Material metaphors in Shalamov’s and Mandelstam’s poetic consciousness

Abstract

The tradition of Acmeism, among others, was a defining aspect of V. Shalamov’s artistic origins. The article examines Shalamov’s artistic interaction with the prominent Acmeist poet O. Mandelstam, demonstrates the key trends in the interpretation of material imagery traceable in the poets’ works, and discusses their individual artistic approaches to developing this imagery. Mandelstam was famously revered by Shalamov the author: Not only did he produce a portrayal of Mandelstam in the short story ‘Cherry Brandy’ of the Kolyma Tales [Kolymskie rasskazy], but also drafted a speech to be delivered at a 1966 gathering dedicated to Mandelstam’s 75th anniversary (the notes are kept in Shalamov’s archive at RGALI [Russian State Archive of Literature and Art]). In his notes, Shalamov mentions that his artistic affinity with Mandelstam reveals itself in similar attention to the material world, or the world of objects; adherence to Acmeist values; and artistic and personal nonconformism. D. Krotova finds proof of this affinity in Shalamov’s poetry and prose, citing his published output as well as works preserved at RGALI.