Demon

poem by Lermontov

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July 20, 2026

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Demon is a narrative poem by Mikhail Lermontov, a prominent Russian Romantic poet. Written in 1841, it tells the story of a demon's unrequited love for a mortal woman. Lermontov's work often drew inspiration from the natural beauty and folklore of the Caucasus region, where he spent time in exile. His poetry, including Demon, explored themes of freedom, skepticism, and the human condition, reflecting the turbulent political and social climate of 19th-century Russia. Lermontov is considered a successor to Alexander Pushkin and a significant figure in Russian literature.12

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Mikhail Aleksandrovich Vrubel
…drawn to Lermontov’s poem “Demon,” finding in it the kind of heroic figure he himself was drawn to—a rebel and a prophet, at once defiant and doomed to a life of utter loneliness. In his illustrations of Lermontov’s works, Vrubel demonstrated his mastery of graphic arts. His dense strokes…
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…drawn to Lermontov’s poem “Demon,” finding in it the kind of heroic figure he himself was drawn to—a rebel and a prophet, at once defiant and doomed to a life of utter loneliness. In his illustrations of Lermontov’s works, Vrubel demonstrated his mastery of graphic arts. His dense strokes…
Read More