Why is Mikhail Lermontov associated with Romanticism in Russian literature?

Mikhail Lermontov is considered the leading figure of Romanticism in Russian literature due to his profound thematic and stylistic alignment with the movement's core tenets. His association with Romanticism is defined by several key factors:1

• Byronic Influence: Early in his career, Lermontov was heavily influenced by the English Romantic poet Lord Byron. This is evident in his narrative poems, such as Demon, which features a Byronic protagonist, and his novel A Hero of Our Time, which centers on a "superfluous man"—a cynical, alienated hero of superior accomplishments.12
• Focus on Individualism and Emotion: Reflecting the Romantic faith in self-knowledge and the "language of the heart," Lermontov’s lyric poetry is deeply personal, characterized by a passionate craving for freedom, skepticism toward contemporary society, and intense emotional expression.13
• Nature and Exoticism: His experiences in the Caucasus deeply shaped his work, where he utilized the region's exotic landscapes and folklore as central motifs, a hallmark of Romantic interest in the primitive and the sublime.1

Lermontov’s work bridged the gap between the subjective, visionary nature of Romanticism and the development of Russian literature toward greater psychological and social realism.1