William Penn Life, 2001 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-03-01 / 3. szám
1?etofi andTimm SÁNDOR PETŐFI, THE CREATIVE Hungarian genius, led a short but immensely rich life. His poetry exhibited a lyrical, natural character strongly inspired by the people and imbued with enthusiasm for national independence and revolutionary republicanism. He was bom in Kiskoros. He studied first in various schools in and around Kiskunság, then in Pest, at Aszod and Selmec. He began writing poetry at the age of 15. But his impoverished father would have nothing more to do with him and the young poet's life became very hard. For a time he acted as an extra in the theater, then wandered in Transdanubia before joining the army. After being discharged due to ill health, Petőfi continued his studies at Papa but soon joined a group of strolling players and wandered all over the country from Debrecen to Pozsony (Bratis-lava). In Pest, he supported himself by translating literary works. It was here that he became acquainted with Jókai, the great Hungarian novelist and historical storyteller. He also began associating with the radical youth of Pest, who were then meeting in the Cafe Pilvax. In early 1844, Petőfi began looking for someone to publish his poetry. He went to see Vörösmarty who recognized Petőfi's potential and helped him find a publisher. That summer, Petőfi became assistant editor of Pest Fashion Papers, a political magazine. His life became increasingly more balanced. His first published poem was “A borozo " (The Winedrinker). But, his second, "Hazam" (My Country), offered a glimpse of the great lyric poetry to follow. Like many of his early poems, “Hazam" touches on the mood of the nation and hints at revolution. Petőfi also had an exceptional For those who don’t read Hungarian, we present an English version of this month’s “Magyar Nyelv” feature. While not a word-forword translation, it will give you a general understanding and appreciation of the subject discussed. talent for writing folk songs, so much so that the folk song soon become his natural means of expression. In his ballads and humorous lyrical monologues, he shows himself as detached and eccentric, snubbing convention. Taken in total, his work indicates the evolution of a new realism. His "Janos vitéz" ("John the Hero") is one of the most beautiful and poetic stories in Hungarian literature. It tells the tale of a peasant lad fighting for happiness during his adventurous wanderings. He eventually reaches his goal, finding love and happiness in Fairyland. The journeys of "Janos vitéz" fully expressed the yearnings and ambitions of the Hungarian people. By 1846 Petofi's influence as a political poet and "poet-apostle" grew stronger. Now, just as he revolutionized poetry, he aimed to revolutionize the political landscape. After marrying Julia Szendrey, his love poetry reached its creative peak. Everything that followed, from 1847 to 1849, reflected the great events that began in 1848. It was during this period he wrote for the people “Nemzeti Dal" ("National Song"), the Hungarian “Marseillaise." His poetry and the revolution fed each other. His poetry told of passions stretched to the breaking point and his declarations of love expressed the presentiment of separation. In 1846, Janos Arany, the other great Hungarian poet of the 19th century, entered a competition sponsored by the Kisfaludy Society. His entry: "Toldi." In this masterpiece, Arany, who had become a thoughtful reader of Petőfi, created the first classic work of popular realism. Although the subject of the poem is presented in a historical setting, (Fie story actually deals with the poet's own time and the eagerly awaited rise and victory of the peasantry. Reading "Toldi", Petőfi saw a kindred spirit in Arany and the two became friends. By bringing popular poetry to the fore, Petőfi had prepared for the political rule of the people. Arany adopted this principle, although his peasant* s common sense—and more than once his dismay—made him see the fusion of national traditions and popular culture as his political task. The two poets' friendship led to the finest poetic correspondence in Hungarian literature. But, the revolution both sought and hoped for eventually led to ersonal crisis. No one knows exactly ow Petőfi died. His body was never recovered. It is certain that he was killed near Segesvár on July 31,1849, in combat against the Tsar of Russia's calvary. Petőfi was 26. Arany was unable to conceal his grief over the defeat of the revolution and the death of his friend. The introverted poet was left alone to carry on the poetical and popular revolution in a time when national indepence was lost and the landed gentry formed the influential circles of society. His mental and spiritual struggle resulted in a highly refined speculative lyric poetry which took shape during the years 1850 to 1854. "Memorials" (portions of which appear on the previous page) stands a Arany's poetic monument to his great friend, Petőfi. It expresses w! he and the nation could not, and d not, want to accept. The expression >i Arany's (and the nation's) inner struggle crystallizes in poetry that is elegiac, deeply emotional and clearly musical. [j|[] William Pen lile, March 2001
