Gavrila Derzhavin biography. Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin: short biography. Literary activity after retirement

Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin occupies a significant place in Russian literature along with D.I. Fonvizin and M.V. Lomonosov. Together with these titans of Russian literature, he is included in the brilliant galaxy of founders of Russian classical literature of the Enlightenment era, dating back to the second half of the 18th century. At this time, largely thanks to the personal participation of Catherine the Second, science and art were rapidly developing in Russia.

This is the time of the first appearance Russian universities, libraries, theaters, public museums and a relatively independent press, however, very relative and for a short period, which ended with the appearance of “Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow” by A.P. Radishcheva. The most fruitful period of the poet’s activity dates back to this time, as Famusov Griboyedov called it, “the golden age of Catherine.”

Life

The future poet was born on July 14, 1743 in the family estate of Sokury near Kazan.
Even in early childhood, he lost his father, an officer in the Russian army, and was raised by his mother Fyokla Andreevna Kozlova. Derzhavin's life was bright and eventful, largely thanks to his intelligence, energy and character. There have been incredible ups and downs. Based on his biography, one could write an adventure novel based on real events. But, more about everything.

In 1762, as befits children of the nobility, he was accepted into the Preobrazhensky Regiment as an ordinary guardsman. In 1772 he became an officer and from 1773 to 1775. took part in the suppression of the Pugachev rebellion. At this time, two completely opposite in significance and improbability events happen to him. During the Pugachev riot, he completely lost his fortune, but soon won 40,000 rubles in a card game.

It was only in 1773 that his first poems were published. Some people date back to this period of life. Interesting Facts his life. Like many officers, he did not shy away from carousing and gambling, which almost deprived Russia of a great poet. Cards drove him to cheating; all sorts of unseemly tricks were committed for the sake of money. Fortunately, he was able to realize in time the harmfulness of this path and change his lifestyle.

In 1777 he left with military service resign. Enters to serve as a state councilor in the Senate. It is worth noting that he was an incorrigible truth-teller, and, moreover, did not particularly worship his superiors, for which he never enjoyed the love of the latter. From May 1784 to 1802 was on public service, including from 1791-1793. cabinet secretary of Catherine II, however, his inability to openly flatter and promptly suppress reports unpleasant to the royal ears contributed to the fact that he did not stay here for long. During his service, he rose in his career to become the Minister of Justice of the Russian Empire.

Thanks to his truth-loving and irreconcilable character, Gabriel Romanovich did not stay in each position for more than two years due to constant conflicts with thieving officials, as can be seen from the chronology of his service. All attempts to achieve justice only irritated his high patrons.

During all this time he was engaged in creative activities. The odes “God” (1784), “Thunder of Victory, Ring Out!” were created. (1791, the unofficial anthem of Russia), well known to us from Pushkin’s story “Dubrovsky”, “The Nobleman” (1794), “Waterfall” (1798) and many others.
After retirement, he lived on his family estate Zvanka in the Novgorod province, where he devoted all his time to creativity. He passed away on July 8, 1816.

Literary creativity

Derzhavin became widely known in 1782 with the publication of the ode “Felitsa,” dedicated to the Empress. Early works- an ode to the wedding of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich, published in 1773. In general, the ode occupies one of the dominant places in the poet’s work. His odes have reached us: “On the death of Bibikov”, “On the nobles”, “On Her Majesty’s Birthday”, etc. In his first compositions one can feel an open imitation of Lomonosov. Over time, he moved away from this and adopted the works of Horace as a model for his odes. He published his works mainly in the St. Petersburg Bulletin. These are: “Songs to Peter the Great” (1778), an epistole to Shuvalov, “On the death of Prince Meshchersky”, “The Key”, “On the birth of a porphyry-born youth” (1779), “On the absence of the empress in Belarus”, “To the first neighbor”, “ To rulers and judges" (1780).

