Concept of ‘Reflexion’ in the Critical Evaluation of Russian Poets of the 19th century by Vl. Solovyov

Abstract

The article analyses the notion of “reflexion” in Vladimir Solovyov’s literary criticism as applied to the poets of the 19th century. Solovyov’s critical works were closely connected with his philosophical constructions: in particular, it was reflected in the concepts used by the philosopher. One of the central concepts in this series is the notion of “reflexion”. The authors of the article suggest that this notion has a wide range of meanings in Solovyov’s critical works, identifying three main aspects in which it is used: 1) in the act of creation; 2) as a poet’s worldview; and 3) in poetic technique. The first two aspects analysed refer to the category of the content of the poetic work, the third to the form. As a possible element of the creative act, reflection is opposed by Solovyov to inspiration as the only true source of poetic creativity and serves as a reason for the prosaicisation of poetry. Using the poetry of M. Y. Lermontov and E. A. Baratynsky as an example, the philosopher considers “reflexion” as a world outlook of the poets. At the same time, “critical” reflection serves as a necessary component of the poet’s work on his work.