd. While most are lost, The Lady and the Hooligan (1918), based on Edmondo De Amicis, survives.

Screenwriting and Performance

His involvement in cinema reflected the Futurist interest in new media. Mayakovsky's scripts and performances, though limited in surviving output, demonstrate his engagement with visual arts and popular culture as vehicles for his revolutionary message. The surviving film, The Lady and the Hooligan, showcases his dramatic presence.

Not Born for Money (1918)
Fettered by Film (1918)
Lady and the Hooligan (1918)

Final Act: Suicide

Tragic End

On April 14, 1930, Vladimir Mayakovsky died by suicide in Moscow, aged 36. His death followed a period of intense creative pressure, strained personal relationships, and growing disillusionment with the Soviet literary bureaucracy. His final note expressed complex sentiments towards his loved ones and the state.

Controversy and Legacy

The circumstances surrounding Mayakovsky's death have been subject to debate, with theories ranging from personal despair to political persecution. His funeral drew immense crowds, highlighting his significant public stature. The controversy surrounding his legacy and the state's handling of his work continued for decades.

"To all of you. I die, but don't blame anyone for it, and please do not gossip. The deceased disliked that sort of thing terribly. Mother, sisters, comrades, forgive me – this is not a good method (I do not recommend it to others), but there is no other way out for me. Lily – love me..."

Enduring Influence

Soviet Reappraisal

Following his death, Mayakovsky's status fluctuated. Initially criticized, he was later posthumously lauded by Joseph Stalin as the "best and most talented poet of our Soviet epoch." This led to his canonization as a state-sanctioned poet, though critics argue this simplified and censored his complex legacy.

Global Impact

Mayakovsky's innovative style and revolutionary zeal influenced poets worldwide, including Pablo Neruda and Nâzım Hikmet. His experimental use of language, typography, and performance continues to resonate in avant-garde art and literature, cementing his position as a pivotal figure of 20th-century modernism.

Poetic Innovation

His legacy lies not only in his political engagement but also in his radical transformation of poetic language. Mayakovsky's distinctive "ladder" verse structure, neologisms, and powerful, declamatory style redefined poetry's potential as a public and political force.

Key Works

Major Poems

Mayakovsky produced a vast body of poetry, including epic narrative poems and shorter lyrical pieces. His works often blended personal passion with political commentary.

A Cloud in Trousers (1915)
Backbone Flute (1916)
150,000,000 (1921)
About That (1923)
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1924)
All Right! (1927)

Prose and Theory

Beyond poetry and drama, Mayakovsky authored essays and theoretical writings, notably "How to Make Verses" (1926), which articulated his views on poetic craft and its role in society. His travelogues, like "My Discovery of America" (1926), also offered unique perspectives.

My Discovery of America (1926)
How to Make Verses (1926)

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References

I, Myself (autobiography). The Works by Vladimir Mayakovsky in 6 volumes. Ogonyok Library. Pravda Publishers. Moscow, 1973. Vol.I, pp.

Commentaries to Autobiography (I, Myself). The Works by Vladimir Mayakovsky in 6 volumes. Ogonyok Library. Pravda Publishers. Moscow, 1973. Vol.I, p.455

"The Very Veronika Polonskaya". Sovetsky Ekran (Soviet Screen) magazine interview, No. 13, 1990

Katanyan, Vasily. Life and Work Timeline, 1893â1930. Year 1925. Moscow. Sovetsky Pisatel (5th edition).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Vladimir Mayakovsky Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not literary or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional academic research or consultation. Always refer to primary sources and scholarly analyses for a comprehensive understanding of Vladimir Mayakovsky's life and work.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Mayakovsky: The Futurist Firebrand

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Sketch 👤

🌍 Origins

✊ Early Activism

🎨 Artistic Education

Literary and Revolutionary Career 🚀

💥 Futurist Vanguard

📜 Embracing the Revolution

🗣️ Complex Relationship with the State

Theatrical Works 🎭

🎬 Early Dramas

satirist Satirical Masterpieces

Cinematic Ventures 🎬

🎞️ Silent Film Era

🎥 Screenwriting and Performance

Final Act: Suicide 💔

🔫 Tragic End

❓ Controversy and Legacy

Enduring Influence 🌟

🏛️ Soviet Reappraisal

🌍 Global Impact

📚 Poetic Innovation

Key Works 📖

📝 Major Poems

✍️ Prose and Theory

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Sketch

Origins

Early Activism

Artistic Education

Literary and Revolutionary Career

Futurist Vanguard

Embracing the Revolution

Complex Relationship with the State

Theatrical Works

Early Dramas

Satirical Masterpieces

Cinematic Ventures

Silent Film Era

Screenwriting and Performance

Final Act: Suicide

Tragic End

Controversy and Legacy

Enduring Influence

Soviet Reappraisal

Global Impact

Poetic Innovation

Key Works

Major Poems

Prose and Theory

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice