Reading Notes W13: Akhmatova, Part X

These set of poems come from poet Anna Akhmatova. Akhmatova was a Russian literary figure who delivered her chosen messages in through various forms of poetry. She is associated with expressing an individuals common emotions in compelling writings as documented from the following section within The Norton Anthology of World Literature Vol. F expressing historical context surrounding her: "Anna Akhmatova expresses herself in an intensely personal, poetic voice, whether as lover, wife, and mother or as a national poet commemorating the mute agony of millions. . . From the subjective romantic lyrics of her earliest work to the communal mourning of Requiem, she conveys universal themes in terms of individual experience, and historical events through the filter of fear, love, hope, and pain" (565). Akhmatova was also viewed as an independent woman, unafraid to express her beliefs and emotions regarding civilian life, war and the government. She also would experiment with her poetry, using different forms to convey herself; such as during World War 2 when her "interest in larger musical forms motivated her to develop cycles of poems instead of her accustomed individual lyrics" (566). In regards to her self expression she would be chastised for independence as explained in the following: "despite her patriotic activities, Akhmatova was subject to vicious official attacks after the war. Because she was considered too independent and cosmopolitan to be tolerated by authorities.. her books were suppressed" (566). The series of poems focused on within this selection centers around the Requiem lyrical cycle. As described, "they are a series of poems written on a theme, but it is also a short epic narrative" (567).

• "No, not under the vault of alien skys,/And not under the shelter of alien wings/I was with my people then,/There, where my people, unfortunately, were." This opening for Requiem firmly sets the emotional scenario that is both fictional and literal to actual events experience by Anna Akhmatova
• This section represents the transition between "normal" tragedies and those suffered that are more sinister