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- Herausgeber: DigiCat
- Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
- Sprache: Englisch
In Alexander Pushkin's 'Boris Godunov,' the narrative unfolds as a historical drama exploring the turbulent reign of Boris Godunov, the de facto ruler of Russia in the late 16th century. Pushkin's literary style masterfully blends poetic dialogue with vivid imagery, imbuing the characters with both grandeur and complexity. This play is notable for its authentic representation of Russian history, showcasing Pushkin's keen understanding of the socio-political fabric of his time, while also drawing upon the artistic traditions of European drama. Through the interplay of power, ambition, and moral dilemmas, Pushkin captures the essence of the human condition amidst the backdrop of a politically charged landscape. Alexander Pushkin, often hailed as the father of Russian literature, created enduring works that reflect the struggles and aspirations of Russian society. His personal experiences, including his own noble lineage, tumultuous political associations, and the creative environment of early 19th-century Russia, profoundly influenced 'Boris Godunov.' Pushkin's encounters with exile, censorship, and the pursuit of artistic freedom are echoed in his portrayal of complex characters wrestling with authority and identity. Readers seeking a profound understanding of the intricacies of power and its impact on both leader and populace will find 'Boris Godunov' an essential read. Pushkin's masterful use of language, combined with his deep historical insights, offers a compelling examination of the moral and ethical challenges faced by those in positions of power. This timeless work remains relevant today, inviting reflections on leadership, responsibility, and the human spirit.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022
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Boris Godunov
Table of Contents
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
BORIS GODUNOV
, afterwards Tsar.
PRINCE SHUISKY
, Russian noble.
PRINCE VOROTINSKY
, Russian noble.
SHCHELKALOV
, Russian Minister of State.
FATHER PIMEN
, an old monk and chronicler.
GREGORY OTREPIEV
, a young monk, afterwards
THE PRETENDER
to the throne of Russia.
THE PATRIARCH
, Abbot of the Chudov Monastery.
MISSAIL
, wandering friar.
VARLAAM
, wandering friar.
ATHANASIUS MIKAILOVICH PUSHKIN
, friend of Prince Shuisky.
FEODOR
, young son of Boris Godunov.
SEMYON NIKITICH GODUNOV
, secret agent of Boris Godunov.
GABRIEL PUSHKIN
, nephew of A. M. Pushkin.
PRINCE KURBSKY
, disgraced Russian noble.
KHRUSHCHOV
, disgraced Russian noble.
KARELA
, a Cossack.
PRINCE VISHNEVETSKY
.
MNISHEK
, Governor of Sambor.
BASMANOV
, a Russian officer.
MARZHERET
, officer of the Pretender.
ROZEN
, officer of the Pretender.
DIMITRY
, the Pretender, formerly Gregory Otrepiev.
MOSALSKY
, a Boyar.
KSENIA
, daughter of Boris Godunov.
NURSE
of Ksenia.
MARINA
, daughter of Mnishek.
ROUZYA
, tire-woman of Ksenia.
HOSTESS
of tavern.
Boyars, The People, Inspectors, Officers, Attendants, Guests, a Boy in attendance on Prince Shuisky, a Catholic Priest, a Polish Noble, a Poet, an Idiot, a Beggar, Gentlemen, Peasants, Guards, Russian, Polish, and German Soldiers, a Russian Prisoner of War, Boys, an old Woman, Ladies, Serving-women.
The list of Dramatis Personae which does not appear in the
original has been added for the convenience of the reader--A.H. [Translator]
PALACE OF THE KREMLIN
(FEBRUARY 20th, A.D. 1598)
PRINCE SHUISKY and VOROTINSKY
VOROTINSKY. To keep the city's peace, that is the task
Entrusted to us twain, but you forsooth
Have little need to watch; Moscow is empty;
The people to the Monastery have flocked
After the patriarch. What thinkest thou?
How will this trouble end?
SHUISKY. How will it end?
That is not hard to tell. A little more
The multitude will groan and wail, Boris
Pucker awhile his forehead, like a toper
Eyeing a glass of wine, and in the end
Will humbly of his graciousness consent
To take the crown; and then--and then will rule us
Just as before.
