Kremlin Chronicles

Author: Wu Jiayou (Translation)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Ivan Andreyevich Крылов (1769–1844) was a prominent Russian fable writer. He wrote poetry, comedies, satirical prose, and served as an editor for progressive publications, only beginning to write fables in his later years. He believed that the genre of fables was accessible and beloved by all, and its metaphorical language made it easy for authors to express views and beliefs that rulers would not allow to be spoken. Throughout his life, Крылов wrote a total of 203 fables, all in poetic form. In his fables, he employed and refined a vast number of fairy tales and proverbs reflecting the wisdom of the Russian people, and some of his maxims later became new proverbs passed down among the people. Крылов's works enriched the literary language of Russia, and Pushkin called him the "most народный poet of his time." Крылов's fables cover a wide range of themes and are profound in meaning, using allegory to critique the present through the past. The structure of his fables is generally very short, transforming simple, didactic tales into satirical literary works enjoyed by both the educated and the masses. The great Russian literary critic Belinsky once said, "Крылов's fables are not simple fables, but novels, comedies, humorous portraits, and biting satirical literary works—in short, whatever you call them, they are not simple fables." Крылов satirizes the various vices people develop under the exploitative system—envy, stinginess, hypocrisy, flattery, ignorance, selfishness—in his fables, while praising the excellent qualities of the working people—hard work, courage, simplicity, kindness, mutual assistance, and selflessness. Крылов's fables possess broad народность and distinct Russian characteristics. He had a deep understanding of Russian reality and showed great sympathy for the suffering peasants under serfdom. He mercilessly exposed the tyranny of the Tsar and the crimes of the ruling class, with his satire aimed squarely at corrupt officials, sometimes even directly at the Tsar himself. Крылов's fables are imbued with progressive democratic ideals and a spirit of critical realism. In the history of Russian literature, he is regarded as a pioneer of Russian satirical literature alongside such giants as Gogol, Saltykov-Shchedrin, and others. Крылов's fables are virtually household names in Russia. The great revolutionary leader Lenin had a deep fondness for Крылов's fables from a young age and could recite many of them. In his debates with opponents, Lenin often quoted Крылов's fables to satirize them. Statistics show that Lenin cited Крылов's fables over fifty times in his writings. His works are tightly structured, concise yet powerful, vivid in imagery, and characterized by typical personalities. Humor and satire are key features of his fables, serving as moral instruction, critiquing and mocking the flaws of daily life, summarizing life experiences, and advising people on how to improve themselves.