Births on February 10

Boris Pasternak, Russian poet, novelist, and literary translator Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1960)

Boris Leonidovich Pasternak, born on February 10 [O.S. January 29] 1890, and passing on May 30, 1960, was a towering figure in Russian literature. Renowned as a poet, novelist, and literary translator, Pasternak's work profoundly influenced 20th-century Russian letters and resonated deeply with global audiences, particularly through his masterpiece, Doctor Zhivago.

Pasternak's Early Poetic Brilliance and Influential Translations

Pasternak's poetic journey began in earnest with his critically acclaimed collection, My Sister, Life. Though composed in 1917 amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian Revolution, this pivotal work was eventually published in Berlin in 1922. It quickly established itself as a landmark collection in the Russian language, marking Pasternak as a significant voice within the post-Symbolist movement. The poems in My Sister, Life are characterized by their innovative use of language, vivid imagery, and a profound connection to nature, often reflecting the personal and collective anxieties of the revolutionary era.

Beyond his original poetry and prose, Pasternak was an exceptionally gifted literary translator, whose contributions immensely enriched the Russian cultural landscape. His meticulous and evocative translations of major European dramatists, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Pedro Calderón de la Barca, and William Shakespeare, remain exceptionally popular and widely performed in Russia to this day. These translations were not merely linguistic conversions; Pasternak infused them with a vibrant poetic sensibility, making these foreign classics accessible and deeply resonant with Russian audiences, thus cementing their place in the national theatrical repertoire.

Doctor Zhivago: A Novel of Love, War, and Individual Spirit

Pasternak's most globally recognized work is the epic novel, Doctor Zhivago, published in 1957. This sweeping historical narrative spans several tumultuous decades of Russian history, beginning with the build-up to the Russian Revolution of 1905 and concluding after the Second World War. The novel intricately weaves together themes of love, loss, the individual's struggle against overwhelming historical forces, and the enduring power of art and nature in the face of political upheaval. Its protagonist, Yuri Zhivago, an idealistic physician and poet, embodies the intellectual and moral dilemmas faced by a generation caught between revolutionary fervor and personal freedom. The very name "Zhivago" is often linked to the Russian word "zhizn" (жизнь), meaning "life," subtly underscoring the novel's core message about the sanctity and resilience of human existence.

The Unforeseen Path to Publication

Despite its profound literary merit, Doctor Zhivago faced staunch opposition within the Soviet Union. Deemed ideologically unsound and critical of the Bolshevik Revolution, the manuscript was rejected for publication in the USSR. In a testament to Pasternak's unwavering artistic integrity and the determination of his international admirers, the manuscript was surreptitiously smuggled out of the country. Italian publisher Giangiacomo Feltrinelli played a crucial role in this daring endeavor, publishing the novel in Italy in 1957. Its subsequent worldwide release became a major cultural and political event of the Cold War era, earning Pasternak immense international acclaim, though not without severe repercussions at home.

The Nobel Prize Controversy and Enduring Legacy

In recognition of his significant contributions to literature, particularly for Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. This international accolade, however, sparked furious outrage within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The Soviet authorities viewed the novel as a seditious work that undermined the Soviet state and used the Nobel Prize as an opportunity to condemn Pasternak publicly. Subjected to intense pressure, including threats against his family and expulsion from the Union of Soviet Writers, Pasternak was tragically forced to decline the prestigious award, an act that deeply pained him but spared him further persecution.

The injustice surrounding Pasternak's forced refusal of the Nobel Prize lingered for decades. It was not until 1989, during the era of Glasnost and Perestroika under Mikhail Gorbachev, that the Soviet government's stance softened. In a poignant moment of historical rectification, Pasternak's son, Yevgeny Borisovich Pasternak, was finally able to accept the award on his father's behalf, more than three decades after it was initially bestowed. This belated acceptance symbolized a wider shift in Soviet cultural policy and a recognition of Pasternak's enduring literary genius.

Today, Pasternak's legacy in Russia is fully rehabilitated and celebrated. Since 2003, Doctor Zhivago has been an integral part of the main Russian school curriculum, ensuring that new generations of readers engage with his complex and powerful vision of Russian history and humanity. His poetry continues to be beloved for its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth, and his translations remain cornerstones of Russian culture, cementing Boris Pasternak's place as one of Russia's most vital literary voices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boris Pasternak

When and where was Boris Pasternak born?

Boris Leonidovich Pasternak was born on February 10, 1890 (January 29 according to the Old Style calendar), in Moscow, Russian Empire.

What is My Sister, Life known for?

My Sister, Life is Pasternak's first significant collection of poems, composed in 1917 and published in 1922. It is celebrated for its innovative lyrical style, vivid imagery, and its profound connection to the revolutionary spirit and natural world, marking him as a leading voice in Russian modernism.

Why was Doctor Zhivago rejected in the USSR?

The Soviet authorities rejected Doctor Zhivago for publication because they viewed its portrayal of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath as critical of the Soviet state and ideologically contrary to socialist realism. The novel emphasized individual freedom and personal suffering over collective revolutionary triumph.

Why did Pasternak decline the Nobel Prize?

Pasternak was forced to decline the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958 due to immense pressure and threats from the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The Soviet government launched a fierce campaign against him, fearing that the international recognition of Doctor Zhivago would validate its perceived anti-Soviet themes.

When was Pasternak's Nobel Prize finally accepted?

Boris Pasternak's Nobel Prize was finally accepted on his behalf by his son, Yevgeny Borisovich Pasternak, in 1989. This acceptance occurred during the period of Glasnost and Perestroika, signifying a historical reassessment of Pasternak's literary legacy within Russia.