Sergei Yesenin at the teacher training college: "He studied cheerfully, as if jokingly"

Content:

• Context

I was three years older than Yesenin and met him when I was in the second grade. He came to school with one of his relatives, holding a wooden chest and bedding in his hands, since government linen was not issued. Students from different grades lived in the school dormitory, and Yesenin's bunk was next to mine. Pavel Zhukov and Mikhail Utkin lived nearby. We soon all became good friends.

Yesenin attracted many people with his neat, tidy, and modest appearance, combined with a cheerful and optimistic nature. He studied easily, as if playing, which contributed to his popularity among his peers and teachers. This was especially evident in his relationship with Yevgeny Mikhailovich Khitrov, a senior teacher who found common ground with Yesenin and allowed him to leave the dormitory more often than others to explore the city.

From the first day they met, it was obvious that Yesenin had a great passion for reading. He often stayed in class after school and curled up in a corner with a book. Even in the dormitory, while his classmates were preparing for classes, he preferred to immerse himself in reading. The school library no longer met his needs, and he often invited me: "Let's go to the city library, Pavlusha!" I remember how he chose the classics, mainly Pushkin, Lermontov, and Nekrasov. Adventure literature held no interest for him. Reading became an integral part of Sergei's life, reflecting his desire for a deep understanding of the world and literary heritage. After classes, when Yesenin's friends remained in the classroom, he would invite us to read good poems. We happily agreed. Sergei would come to the teacher's desk and, filled with excitement, read poems by Pushkin or Lermontov. His readings were restrained, without unnecessary gestures, in the spirit of school tradition. Interestingly, he never read his own poems in my presence, and I had no idea he was already writing them.

The incident I'll tell you about occurred when printed letters appeared on the back of the blackboard—a quatrain-epigram dedicated to the geography teacher Nikolai Mikhailovich. Unfortunately, I've forgotten his name. That day, I was on duty for the class and didn't have time to read the poem before teacher Khitrov approached us and asked who had written these lines. I couldn't answer and didn't know how to explain the situation. However, the epigram's content was likely not offensive, since no reprimand followed. That evening, Yesenin confessed to me that it was he who wrote these four lines dedicated to "God's little bird," as we affectionately called Nikolai Mikhailovich. This incident didn't seem unusual to me, since many of the students were also interested in poetry and wrote poems.

School life was often burdensome for us students. Long classes from eight in the morning until four in the evening, homework assignments under the strict supervision of the teachers on duty, as well as classroom and kitchen duties, and participation in church services created an atmosphere of constant pressure. At such moments, I especially wanted to escape to the city, feel the freedom and enjoy the open spaces.

Yesenin often organized various events. On winter Sundays, his joyful voice rang out throughout the dormitory: "Who's going skating? Let's go!" He was always the first to rush to the Sovka River. Yesenin's enthusiasm attracted friends and created an atmosphere of joy, which contributed to the rapprochement of people and the strengthening of their relationships. Such winter forays to the skating rink became an integral part of the life of his circle, highlighting his vibrant personality and active lifestyle.

The memoirs of Sergei Yesenin represent a unique source of information about the life and work of the great poet. These notes reveal details about his character, personal experiences, and creative path. Khobochev P. Ya. shares his impressions of Yesenin, revealing him as a deeply sensitive and talented person. This work allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of Yesenin's poetry and the atmosphere in which it was created. Such memoirs are important not only for researching the poet's biography, but also for analyzing his influence on Russian literature. By studying these entries, one can see how Yesenin's life and work were intertwined, shaping his unique style and philosophy. Khobochev demonstrates how personal relationships and the cultural environment influenced Yesenin's poetic legacy, making his work relevant today.

Context

The memoirs cover the period from 1909 to 1912, when the young Sergei Yesenin studied at the teachers' seminary in Spas-Klepiki, a small town in the Ryazan region. This educational institution trained future primary school teachers. At that time, Yesenin was 14-16 years old; he entered the seminary after completing his studies at the local zemstvo school.

At school, Yesenin established himself as one of the best students, graduating with a certificate of honor. However, at the teachers' seminary, he didn't display the same diligence: he prepared for lessons in a hurry, often only during breaks. According to the recollections of his mentor, Yevgeny Mikhailovich Khitrov, Sergei stood out among his diligent classmates, and not in the best light. Moreover, he often provoked the most diligent students, which often led to conflicts and fights. Some students come in and say, "Yesenin is interrupting my studies." I enter the classroom to sort things out. Where is he? No one knows. Time passes, and the tension subsides. Suddenly, the door to my apartment opens, and Yesenin quietly enters with a piece of paper. Poems are written on it. I begin the conversation with a question: "Poetry is great, but why are you interrupting my studies?" He remains meekly silent, as always. Eventually, we find common ground, and he leaves the apartment, joyful and inspired once again.

