(Eastern legend)
In the sandy steppes of the Arabian land
Three proud palm trees grew high.
A spring between them from barren soil,
Murmuring, breaking through a cold wave,
Kept under the shade of green leaves
From sultry rays and flying sands.And many years passed silently ...
But a tired wanderer from a foreign land
Burning chest to the icy moisture
I have not yet bowed under the green booth,
And they began to dry from the sultry rays
Luxurious leaves and a sonorous stream.And three palm trees began to grumble at God:
“Is that what we were born for, to wither here?
Without use in the desert we grew and bloomed,
Shaken by the whirlwind and the heat of burning,
No one's benevolent, not pleasing to the eye? ..
Yours is not right, oh heaven, a holy sentence!And just fell silent - in the distance blue
The golden sand was spinning like a pillar,
Bells were heard discordant sounds,
Packs covered with carpets were full of carpets,
And he walked, swaying like a shuttle in the sea,
Camel after camel, exploding sand.Dangling, hung between hard humps
Patterned floors of camping tents,
Their swarthy hands sometimes raised,
And black eyes sparkled from there ...
And, leaning towards the bow,
The Arab heated the black horse.And the horse reared up at times,
And he jumped like a leopard struck by an arrow;
And white clothes beautiful folds
On the shoulders of the Faris curled in disarray;
And, with a cry and a whistle, rushing along the sand,
He threw and caught a spear at a gallop.Here a caravan approaches the palm trees, noisily,
In the shadow of their cheerful camp spread out.
Jugs sounding filled with water,
And, proudly nodding with a terry head,
Palm trees welcome unexpected guests,
And the cold stream generously waters them.But as soon as dusk fell to the ground,
The ax pounded on the elastic roots,
And pets of centuries fell without life!
Their clothes were torn off by little children,
Their bodies were then chopped up,
And slowly burned them until the morning with fire.When the fog rushed to the west,
The caravan made its own way,
And after the sad on barren soil
Only gray and cold ashes could be seen.
And the sun burned the dry remnants,
And then they were blown away by the wind in the steppe.And now everything is wild and empty around -
Leaves with a rattling key do not whisper.
In vain does he ask the prophet for a shadow -
Only hot sand brings it
Yes, the kite is crested, the steppe is unsociable,
Prey torments and pinches over it.
Analysis of Lermontov's poem "Three Palm Trees"
The poem "Three Palms" was created in 1838 and is a poetic parable, which has a deep philosophical meaning. The main characters of the story are three palm trees in the Arabian desert, where no human foot has yet set foot. A cold stream flowing among the sands turned the lifeless world into a magical oasis, "kept, under the shade of green leaves, from sultry rays and flying sands."
The idyllic picture painted by the poet has one significant flaw, which is that this piece of paradise is inaccessible to living beings. Therefore, proud palm trees turn to the Creator with a request that he help them fulfill their destiny - to become a refuge for a lonely traveler lost in a gloomy desert. From the words are heard, and soon a caravan of traders appears on the horizon, who are indifferent to the beauties of the green oasis. They do not care about the hopes and dreams of proud palm trees, which will soon be destined to die under blows of axes and become fuel for the fires of cruel guests. As a result, the blooming oasis turns into a pile of "gray ashes", the stream, having lost the protection of green palm leaves, dries up, and the desert takes on its original appearance, gloomy, lifeless and promising inevitable death to any traveler.
In the poem "Three Palm Trees" Mikhail Lermontov touches upon several topical issues at once. The first of these concerns the relationship between man and nature. The poet notes that people are cruel by nature and rarely appreciate what gives them the world. Moreover, they are inclined to destroy this fragile planet for their own benefit or a momentary whim, not thinking that nature, not endowed with the ability to defend itself, still knows how to take revenge on its offenders. And this revenge is no less cruel and ruthless than the actions of people who believe that the whole world belongs only to them.
The philosophical meaning of the poem "Three Palms" is of a pronounced religious nature and is based on the biblical idea of the processes of the universe. Mikhail Lermontov is convinced that you can ask God for anything. but Will the petitioner be happy with what he gets? After all, if life goes on as usual, as it is destined from above, then there are reasons for this. An attempt to refuse humility and acceptance of what is determined by fate can lead to fatal consequences. And the theme of pride that the poet raises is close not only to him, but also to his generation - reckless, cruel and not aware that a person is just a puppet in someone's hands, and not a puppeteer.
