The man who turned Russian writing into a professional career
In short: Before the 18th century, Russian literature was the domain of scholars and aristocrats. Then came Alexander Sumarokov, a gentleman who decided to make a living from the pen, single-handedly establishing the foundations of Russian classical theatre and professional authorship.
Born in 1717 in what was then Swedish-ruled Finland, Alexander Sumarokov was far from a mere academic. While contemporaries like Mikhail Lomonosov approached literature from a scholarly perspective, Sumarobkov was the first Russian gentleman to embrace the profession of letters. This shift was monumental; he helped inaugurate the reign of classicism in Russian literature, providing the structural framework that allowed the literary profession to take a definite place in society.
His theatrical contributions were foundational. In 1749, he produced Khorev, widely regarded as the first regular Russian drama. His repertoire was vast, ranging from adaptations of Shakespearean plots like Hamlet and Macbeth to works rooted in Russian history and legends. He even ventured into opera, composing the first Russian-language libretto, Tsefal i Prokris, which premiered in Saint Petersburg on 7 March 1755.
However, Sumarokov's legacy is a study in contradiction. Literary historian D. S. Mirsky offered a biting critique, describing his tragedies as stiff and his characters as mere marionettes, with dialogue that felt like a clumsy translation of French plays. Yet, Sumarokov's impact extended beyond the stage. He was a pioneer of the Russian fable and a sharp satirist, using wit to attack government officials. As an early journalist and critic, he edited the journal Yezhemesyachnye sochineniya from 1759 to 1764, teaching readers the nuances of classical taste. Though often described as vain and irritable, his exacting nature—paired with Lomonosov's dignity—helped elevate the status of the Russian writer forever.
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