The sublime tone and vivid pictures of these works attracted the attention of writers. The poet attracted the attention of society with his “Ode to Felitsa,” dedicated to the queen. A snuff box studded with diamonds and 50 chervonets were the reward for the ode, thanks to which he was noticed by the queen and the public. His odes “To the Capture of Ishmael” and “Waterfall” brought him no less success. The meeting and close acquaintance with Karamzin led to cooperation in Karamzin’s Moscow Journal. His “Monument to a Hero”, “On the Death of Countess Rumyantseva”, “The Majesty of God” were published here.

Shortly before the departure of Catherine the Second, Derzhavin presented her with his handwritten collection of works. This is remarkable. After all, the poet’s talent flourished precisely during her reign. In fact, his work became a living monument to the reign of Catherine II. IN last years In his life he tried to experiment with tragedies, epigrams and fables, but they do not have the same height as his poetry.

Criticism was mixed. From awe to almost complete denial of his work. Only the works of D. Grog, dedicated to Derzhavin, which appeared after the revolution, and his efforts to publish the works and biography of the poet made it possible to evaluate his work.
For us, Derzhavin is the first poet of that era whose poems can be read without additional comments and explanations.

Derzhavin Gabriel Romanovich, whose biography formed the basis of this article, forever entered the Russian history not only as an outstanding poet and playwright, but also as a statesman who went from a private in the guard to the head of the Ministry of Justice. Having a huge impact on further development Russian literature, he at the same time became a model of a true citizen and patriot.

The childhood of a young poet

Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin was born on July 14, 1743 in the family village of Sokury near Kazan. The family had many children, and due to the early death of its head, Roman Nikolaevich, the mother of the future poet, Fyokla Andreevna, could not give the children a proper education. This was also hampered by frequent moves caused by various everyday circumstances.

Nevertheless, while studying at an Orenburg school and then at a Kazan gymnasium, young Gabriel Derzhavin early became addicted to classical Russian poetry, the highest examples of which at that time were the poems of M. Lomonosov, V. Trediakovsky and A. Sumarokov. His first own poetic experiments date back to this time. However, the early poems of the novice poet came out somewhat clumsily and clumsily - this was due to the lack of knowledge of the basics of versification and the opportunity to consult with someone more experienced in this area.

Army service

In 1762, Gabriel Derzhavin was assigned as a private in the Preobrazhensky Guards Regiment, which took part in the coup d'etat, which resulted in the accession to the throne of Empress Catherine II. The years spent in the army, by the poet’s own admission, were the most joyless period of his life. Heavy military service took up almost all of his time and energy, allowing him to write poetry only in rare free moments.

Subsequently, Gabriel Derzhavin, briefly describing in his memoirs the features of army life, said that in those years he often indulged in a common vice of the guards regiments - playing cards. Moreover, having found himself in an environment where cheating flourished, he himself quickly learned their trickster tricks, and only thanks to “God and his mother’s prayers” - that’s exactly what he wrote in his memoirs - did he not slide to the bottom of society.

Looking ahead to your future career

Beginning in 1772, the further biography of Gabriel Derzhavin took a different direction: he was promoted to officer, and from 1773 to 1775 he took part in the work of the state commission investigating the circumstances of the Pugachev rebellion.

Experiencing severe financial difficulties, Gabriel Romanovich turned to the empress herself for help, since in those days the autocrats did not yet disdain to read the letters of their subjects. His direct superior, Commander-in-Chief of the troops, Chief General A. Bibikov, attached his own report to the message, in which he highly appreciated Derzhavin’s merits in “establishing law-abidingness among the Kalmyks.” As a result, very soon the young man was awarded the rank of collegiate adviser and became the owner of 300 serf souls, bestowed upon him personally by the empress.

First marriage and attainment of creative maturity

In the same year, 1775, another important and joyful event occurred in the life of Gabriel Derzhavin - he got married. His wife was the sixteen-year-old girl Ekaterina Bastidon, whose father was once the valet of the murdered Emperor Peter III, and whose mother was the nurse of the future Emperor Paul I. As befits a true poet, Derzhavin sang his chosen one in poetry, calling her Plenira - from the verb “to captivate” "

Most researchers of the poet’s work consider these years to be the period when he found his own literary style, which made it possible to create a cycle of outstanding works in the genre of philosophical lyrics. At the same time, his works began to be published for the first time, but did not bring the author widespread fame in literary circles.

Golden snuffbox from the hands of the Empress

Fame came to Derzhavin only after writing the ode “Felitsa”, dedicated to Empress Catherine II. In this work, filled with the most loyal feelings, the author presented the Russian autocrat as the ideal of an enlightened ruler and mother of nations.

Such obvious flattery, dressed in a highly artistic form, did not go without due reward. The “Mother of Nations” granted the poet a golden snuffbox studded with diamonds and filled with chervonets, after which Gabriel Romanovich’s career took off sharply. Appointments to various high positions followed one after another, but Derzhavin’s character traits prevented him from getting along with other officials and caused frequent transfers from place to place.

At the head of the Olonets region

In 1776, the previously created Olonets province was transformed into a governorate, and by decree of the Empress, Gabriel Derzhavin was appointed its first governor. His responsibilities, among other things, included monitoring compliance with the law by all officials subordinate to him. This turned out to be the cause of many troubles that soon followed.

In those early years, embezzlers were not yet called corrupt officials, but this did not make them less numerous. Theft was widespread, and the expression “take according to rank” even came into use. This meant that petty bureaucrats could “grasp” with impunity only a small fraction of what they had access to. Middle-level officials were secretly allowed to profit in a much larger volume, but everyone, “a greedy crowd standing at the throne,” as M.Yu. Lermontov, - they plunged their hand into the treasury up to the elbow with impunity.

It was these lawlessnesses that once happened in Russia that Gabriel Romanovich encountered in his new post. Being a decent and law-abiding person, he tried his best to fight the evil that surrounded him, but as a result he only made numerous ill-wishers both in the structures under his control and in court circles, which was the reason for his subsequent resignation.

Nevertheless, during the years spent as governor, and having a residence first in Petrozavodsk and then in Tambov, Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin managed to do many good deeds before his resignation. Thus, through his efforts, the first Tambov theater was opened, a city school was built, a hospital for the poor opened its doors, and a printing house began operating.

Cabinet Secretary of the Empress

The next step on the career ladder of Gabriel Derzhavin was service as the personal office secretary of Catherine II. Ignoring the slander that rained down on the poet from all sides, the Empress brought him closer to her as a sign of gratitude for the ode he had once written in her honor.

But Gabriel Romanovich did not stay in this position for long, since he had the habit of reporting on all matters, presenting them in a true, and sometimes unsightly, light, which greatly upset his benefactress. He also bothered her with constant petitions for those in need and suffering from injustice. It ended with the Empress being tired of him, and she sent him out of sight - she transferred him to the Senate.

Creator of the first Russian anthem

While in this honorable exile, Derzhavin created his most famous work. In 1791, inspired by the news of the capture of the Turkish fortress of Izmail by Russian troops under the command of A.V. Suvorov, he wrote the poem “The Thunder of Victory, Ring Out.” Set to music by composer Osip Kozlovsky, over the following years it was the official anthem of Russia, which was replaced only in 1833 by the famous “God Save the Tsar,” written by another outstanding Russian poet, V. Zhukovsky, in collaboration with composer A. Lvov.

Remarriage

In 1794, Gabriel Romanovich’s wife, the muse he once sang in poetry, died, giving her the romantic name Plenira. After a year, the not-so-old widower married again. He united his fate with Daria Alekseevna Dyakova, who also became the heroine of his poems, this time under the name Milena.

Both marriages of the famous poet, although filled with love, turned out to be childless. Having no offspring of their own, the couple raised the children of the deceased family friend P. Lazarev. One of them, Mikhail, later became a famous admiral, discoverer and explorer of the Arctic.

Career peak

During the reign of Paul I, Derzhavin served as president of the Commerce Collegium and state treasurer, and Alexander I, who subsequently ascended the throne, appointed him minister of justice. But wherever he served, Gabriel Romanovich tried with all his might to eradicate bribery and embezzlement, which invariably made enemies for himself. In 1803 he filed a petition for highest name and finished government activities, devoting himself entirely to literature.

Subsequent life and work of the poet

Even before his resignation, Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin loved Zvanka, an estate that belonged to his second wife Daria Alekseevna. He spent the last years of his life there, writing about 60 poems and preparing the first volume of his works for publication. In addition to poetic works, his name is associated with works in the field of drama. These include librettos created for several operas, as well as tragedies: “Herod and Marianne”, “Eupraxia” and “The Dark One”.

Derzhavin's poetry had a huge influence on the early work of A. S. Pushkin, who read his poems from childhood and studied them in Russian literature classes at the Lyceum. They only got to see each other once. In 1815, Derzhavin was invited to the Lyceum exam, where the still very young Alexander Pushkin read his famous poem “Memories of Tsarskoe Selo” in his presence. A reproduction from a painting by I. E. Repin reproducing this episode is presented in the article. The venerable master, seeing his brilliant successor in the dark young man and deeply touched by his poems, wanted to hug Pushkin, but he ran away, unable to hold back his sobs.

The death of the poet and the subsequent fate of his remains

Death overtook him in 1816 on the Zvanka estate, which, as mentioned above, Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin loved before his retirement, often visited, and in which he spent the rest of his life. His ashes, transported along the Volkhov to Veliky Novgorod, were buried in the Transfiguration Cathedral, located on the territory of the Varlaamo-Khutyn Monastery. Later, his second wife, Daria Alekseevna, was buried there.

During the Great Patriotic War the monastery found itself in a combat zone and was completely destroyed. The Derzhavins' grave was also badly damaged. In 1959, their remains were reburied, placed in the Novgorod Detinets, and in 1993, when the poet’s 250th anniversary was celebrated, they were returned to the Varlaamo-Khutyn Monastery, which had been revived by that time.

Among the names of outstanding Russian poets who brought glory to Russian literature, Gabriel Derzhavin, short biography which was presented in this article. The study of his life and work is of great importance not only from the aesthetic side, but also from the educational side, since the truths that he preached are eternal.

Russian poet Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin was born on July 14, 1743 into a noble, but very poor family, in the Kazan province. The village of Karmachi was the family nest of the Derzhavins. Gabriel's father, a hereditary nobleman, died early, and his mother was exhausted so that Gabriel and his brother received an education worthy of the title of nobleman. In those days, in the Russian outback, it was almost impossible to find good and knowledgeable teachers for a modest remuneration, and expensive and famous tutors preferred to live and work in Moscow and St. Petersburg. But Gavrila Derzhavin was persistent and very quickly surpassed his illiterate teachers - despite the fact that he was not in good health.

From 1759 to 1762 Derzhavin studied at the Kazan city gymnasium. As often happens, in childhood and adolescence, despite the desire to study, it was difficult to discern in Derzhavin a powerful genius and reformer of Russian literature. The Kazan gymnasium did not have knowledgeable teachers, and young Derzhavin learned educational institution only chaotic and fragmentary knowledge. Thanks to his German teacher, he knew this subject, but he was very far from speaking French. Gavrila read a lot on his own, but had a vague idea of ​​the rules and canons of versification. It may very well be that it was this gap in knowledge that gave him the opportunity in the future to write his poems contrary to the rules. However, breaking the rules, he put great inspiration and fortitude into the lines. His poet friends tried to bring the lines of Derzhavin’s poems to the existing rhythm, but Gavrila himself insisted on his right to write, regardless of the existing canons and in accordance only with his own considerations.

