"In the Alps": The Role of the Sonnet in Bunin’s Self-Identity as a Poet
The sonnet « Na vysote, na snegovoi vershine...» («High in the mountains, on a snowy peak…», originally entitled «In the Alps») is remarkable for its high level of conventionality, which is not typical of Bunin’s early lyrics. This feature can be explained by the poet’s need for self-identity. Reflecting on his role in contemporary poetry and his own poetical renommée, Bunin draws on the sonnet-writing experience of Pushkin and Mickiewicz and the lyrical revelations of Goethe, Baratynsky, and Tyutchev. In this core programmatic sonnet on sonnet-making (or, sonnet in a sonnet), Bunin develops ties with the rich sonnet genealogy and the traditional sonnet theme of poet’s mission. The poet (i.e., his lyrical hero) not only focuses in the sonnet's volta some of the poetic revelations of his fellow poets but also tries to convince himself in his right of addressing them in the language of high poetry and in his chance of being understood by those who know the poetic language.