Mayakovsky and Blok accepted the October Revolution. What is the difference in the depiction of the driving forces of the revolution by the two poets (do a comparative analysis of the poems “Good!” and “Twelve”)?

Vladimir Mayakovsky and Alexander Blok are two towering figures in Russian poetry, both of whom responded to the October Revolution of 1917 with enthusiasm, yet their depictions of the driving forces behind this monumental event differ significantly in tone, style, and thematic focus. A comparative analysis of Mayakovsky's poem "Good!" and Blok's "The Twelve" highlights these differences in their portrayal of revolutionary fervor and the characters that embody it. ### Mayakovsky's "Good!" In "Good!", Mayakovsky celebrates the revolution as a new dawn for humanity and a radical transformation of society. His language is bold, direct, and marked by a sense of optimism. The poem conveys a rhapsodic vision of the future, emphasizing a break from the past and an enthusiastic embrace of the revolutionary ideals. Mayakovsky uses a conversational tone, often addressing the reader directly and employing colloquialisms to create an immediate connection with everyday people. The imagery in "Good!" is vibrant and filled with revolutionary symbols. For instance, he speaks of the triumph of the proletariat and the destruction of the old order, which he likens to oppressive structures. Mayakovsky's driving force behind the revolution is the collective power of the working class, portrayed as agents of change who are bound by a shared vision of equality and justice. The poem captures the spirit of the new Soviet state, celebrating the construction of a society free from the chains of capitalism and oppression. ### Blok's "The Twelve" In contrast, Alexander Blok's "The Twelve" presents a more complex and ambivalent vision of the revolution. While he acknowledges the significance of the events of 1917, Blok's poem delves into the chaotic and sometimes violent nature of the uprising, reflecting a sense of uncertainty about its consequences. The poem features a group of twelve Red Guards marching through the snow, which can be seen as a Christ-like procession that evokes both hope and fear. Blok's depiction of the driving forces of the revolution is less straightforward than Mayakovsky's. In "The Twelve," the revolution is personified not only by the Red Guards but also by enigmatic figures and societal upheaval. The poem reflects an apocalyptic vision, where the marchers are accompanied by a haunting sense of impending doom. The imagery in Blok’s work often blurs the lines between heroism and brutality, and while he captures the fervor of those participating in the revolution, he also raises questions about morality, redemption, and the path humanity is taking. ### Comparative Analysis 1. **Tone and Style**: Mayakovsky employs a celebratory and optimistic tone, emphasizing the triumph of the proletariat and the newfound opportunities for the masses. His vigorous and accessible style invites a direct emotional response. Blok, however, adopts a more ambiguous tone, using symbolism and imagery that evoke both reverence and dread. His style is often elliptical, leaving much to interpretation and reflecting the uncertainties surrounding the revolution. 2. **Themes of Collective vs. Individual Experience**: In "Good!", the focus is squarely on the collective—the proletariat as a united force. Mayakovsky's vision is one of communal harmony and strength. Conversely, in "The Twelve," Blok stresses individual experiences within the collective action. The twelve guards symbolize different aspects of humanity and the dichotomy between their revolutionary zeal and the chaos surrounding them. 3. **Imagery and Symbolism**: Mayakovsky’s imagery is vibrant and filled with concrete revolutionary symbols—tools of labor, cries for freedom—that evoke a sense of empowerment and solidarity. Blok’s imagery, on the other hand, is more layered and complex, often juxtaposing moments of beauty with violence. The use of the number twelve evokes biblical connotations, suggesting a quest for redemption but also hinting at an uncertain moral landscape. 4. **Philosophical Undertones**: Mayakovsky's work largely conveys an ideology aligned with the revolutionary fervor of the time, embodying a clear faith in the final victory of socialism. Blok, however, grapples with more profound existential questions, contemplating the implications of revolution on the human soul and the fabric of society. In summary, while both Mayakovsky and Blok embraced the October Revolution, their poems reveal contrasting viewpoints on its underlying forces. Mayakovsky's "Good!" is an exuberant celebration of collective action and promise, whereas Blok's "The Twelve" presents a more complex, fraught vision that captures the turbulence of revolutionary change. Through their distinct styles and thematic focuses, both poets contribute to a multifaceted understanding of the revolution and its impact on Russian society.