As a result of a clerical incident, Derzhavin's studies at the gymnasium were interrupted, and in 1762 he was called up (a year earlier!) for military service in St. Petersburg. Moreover, the clerk made a mistake in such a way that the nobleman Derzhavin was assigned, albeit to the noble Preobrazhensky Regiment, but only with the rank of soldier. And it just so happened that in the same year Derzhavin, together with his regiment, took part in a palace coup - Empress Catherine II came to power. There was a catastrophic lack of soldier support, and since Derzhavin was quarrelsome and truthful even from senior officials did not hide, then, unlike “normal” noble offspring, he waited for an officer’s rank for ten years and lived in the barracks. It is quite difficult to find time to study literature in a soldier’s life, but Derzhavin periodically composed ditties and comic poems, which were invariably in high demand and popularity among soldiers. In addition, at the request of illiterate soldiers, he wrote letters and petitions for them. And yet Derzhavin found time to read Sumarokov and Trediakovsky. But he had a special relationship with Lomonosov, who was an idol and model for the young poet. Derzhavin was also interested in German poets, tried to translate poems into Russian and even tried to apply their techniques in his writings. But he then considered literature to be food for the soul and did not perceive it as a possible work in life.

In 1772, Derzhavin still waited for production in officer rank and decided to make a military career - to advance in service. He believed that honest service to the Fatherland would help him improve his financial affairs. In 1173, the Preobrazhensky Guards Regiment was sent to suppress Pugachev's uprising, and Derzhavin took an active part in this. Gabriel Romanovich's unit was based at Mount Chatalagai, not far from Saratov. Here Derzhavin got acquainted with the odes of Frederick II, King of Prussia, and made such a high-quality translation of four odes that they were published in 1776. The odes attracted the close attention of readers to the young poet-translator. In any case, these works were not yet independent creations of the poet, and the strong influence of Sumarokov and Lomonosov on Derzhavin’s style is clearly visible. And yet, this solemn poetic language and the need to strictly follow the rules of classical versification had a depressing effect on the young poet, fettered him, and he sought his own path in writing poetry, which at that time was not yet realized by him.

At the end of the seventies, dramatic changes took place both in Derzhavin’s work and in his life. At this time, he served in the Senate and came to the deepest conviction that this was not his field and he would never get along in a place where the truth was worthless. Another huge change in the poet’s life was love. He falls madly in love at first sight - in 1778, with Catherine Bastidon. The feeling turned out to be mutual, and in the same year Derzhavin married Ekaterina Yakovlevna, who would become an endless source of inspiration for many years and would be sung in Derzhavin’s poems, hidden under the name “Plenira.” But not only family life and happiness contribute to the development of the poet’s talent - he communicates with major writers of the time, such as I. I. Khemnitser, V. A. Kapnist, N. A. Lvov, and friendly communication gradually affects the poet’s literary gift. Discussions in this company about new trends in literature and the canons of ancient versification naturally helped Derzhavin realize his capabilities as a poet and see his goals more clearly. Gabriel Romanovich himself wrote that this was a global and profound change in his worldview, and that since 1779 he chose his own, special poetic path. He threw away the rules and canons of classicist poetry, like a butterfly throwing away an unnecessary cocoon, and his creativity was no longer constrained by anything. In 1782, Derzhavin composed “Odes to Felitsa” - an appeal to Catherine II. The Empress never forgot either her enemies or her friends. She did not forget the Preobrazhensky Regiment, which brought her to power. Derzhavin was treated kindly and awarded by the empress. In 1784, the poet was appointed governor of the Olonets region, and in 1785 he was transferred to Tambov, where he served until 1788.

The year 1791 was marked for him by his appointment as Secretary of State of the Empress. However, Derzhavin wanted the empress to take an active part in the fate of her subjects. She only needed poetry from him. Derzhavin's straightforwardness led to his resignation from the post of secretary in 1793, and a year later he was appointed president of the Commerce Collegium. But the poet did not please Emperor Paul either, although he managed to return his favor with an ode to his accession to the throne. From 1802 to 1803, Derzhavin served as Russia's Minister of Justice, but was removed from his post by Alexander I for "overly zealous service." Derzhavin never returned to public service and was able to devote himself to the muses.

Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin died on July 20, 1816, on an estate near Novgorod, where he spent the last years of his life. A poet and statesman who searched for the truth all his life, Derzhavin opened a new age of Russian lyricism - it was thanks to his talent that the rhetoric of classicism gave way to true poetry.

Derzhavin, Gabriel Romanovich, famous poet. Born on July 3, 1743 in Kazan, into a family of small landed nobles. His father, an army officer, lived first in Yaransk, then in Stavropol, and finally in Orenburg. Derzhavin’s parents were not educated, but... ... Biographical Dictionary

- - famous poet, statesman and public figure of the second half of the last and first quarter of this century (b. July 3, 1743, d. July 8, 1816). His ancestor, the Tatar Murza Bagrim, in the 15th century, during the reign of Vasily... ... Large biographical encyclopedia

DERZHAVIN Gabriel Romanovich- Gavriil Romanovich (07/3/1743, Kazan (according to other sources, the village of Karmachi or Sokury near Kazan) 07/8/1816, the village of Zvanka, Novgorod district and province), poet, state. activist From a small noble family of Tatars. origin. In 1759 1762 studied at… … Orthodox Encyclopedia

Derzhavin, Gabriel Romanovich- See also (1743 1716). At a public examination at the Lyceum (1814), young Pushkin, in the presence of Derzhavin, read his Memoirs in Tsarskoe Selo. The poet retained the memory of this first performance in the literary field (Message Zhuk., 1816,... ... Dictionary of literary types

Famous poet; genus. July 3, 1743 in Kazan; By origin he belonged to the small landed nobility. His father, an army officer, almost immediately after the birth of the child had to move even further east on business and lived either in Yaransk or in... ... encyclopedic Dictionary F. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Derzhavin, Gabriel Romanovich- (1743 1816) began his poetic activity with odes, in which he tried to imitate Lomonosov. However, starting with Felitsa, an ode in honor of Catherine II, the solemn tone of Lomonosov’s lyrics gradually gives way to Derzhavin’s more lively reality... Historical reference book of Russian Marxist

Derzhavin, Gabriel Romanovich- See also (1743 1816). The first book that Goncharov came across outside of class were D.’s works, which he rewrote and learned by heart (Autobiography) ... Dictionary of literary types

Gabriel Derzhavin Portrait by Borovikovsky Date of birth: July 3 (14), 1743 Place of birth: Kazan, Russian empire Date of death: July 8 (20), 1816 Place of death: Zvanka estate ... Wikipedia

Gabriel Derzhavin Portrait by Borovikovsky Date of birth: July 3 (14), 1743 Place of birth: Kazan, Russian Empire Date of death: July 8 (20), 1816 Place of death: Zvanka estate ... Wikipedia

Books

• Crimea in Russian poetry and art. Anthology, Derzhavin Gavriil Romanovich, Annensky Innokenty Fedorovich, Benediktov Vladimir Grigorievich. Crimea - the “Mecca” of Russian poetry and Russian painting - is presented for the first time in the anthology from the first Derzhavin ode of 1783 about the peaceful annexation of Crimea and the first paintings by the artist His Serene Highness...
• Lyric-epic anthem for driving out the French from their fatherland, Derzhavin Gabriel Romanovich. IN…

On July 14, Gabriel Romanovich Derzhavin (1743-1816), the famous Russian poet of the 18th century, representative of classicism, statesman, Minister of Justice (1802-1803), was born.

Read also -
Derzhavin's fables

Young Derzhavin failed to obtain a brilliant education. His first teachers were clergymen: a sexton and a sexton. Subsequently - a German convict, a teacher at a private school. And, finally, studying at the Kazan gymnasium, which he did not have the opportunity to graduate from. Young Gabriel was called to St. Petersburg in 1762 and assigned to the Preobrazhensky Guards Regiment. The future poet labored as a simple soldier for ten years.