The parallel that Mikhail Lermontov draws between the life of palm trees and people is obvious. Trying to fulfill our dreams and desires, each of us strives to accelerate events and achieve the intended goal as soon as possible. However, few people think about the fact that the end result can bring not satisfaction, but deep disappointment, since the goal often turns out to be mythical and does not meet expectations at all. In turn, disappointment, which in the biblical interpretation is called despondency, is one of the greatest human sins, as it leads to self-destruction of both the soul and the body. This is a high price to pay for the pride and self-confidence that most people suffer from. Realizing this, Mikhail Lermontov tries, with the help of a parable poem, not only to understand the motives of his own actions, but also to protect others from the desire to get what is not intended for them. After all, dreams tend to come true, which often turns into a real disaster for those who put their desires much higher than their capabilities.
Lermontov wrote "Three Palms" in 1838. Having resorted to the genre of legend, the poet reflects on many philosophical topics. This is not just a sad oriental tale, but the thought of human life, the purpose of the individual, about the relationship of man with God. The nature of the desert helps the poet to reveal all these motives.
Landscape lyrics by Lermontov
Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov is a poet of a rich mental organization. His poems are imbued with lyricism, sorrow, loneliness. Often a psychological state lyrical hero revealed by Lermontov through landscape sketches. Against the background of the beauties of nature, the poet reflects on life, relations in society, analyzes his experiences. It is enough to recall the poems “I go out alone on the road” or “When the yellowing field is worried.”
Love for nature, unity with it, Lermontov absorbed from childhood. The boy left without parents was raised by his grandmother - Elizaveta Alekseevna Arsenyeva. The little poet grew up as a very sickly child, so he spent his childhood in the family estate; from time to time, Elizaveta Alekseevna took little Misha to the Caucasus to relatives. Even then, the boy learned to admire the beauties of nature and even capture it in paintings. In some children's portraits, you can see Lermontov the child with a crayon in his hand. The paintings of the grown-up poet are also striking in their beauty: most often he painted the Caucasus Mountains.
The theme of the poem "Three palm trees"
It is no coincidence that Lermontov also resorts to the theme of nature this time. "Three palm trees" is an oriental legend. It is based on a story about palm trees that grew in a wonderful oasis of the Arabian Desert. A stream with cool water is adjacent to the trees. They lived together for a long time, until the palm trees “murmured” at God, saying that they would like to be useful, to see gratitude.
God answers the request - a caravan of merchants is immediately shown in the distance. Palm trees welcome him, but people do not feel gratitude towards them. Rather, on the contrary: they cut down and burn trees. This is how the poem ends sadly.
Man and nature in "Three Palms"
In one night, people destroyed a beautiful oasis that had lived here for centuries. And then palm trees and a stream would bring people deliverance from the exhausting sun, they would give rest. By this, Lermontov showed how fragile nature is, how easily it can be destroyed by rash actions.
The barbarity of people is shown in the poem very clearly. Lermontov achieves this by using the impersonation technique: tree trunks - “bodies”, leaves - “clothing”, “fell without life” - this is how they usually talk about heroes, warriors who died untimely.
The philosophical meaning of the poem
The problem of the relationship between man and nature lies on the surface in the poem, but if you delve into the meaning, you can see the serious questions that M. Yu. Lermontov poses. "Three palm trees" - the poet's reflection on the meaning of human existence in this world. He is trying to answer the question of why we exist? Will our life be the same as those of these palm trees: by revealing our talent to other people, will we fall victim to them, will they trample our fragile soul, thereby destroying it.
Most likely, Lermontov reflects personally on his mission. He is trying to understand whether society really needs his talent, and whether the gift will turn against him. Having drawn the analogy of Lermontov - three palm trees, the poem can be called partly prophetic. After all, the poet dies young.
Christian symbolism in the poem
Lermontov endowed "Three Palms" with a deep religious meaning. An analysis of the symbols of the Christian faith will reveal to us one more thought of the poem: the relationship of man with God. Three palm trees ask God for the highest good for themselves - so they think. God fulfills the request. But does it bring happiness? The answer is unequivocal - no. Lermontov ponders whether it is necessary to ask God to intervene in fate, or let everything take its course? The poet comes to the conclusion: God himself appoints the fate of a person, He knows how it will be better. It is not worth interfering in the course of fate.
The poem is saturated with symbols of Christianity:
- Number 3. The divine number appears even in the title of the poem. Three palm trees, according to researchers, are the components of the human soul: feelings, will and mind.
- The stream is the spirit of God, which gives life and nourishes the human soul. That is why, after the barbaric actions, the stream remains in the desert, because it is impossible to kill God.
- The name of the place, Arabian Land, makes the reader think of the Garden of Eden, because its location is supposedly on the Arabian Peninsula.
