The directory «Plots»

Berzsenyi Dániel
(1776—1836)

Poet, who first successfully introduced classical metres and themes in Hungarian poetry. Berzsenyi was one of the most contradictory poets of Hungarian literature. He lived the life of a farmer, and wished to be close to the events of Hungarian literature. This contradiction, which he believed he could solve, made him a lonesome, introverted and bitter poet. His works show signs of classicism, sentimentalism and romanticism.

Horatius' poetry and his philosophy - abstention from extreme emotions, the golden middle course - seemed to determine his life and poetry. Most of the criticals of his age described him as Horatius-copyist. He often used ancient verse forms and applied them successfully to the Hungarian language. Berzsenyi got classicist inspiration from Horace and the Hungarian Benedek Virág, but he couldn't possibly be successful in forcing the views of ancient poets on himself. Behind the antique verse forms it isn't the classical balance and harmony we can find: it is the longing for these qualities. His closing to romanticism from classicism can be addressed to the works of German poets and writers like Gessner and Matthisson. Two (To my friends) he says his earlier feelings, dreams to be pointless and remembers his poetic work in past time.

Hungary, 1976, Dániel Berzsenyi

Hungary, 1976.09.28, Budapest. Daniel Berzsenyi