Esenin’s Reception in Russia and Abroad

• Main Author: Maxim V. Skorokhodov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences 2016-12-01
• Series: Studia Litterarum
• Subjects: S. Esenin; international conference; reception of Russian literature; interdisciplinary approach; Esenin Studies
• Online Access: http://old.studlit.ru/1-3-4/Skorokhodov.pdf

This is an analytical overview of the International Conference “Esenin in Literature and Culture of the Peoples of Russia and Abroad” held on September 22–24, 2016 in Moscow and Ryazan region. The conference was devoted to the understudied question of Esenin Studies, that is Esenin’s reception in literature and culture of different nations. The papers made it clear that Esenin has significantly influenced the development of the image of Russian literature and culture in many different countries. Esenin’s recognition is facilitated by numerous translations of his poetry into foreign languages. Interest to Esenin and his work arouse during his lifetime; in those years alone, his works became translated into 17 foreign languages. Attention to Esenin’s heritage increased in the year of the 100th anniversary of his birth and continues unabated up to our days. In recent years, international Esenin Studies have been founded, with IWL RAS as its center. They examine the work of the Russian poet in a broad historical, cultural, and literary context. Not only literary scholars and linguists but also historians, art historians, and musicologists are engaged in the study of Esenin’s reception, his biography and contacts. An integrated approach allows apply the methodology of different disciplines to the study of Esenin’s heritage. The conference will result in Esenin’s encyclopedia, currently in progress.