- The conflict in the poem is due to the pride of the palm trees - this is the very first sin, it was because of him that Lucifer was overthrown at one time.
- The images of Arabs cutting down palm trees are something dark, black (this color is found in their description). An analogy is made with evil spirits.
It was their pride and lack of humility that led to the cruel death of the palms. The poem "Three Palm Trees" by Lermontov calls to trust the will of God and not to interfere in fate.
Compositional features
M. Yu. Lermontov uses a clear structure for constructing a poem. "Three palm trees" have a well-defined circular composition built on the antithesis.
Indeed, M. Lermontov "Three Palms" begins with a description of the oasis, and ends with him. But here the picture is just the opposite. If in the first quatrain the reader is presented with a serene life-affirming picture: a green corner in the middle of the desert, blue sky, golden sand. As soon as a caravan of future killers appears on the horizon, the colors change - they become black, dark. Also, the sounds change. Everything happens as if in a whirlwind: “exploding the sand”, “Arab heated the black horse”, “the horse ... jumped like a leopard”, “rushing along the sand with a cry and whistle”.
The last two quatrains are directly opposed to the first: ashes remained from the life-affirming picture, sadness settled in this place. Attention is focused on heat, heat, while in the first quatrain emphasis is placed on cold, icy water, shade. Loneliness settles in this place: “everything is wild and empty around”, “a kite ... a steppe unsociable”.
The antithesis can be traced not only at the lexical level, but also at the phonetic one. If, when describing the serene life of palm trees and a stream, we hear a pleasant euphony, then when describing a caravan, predominantly sharp combinations of consonants with the use of sonorants are used: floors of similar [day] [pieces] ans.
The genre of oriental legend gives the poem the status of folk wisdom. By this, Lermontov emphasizes that the topics raised by him are not new - they have been worrying humanity since time immemorial.
Means of artistic expression
The means of artistic expression that Lermontov uses are extensive. "Three Palms" contains:
As you can see, the genius of Lermontov made it possible to convey serious philosophical reflections to the reader with the help of the nature of the East.
The personality of Mikhail Lermontov is mysterious, and his work is so deep and meaningful that it seems as if these works were created by a very mature person, wise over the years.
At the time when M. Yu. Lermontov wrote "Three Palm Trees", he was only twenty-four years old. But this work is not only a brilliant example of landscape lyrics, here the poet shows himself as a wonderful narrator and thinker. Let's try to prove this by using the methods of literary analysis applicable to the poem and retelling it summary.
"Three Palms"
Lermontov thought hard about the main issues of human life, about the strength of passions and the power of the spirit. With his bright dynamic narrative, whether it be lyrics or prose, the poet drew the reader into the orbit of his thoughts. That is why we do not remain indifferent to his heroes and events described in the works of the master. This fully applies to the poem, which is sometimes called the Three Palms ballad.
What is the subtext?
What and who are three palm trees in the ballad of the same name, created by M. Yu. Lermontov? Of course, these are not just three slender trees growing in the middle of the desert. They are both the personification of human suffering and quest, and an allegory of a rebellious spirit, and a symbol of the tragic contradictions of this world. The work is multi-layered. Removing layer by layer, we will come to the innermost idea of the author.
He placed in his "oriental legend" in an oasis, where a spring breaks out of the earth. The first stanza of the ballad is dedicated to this landscape sketch. In this tiny living world in the middle of a barren and sultry desert, there is a kind of idyll built on harmony: a spring nourishes and refreshes the roots of three trees ascending to the sky, and dense foliage, in turn, shelters a weak source from the scorching sun and hot wind. Years go by and nothing changes. Suddenly, the palm trees begin to grumble, express dissatisfaction with the fact that their life is supposed to be worthless and boring. Immediately, a many-voiced caravan appears in the distance, people with screams and laughter approach the oasis, having reached it, they shamelessly use all the benefits that nature has in store for them: they are saturated with water, they chop down palm trees to make a fire, and at dawn they leave the place, continuing their journey . Then the wind will scatter the ashes of the burnt palms, and the unprotected spring will dry up under the unbearably hot sun. This is the summary.
Three palm trees as a symbol of rebellion against the Divine will
It is no coincidence that from the first lines Lermontov assigns them the epithet "proud". From a biblical point of view, pride, pride is a grave vice and sin. Indeed, the palm trees were not satisfied with the good fate that God determined for them, they were indignant: there is no one who could appreciate their beauty and grandeur, therefore, life is wasted! God directed events along a different path, which turned into death for the palm trees. The tragedy of the situation does not hide even the retelling of the ballad, which fits into a summary. Lermontov likened to a three-part human being, consisting of a body, soul and spirit, in which all three parts rebelled, and therefore not even a trace remained of the oasis (the prototype of a harmonious person), and only an unsociable kite sometimes kills and torments its prey in the place where was meant to celebrate life.