Gavriil Romanovich had an explosive, quarrelsome character, but he himself thought that he was suffering “for the truth.” Concerning literary creativity, then Derzhavin believed that this occupation was possible only “in free time from work”, “from positions during hours of free time.” Nevertheless, in terms of the volume of works written, the Russian poet is one of the most productive authors.

Derzhavin's work, which includes elements of novelty, appears to his contemporaries in a different form than the work of his predecessors, mainly the ode writer, Mikhail Lomonosov. The poet himself was aware of this. IN " in expression and calmness he tried to imitate Mr. Lomonosov... but, wanting to soar, he could not withstand the constant splendor and splendor of the uniquely Russian Pindar with a beautiful set of words. And for that, from 1779 he chose a completely different path.”

He demonstrated this “other way” by writing the famous ode “Felitsa”. It would seem that this is also an ode of praise, but, along with the pathos sentiments that usually dominate in the ode, it contains a sharp socio-political pamphlet. The image of Felitsa - Catherine is virtuous, but she is contrasted with the dubious figures of her “Murz”, “Pashas”, in whom one can recognize various representatives of the highest court nobility. “Not imitating your Murzas...”

The syllable in which the ode is written is nontrivial - taken from everyday life, familiar, easy, colloquial speech, the opposite of the pompous bombast of Lomonosov's odes.

"Felitsa" was highly appreciated by his contemporaries.

The praise of Catherine is one of the themes that runs like a red thread in Derzhavin’s works, but along with it, another main motive of his works clearly manifests itself - the theme of a sharply satirical attitude towards the court nobility, towards the boyars.

Derzhavin’s work is multifaceted: it reflects the heroic experiences of his time and class, as well as the familiar life of noble Russia. Derzhavin’s ideal is to be content with little, to stick to “moderation” of the unpretentious family life of the “poor nobleman”. Contrary to this, praising the “harmful luxury of nobles” is completely unacceptable to him.

Derzhavin's creativity is strong in its novelty and truthfulness. The poet is obsessed with the need to tell about Catherine’s time: a period of fabulously magnificent celebrations, “thundering choirs,” an endlessly joyful “radiant” era in the life of the Russian nobility.

Gabriel Romanovich has seen a lot. It was not his eyes that Pugachevism unfolded. He witnessed Catherine's temporary workers soaring high and rapidly falling. And he himself is sometimes on a “horse”, sometimes without it. “I am a king - I am a slave, I am a worm - I am god».

Derzhavin sang the contradictory nature of life in the ode “Waterfall”. What is a waterfall? This is a “diamond mountain”, falling into the valley with a “thundering roar”. It is very easy for her to “get lost” in the shadow of the “dead forest.” The image of the waterfall is similar to the life fate of one of the most prominent figures of the eighteenth century “son of happiness and glory” - “magnificent prince of Taurida”, Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin-Tavrichesky. But not only him. The image of a waterfall is a sign of the times, a symbol of Catherine’s era.

The works of Derzhavin, a chronicler of his era, truthfully recreate the characters and contradictory morals of the 18th century.

“The world marveled at their brave exploits;
Derzhavin and Petrov rattled a song for the heroes
With the strings of thunderous lyres."
A. Pushkin

Whatever Derzhavin wrote - the collection “Antiquity and Novelty”, “Odes Translated and Composed at Mount Chitalagai in 1774”, “Ode to the Wise Kyrgyz-Kaisak Princess Felitsa, written by the Tatar Murza, who has long settled in Moscow, and lives on his own business in St. Petersburg”, “Waterfall”, “On the Birth of a Porphyritic Youth”, “On the Death of Prince. Meshchersky”, “The Key”, odes “God”, “At the Capture of Ishmael”, “Nobleman”, “Bullfinch” - all these works immortalized him. A.S. Pushkin wrote: “Derzhavin, translated over time, will amaze Europe.”

Derzhavin’s work has not been fully studied; scientific research is still waiting in the wings.