Sergei Yesenin is an outstanding Russian poet whose work has left a profound mark on literature. In my memoirs, I recount my encounters with him, his unique talent, and his difficult life. Yesenin was not only a master of words but also a man who experienced strong emotions and passions. His poems are filled with sincerity and depth, reflecting the nature and soul of Russia.

An important aspect of his life was his connection with folk culture and folklore, which allowed him to create works relatable to every reader. Yesenin had a knack for capturing the atmosphere of the times in which he lived and conveying it in his poetry. He became a symbol of an entire era, and his legacy continues to inspire poets and readers around the world.

Memories of Sergei Yesenin help us better understand his personality and work, as well as recognize his influence on the development of Russian poetry. These memoirs serve not only as a tribute to the great poet but also as an important source of information about the times in which he lived and worked.

Yesenin's superficial attitude toward studying at the teacher's seminary can be explained by two main factors. Firstly, the poet himself openly admitted to acquaintances that he had not planned to become a teacher and entered the seminary solely at the insistence of his parents. His family was proud of his academic achievements and strove for him to achieve more than they did, since the easiest way to make a career without financial support and with an education from a rural school was in the teaching profession. By that time, Sergei was completely immersed in creativity and a passion for literature. It was the only subject that truly delighted him. He became especially passionate about literature, going beyond the standard curriculum. Reading occupied a significant place in his life. He especially valued class recitation, recalled teacher Khitrov. "I remember how I read "Eugene Onegin", "Boris Godunov" and other works for several hours, always in full. The children listened to these readings with great interest. But I never had a more greedy listener than Yesenin. He listened to me, drinking in every word. In the saddest moments, he'd be the first to burst into tears, and at the funniest moments, he'd be the first to burst into laughter. I always loved Pushkin and devoted much attention to him in class, examining his works and recommending him as an outstanding literature teacher. Yesenin also fell in love with Pushkin's work.

Sergei Yesenin's poetry writing didn't distinguish him from his peers, as poetry was a common hobby among his classmates. They all submitted their works to the teacher for evaluation, and he wasn't shy about offering honest criticism. He sometimes tried to temper the students' creative ardor if he saw that their desire to write wasn't backed by sufficient ability. Khitrov also rejected Yesenin's first poems, considering them superficial. Although Sergei had a good grasp of rhyme and rhythm, the teacher didn't see any real talent in them. However, towards the end of the seminary, Khitrov finally noticed a true poetic gift in his student, which became an important step towards Yesenin's recognition as a great poet.

The first work by Sergei Yesenin that made a strong impression on me was the poem "Stars." I remember feeling embarrassed and a little afraid at that moment. I read this poem with him several times, and I was overcome with a feeling of shame for not appreciating Yesenin's work enough. I shared with him that I really liked this poem and that it was worth publishing.

Sergei Yesenin, one of the greatest Russian poets, left an indelible mark on literature. His work is imbued with deep emotionality and a connection with nature. In my memoirs, I want to share my personal impressions of Sergei Yesenin, his poetry, and his character.

Yesenin possessed a unique gift for conveying his feelings and experiences through words, which made his poems particularly relatable and understandable to many. His lyrics are full of images of Russian nature, village life, and sincere emotions. The poet knew how to touch the innermost corners of the soul, evoking deep feelings in readers.

Sergei Yesenin was not only a talented poet but also a vibrant personality with charisma and charm. His interactions with people always left an unforgettable impression. Memories of him are full of warmth and respect, and his influence on Russian literature cannot be overestimated.

His poems continue to inspire and move readers, remaining relevant to this day. It is important to remember his contribution to Russian poetry and appreciate the beauty he left us as a legacy.

Khitrov recommended the young poet to go to Moscow or St. Petersburg to study literature under professional guidance. At the age of seventeen, the poet decided to follow this advice, despite the persistent wishes of his parents, who wanted him to continue his education at a teacher training institute after college.

Four years after his departure, Sergei Yesenin sent a parcel to Yevgeny Mikhailovich Khitrov. Inside was a printed collection of poems entitled "Radunitsa" with the dedication: "To the kind old teacher Yevgeny Mikhailovich Khitrov from a grateful student." This gesture emphasizes the deep connection between the poet and his mentor, as well as the significance of Khitrov's influence on Yesenin's work.

Despite the fact that Sergei Yesenin did not demonstrate particular diligence in his studies at the seminary, he successfully completed it, receiving mostly Bs on his certificate, with the exception of subjects such as singing and Church Slavonic. Interestingly, in the section on behavior, he received an A with two minuses. It became a true "horror and nightmare," as his teacher Khitrov wryly noted. According to the rules, the graduating class of the teachers' seminary could not receive any grades for behavior other than an A, since the diocesan teachers' council would not approve anything else. Yesenin was the only one to receive such a strange assessment, which emphasizes his uniqueness and contradictory nature.

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