Ecological pathos of the poem "Three palm trees"
The main characters of the work found themselves in fatal opposition: the trees hospitably received their guests, intending not only to show off, but also to bestow what they have. The oasis gave people rest, freshness, moisture, shelter in the wild desert. But evening came, people froze and chopped palm trees for firewood to keep warm. They acted naturally, but ungratefully and thoughtlessly, they destroyed what should have been saved. This question is relevant not only because today people often do the same. Ecological problem closely related to moral issues. The barbaric actions of the caravaners are an indirect consequence of the murmuring of palm trees before God: the poet shows what happens when absurd self-will violates the original order of things.
Artistic techniques
The plot of the ballad is very dynamic, it intrigues the reader like an entertaining story. “Three Palms” is generally a very elegant poetic work in terms of form. Let's pay attention to what epithets the author chooses to emphasize the conflict of the ballad. Tall palm trees appear before us in the luxury of thick juicy leaves, the stream is sonorous, cool and generous, and the merry caravan is full of colorful clothes, packs, tents, eyes shining. The author skillfully creates a tension of anxiety as travelers approach the oasis, where they will be graciously greeted by three palm trees. An analysis of the speech structure of the verse emphasizes this feeling; the description of the caravan is dominated by verbs and nouns. The sand “spun in a column”, the floors of the tents “hung, dangling”, the Arab “hot” the horse, which “raised and jumped like a leopard”, the folds of clothes “curled in disorder”, and the young man “with a cry and whistle” threw and caught flying spear. The peace and tranquility of the paradise is hopelessly destroyed.
Murder story
Using personification, Lermontov turns the sketch of the travelers' camp into such a dramatic story about feelings and death that the heart shrinks. Palm trees from the very beginning appear before us as living beings. They, like people, grumble, fall silent, then greet the newcomers favorably, nodding their “terry heads”, and when axes pounded on their roots, they fall without life. The author likens the trunks to chopped bodies subjected to the torture of slow burning, and the leaves to clothes that were torn off and taken away by small children. After that, a lifeless and static picture of death and desolation appears before us.
Sound writing of the verse
Alliterations and intonational accents strike with accuracy. Pauses, questions, exclamations, embarrassment and reflection, conveyed by ellipsis, allow you to see and hear what is happening, to experience it emotionally. Abundance is consistent with the story of the serene life of palm trees, and the appearance of hissing sounds heralds the invasion of disharmony, which is about to come. The poem is written in three-foot amphibrach, which according to the regularity corresponds to the genre declared by the author - “oriental legend” or, in other words, a parable.
Finally
These are some of the strokes of the analysis of this work, the main conclusions and a summary. "Three palm trees" Lermontov, no doubt, dedicated to his favorite theme of loneliness and dissatisfaction of the soul, longing for something more significant that surrounds it in everyday life. That is why a vivid feeling is born in our heart that the author does not agree with God's judgment, although he understands its regularity and justice.
M. Yu Lermontov's poem "Three Palm Trees" was written in 1838. A very beautiful legend, full of transparent allegories, behind the beauty of the syllable lies a deep meaning: In the sandy steppes of the Arabian land, Three proud palm trees grew tall. A spring between them from the barren soil, Murmuring, made its way in a cold wave, Kept under the canopy of green leaves From sultry rays and flying sands... An oasis in the desert, created by these amazing trees, enlivens everything around, saves everyone passing through the desert from fatigue and thirst. But it was not for nothing that the poet used the epithet "proud" palm trees. They grumbled, rejecting the justice of the Creator: And the three palm trees began to grumble at God: “Why were we born to wither here? Without use in the desert we grew and bloomed, Shaken by the whirlwind and the heat of burning, No one's benevolent pleasing to the eye? Yours is not right, oh heaven, a holy sentence! Their prayer was heard. They have been beneficial. They were cut down, a fire was kindled, and the fire warmed the weary travelers. But it turned out that their purpose was different: to keep the source of life in the hot desert. It was not given to three palm trees to comprehend this supreme meaning, just as it is not given to a person to comprehend the Providence of God. Self-will sometimes brings death, death. What did their self-will lead to, their murmuring at the will of the Creator? And now everything is wild and empty all around - The leaves with a rattlesnake do not whisper: In vain does he ask the prophet for a shadow - He only brings in hot sand, Yes, a crested kite, a steppe unsociable, Torments and pinches prey over him. This poetic legend suggests - did Lermontov reflect his fate in it? He was given a high destiny from God, a unique memory, but he did not value his life as a poet-prophet too much - and died
The poem "Three palm trees" was written by M.Yu. Lermontov in 1838, while serving in the hussar regiment. In St. Petersburg, he leads a secular life, which has long disgusted him and makes him sad. In a stuffy and hypocritical urban atmosphere, he recalls the wild nature of the Caucasus. The poet has always treated nature with love, and in the poem "Three Palm Trees" he personifies it, makes him think and feel. This work reflects the poet's philosophical reflections on the interaction of man and nature.
