When was Gavrila Derzhavin born and where?
Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin entered the world on the 14th of July 1743 within the Kazan Governorate. His family belonged to a landed but impoverished branch of Russian nobility.
Questions about Gavrila Derzhavin
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What high offices did Gavrila Derzhavin hold under Catherine the Great?
Derzhavin rose from the ranks as a common soldier to become Minister of Justice in 1802 after serving as governor of Olonets, governor of Tambov, personal secretary, and President of the College of Commerce. This ascent occurred despite a bureaucratic mistake early on that made him a private in the Preobrazhensky Regiment instead of an engineer.
Why did Gavrila Derzhavin write Opinion regarding Jewish communities in 1800?
In 1800, Derzhavin wrote a political work titled Opinion responding to Emperor Paul I's request regarding famines in Mogilev Governorate. He blamed Belarusian famines on mercenary trades conducted by Jews who exploited peasants through leaseholding estates and distilling alcohol and proposed reforms to restrict magnate freedoms and abolish the Jewish Qahal institution.
Which poems are considered major works by Gavrila Derzhavin?
Major works included On the Death of Prince Meschersky from 1779, Ode to Felica from 1782, God published in 1785, Waterfall came out in 1794, and Bullfinch appeared in 1800. These poems blended classical structure with metaphysical antitheses that created unique rhythmic patterns.
When did Gavrila Derzhavin die and where is he buried?
He died on the 20th of July 1816 and was buried in Khutyn Monastery near Zvanka. Soviet authorities reburied him in the Novgorod Kremlin before finally reintering him back at Khutyn.