Boris Pasternak
Biography
Boris Leonidovich Pasternak (1890 – 1960) was a Russian poet, novelist, and literary translator. He is best known in the West for his monumental novel 'Doctor Zhivago' (1957), a tragic love story set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution and subsequent civil war. Born into an artistic family in Moscow, Pasternak initially studied music and philosophy before committing to poetry. His early work was associated with Futurism, but he soon developed a highly individual, lyrical style. Throughout his life, he faced political pressure and censorship from the Soviet authorities, particularly after the publication of 'Doctor Zhivago' abroad, which led to his forced rejection of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Selected Thoughts
«Man is born to live, not to prepare for life.»
«Art always serves beauty, and beauty is the joy of possessing form, and form is the key to organic life, since no living thing can exist without form.»
«And remember, it was I who was first to say that man is an ape. So be it. But at least I have made him an ape of God.»
Writing Style
Pasternak's writing style is characterized by its rich, often complex lyrical quality, vivid imagery, and philosophical depth. He frequently employed metaphors and symbolism drawn from nature, music, and Christian motifs. His prose, particularly in 'Doctor Zhivago', is noted for its poetic rhythm and intense emotional resonance, combining detailed realism with profound spiritual introspection. He often uses long, flowing sentences and a dense, allusive narrative structure.