Reading the verse "Three Palm Trees" by Lermontov Mikhail Yuryevich is worth all lovers of parables. This work, written in 1838, has its own deep and philosophical meaning. The main characters of the poem are the palm trees themselves, which are located in the desert. The poem touches upon religious themes and the problem of man's relationship with nature. Such questions appear in many of Lermontov's works. He was always trying to find answers to the strangest mysteries of the world around him. And he used creativity as a way of communicating with himself, an attempt to reflect and suggest, the opportunity to express a thought, to express an opinion.
The text of Lermontov's poem "Three Palms" conveys the essence of the fact that this oasis is a place inaccessible to living beings. It would seem that it was created in order to become a salvation for a lost traveler. And the palm trees cry out to God with these obvious thoughts. He, as if having heard them, sends people to the oasis who are not able to appreciate the incredible beauty of this place. Palm trees lose their beauty, becoming mere fuel. The oasis is destroyed, in its place there is only a desert, such as it should be. Such a painful impact of man on nature causes sadness and longing. Indeed, people cannot always rejoice at the beauty that the world around them gives them. They think about something else, earthly, not so important. Pride prevents them from seeing everything as it really is. She covers the eyes with an invisible veil, covering everything truly beautiful and incredible.
One of the main issues raised in the work is the religious moment. The author seems to hint at the fact that not always petitions directed to God will lead to the realization of a dream. Many do not understand that their dreams can only bring pain and disappointment. The end does not always justify the means. Pride, which is condemned in the work, often leads to complete self-destruction. Lermontov is trying to save the reader from trying to get something unattainable. You always need to remember that dreams can come true, so you need to think right, and do not forget about the consequences. Such a philosophical message should undoubtedly be taught in high school literature classes. The entire work can be read online or downloaded from our website.
(Eastern legend)
In the sandy steppes of the Arabian land
Three proud palm trees grew high.
A spring between them from barren soil,
Murmuring, breaking through a cold wave,
Stored, under the shade of green leaves,
From sultry rays and flying sands.
And many years silently passed;
But a tired wanderer from a foreign land
Burning chest to the cold moisture
I have not yet bowed under the green booth,
And they began to dry from the sultry rays
Luxurious leaves and a sonorous stream.
And three palm trees began to grumble at God:
“Why were we born, to wither here?
Without use in the desert we grew and bloomed,
Shaken by the whirlwind and the heat of burning,
No one's benevolent, not pleasing to the eye? ..
Yours is not right, oh heaven, the holy verdict!”
And just fell silent - in the distance blue
The golden sand was spinning like a pillar,
Discordant sounds rang out,
Packs covered with carpets were full of carpets,
And he walked, swaying like a boat in the sea,
Camel after camel, exploding sand.
Dangling, hung between hard humps
Patterned floors of camping tents;
Their swarthy hands sometimes raised,
And black eyes sparkled from there ...
And, leaning towards the bow,
The Arab heated the black horse.
And the horse reared up at times,
And he jumped like a leopard struck by an arrow;
And white clothes beautiful folds
On the shoulders of the Faris curled in disarray;
And with a cry and a whistle rushing across the sand,
He threw and caught a spear at a gallop.
Here a caravan approaches the palm trees, noisily:
In the shadow of their cheerful camp spread out.
Jugs sounding filled with water,
And, proudly nodding with a terry head,
Palm trees welcome unexpected guests,
And the cold stream generously waters them.
But as soon as dusk fell to the ground,
The ax pounded on the elastic roots,
And pets of centuries fell without life!
Their clothes were torn off by small children,
Their bodies were then chopped up,
And slowly burned them with fire until morning.
When the fog rushed to the west,
The caravan made its own way;
And then sad on barren soil
Only gray and cold ashes could be seen;
And the sun burned the dry remnants,
And then they were blown away by the wind in the steppe.
And now everything is wild and empty around -
Leaves with a rattling key do not whisper:
In vain does he ask the prophet for a shadow -
Only hot sand brings it
Yes, the kite is crested, the steppe is unsociable,
Prey torments and pinches over it.
