Primary sourceBook1826
The Prophet
Alexander Pushkin · 1826
A 1826 poem by Pushkin, based on the biblical Isaiah, expressing his idea of the poet's sacred calling.
A poem by Pushkin stating his own vision of the poet's sacred mission.
About this source
What it is
"The Prophet" is a poem written by Alexander Pushkin in 1826. It draws on the biblical story of the prophet Isaiah, describing a seraph who transforms an ordinary man into a prophet given the duty to speak God's word to humanity.
Why it matters
The poem reveals how Pushkin saw the role of the poet: not simply an entertainer, but someone given a serious, almost sacred mission to speak truth to others, even when it is painful. It reflects the Romantic era's belief in the special status of the artist and offers insight into Pushkin's own self-image as a writer.
Look closer
- What images in the poem suggest pain or sacrifice as part of becoming a prophet?
- Why might Pushkin have chosen a biblical story to express his views about poetry?
- What might this poem tell us about how writers in his time thought of their purpose?
This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Alexander Pushkin on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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