VOROTINSKY. A month has flown already
Since, cloistered with his sister, he forsook
The world's affairs. None hitherto hath shaken
His purpose, not the patriarch, not the boyars
His counselors; their tears, their prayers he heeds not;
Deaf is he to the wail of Moscow, deaf
To the Great Council's voice; vainly they urged
The sorrowful nun-queen to consecrate
Boris to sovereignty; firm was his sister,
Inexorable as he; methinks Boris
Inspired her with this spirit. What if our ruler
Be sick in very deed of cares of state
And hath no strength to mount the throne? What
Say'st thou?
SHUISKY. I say that in that case the blood in vain
Flowed of the young tsarevich, that Dimitry
Might just as well be living.
VOROTINSKY. Fearful crime!
Is it beyond all doubt Boris contrived
The young boy's murder?
SHUISKY. Who besides? Who else
Bribed Chepchugov in vain? Who sent in secret
The brothers Bityagovsky with Kachalov?
Myself was sent to Uglich, there to probe
This matter on the spot; fresh traces there
I found; the whole town bore witness to the crime;
With one accord the burghers all affirmed it;
And with a single word, when I returned,
I could have proved the secret villain's guilt.
VOROTINSKY. Why didst thou then not crush him?
SHUISKY. At the time,
I do confess, his unexpected calmness,
His shamelessness, dismayed me. Honestly
He looked me in the eyes; he questioned me
Closely, and I repeated to his face
The foolish tale himself had whispered to me.
VOROTINSKY. An ugly business, prince.
SHUISKY. What could I do?
Declare all to Feodor? But the tsar
Saw all things with the eyes of Godunov.
Heard all things with the ears of Godunov;
Grant even that I might have fully proved it,
Boris would have denied it there and then,
And I should have been haled away to prison,
And in good time--like mine own uncle--strangled
Within the silence of some deaf-walled dungeon.
I boast not when I say that, given occasion,
No penalty affrights me. I am no coward,
But also am no fool, and do not choose
Of my free will to walk into a halter.
VOROTINSKY. Monstrous misdeed! Listen; I warrant you
Remorse already gnaws the murderer;
Be sure the blood of that same innocent child
Will hinder him from mounting to the throne.
SHUISKY. That will not baulk him; Boris is not so timid!
What honour for ourselves, ay, for all Russia!
A slave of yesterday, a Tartar, son
By marriage of Maliuta, of a hangman,
Himself in soul a hangman, he to wear
The crown and robe of Monomakh!--
VOROTINSKY. You are right;
He is of lowly birth; we twain can boast
A nobler lineage.
SHUISKY. Indeed we may!
VOROTINSKY. Let us remember, Shuisky, Vorotinsky
Are, let me say, born princes.
SHUISKY. Yea, born princes,
And of the blood of Rurik.
VOROTINSKY. Listen, prince;
Then we, 'twould seem, should have the right to mount
Feodor's throne.
SHUISKY. Rather than Godunov.
VOROTINSKY. In very truth 'twould seem so.
SHUISKY. And what then?
If still Boris pursue his crafty ways,
Let us contrive by skilful means to rouse
The people. Let them turn from Godunov;
Princes they have in plenty of their own;
Let them from out their number choose a tsar.
VOROTINSKY. Of us, Varyags in blood, there are full many,
But 'tis no easy thing for us to vie
With Godunov; the people are not wont
To recognise in us an ancient branch
Of their old warlike masters; long already
Have we our appanages forfeited,
Long served but as lieutenants of the tsars,
And he hath known, by fear, and love, and glory,
How to bewitch the people.
SHUISKY. (Looking through a window.) He has dared,
That's all--while we--Enough of this. Thou seest
Dispersedly the people are returning.
We'll go forthwith and learn what is resolved.
THE RED SQUARE
THE PEOPLE
1ST PERSON. He is inexorable! He thrust from him
Prelates, boyars, and Patriarch; in vain
Prostrate they fall; the splendour of the throne
Affrights him.
2ND PERSON. O, my God, who is to rule us?
O, woe to us!
