Symbolism of the Train in Children’s Poetry of the 20th Century

Abstract

In the article by A. Gubaidullina entitled “Symbolism of the Train in Children’s Poetry of the 20th Century”, the author investigates the broad field of meanings attached to the image of the tram. The tram is a symbol that evokes special interest in non-official poetry. It served as an image of human existence in the world throughout the entire 20th century. In poetic works written for adults, as well as in children’s poetry, this image conveys the idea of time’s unpredictability and restriction of freedom. This article investigates the complex and controversial image of a tram that simultaneously serves as a symbol of progress, as well as an emblem of soulless machinery that evokes human fear of being defeated by it. This image is analyzed in the works by Osip Mandelshtam, Samuil Marshak, Igor’ Irtenev, Marina Boroditskaya and Mikhail Yasnov.   Keywords: the tram, poetry for children, XXth century, progress, Mandelshtam