Maksim Gorky is one of the most popular Russian writers of the 19-20 century. His works were loved not only by compatriots, but also by people all over the world.
The real name of the author Alexey Maksimovich PeshkovHowever, he became known to a wide circle of readers under his pseudonym.
The central place in the work of Gorky is occupied by man and his place in life. In many works, the main idea is the emergence of "new people" who are fearless and freedom-loving, as well as physically strong and endowed with a great mind.
This article will consider a list of Gorky's most famous works, both early and late.
10. My universities
«My universities"- an autobiographical novel that completes a cycle of three works about the life of a writer.
Gorky himself wrote that this work is primarily about the life of an ordinary Russian person.
The main character of the book sets a goal to go to study at Kazan University.
However, the lack of means of subsistence makes the young man temporarily abandon his dream and go to work.
The working life of a young man becomes a real "university". Despite the fact that the main character did not reach his goal - to enter a higher educational institution, he acquired no less valuable knowledge after going through a real “school of life”.
9. Chelkash
The story "Chelkash"Refers to the early works of Alexei Peshkov. It was first published in the journal Russian Wealth in 1895, and Maxim Gorky wrote it a year earlier.
The central figure in the story is the tramp Grishka Chelkash, who earns his living by illegal means.
Before the next dirty business, the protagonist finds out that his partner was in the hospital. The case brings Chelkash with a young man named Gabriel, whom he offers to quickly earn extra easy money. The guy gives his consent.
After the work done, Gabriel reveals himself from a completely different perspective and no longer seems to be a kind and naive young man.
8. Mother
The novel "Mother»Maxim Gorky wrote during his stay in America in 1906. The work highlights the ideas of socialism and touches on the theme of revolution.
The prototype of the main character of the story of Pavel Vlasov was a real revolutionary from Nizhny Novgorod - Peter Zalomov. Maxim Peshkov also relied on biblical images in his work, due to which he was later accused of blasphemy.
In the novel itself, we are talking about the young worker Pavel Vlasov, who begins to get involved in reading forbidden literature and gather with a group of revolutionary-minded like-minded people.
His mother Pelagia supports his son, but at the same time fears for his life. After some time, Paul begins to have problems with the law.
The young man’s mother does not leave him in a difficult situation and tries to help in every possible way, even to the detriment of herself.
7. Song of the Petrel
Composition "Song of the Petrel"Was written by Gorky in 1901 as the final part of the story" Spring Melodies ".
The story was full of revolutionary ideas, so it did not go out of print. Thus, "The Song of the Petrel" was published in the journal "Life" as an independent work, although it also has a clear ideological orientation.
No less important is the artistic value of the poem, and not just its internal meaning. The writer was able to very clearly describe the marine nature and the approach of the storm.
6. Song of the Falcon
«Song of the Falcon"Was published in 1895. This work belongs to a genre such as a prose poem. It has been translated into many languages and is widely recognized throughout the world.
The plot of the work is a kind of parable about a wounded and proud bird. The falcon was wounded by his adversary, but did not lose his love of freedom and courage.
In addition to the philosophical component in the poem there are many vivid descriptions of nature.
5. The life of Klim Samghin
«Klim Samghin's life"Is the greatest creation of Maxim Gorky and is an epic novel.
The whole work is divided into four independent parts. The final part is not completed completely, as Alexey Peshkov worked on the novel until his death.
The main idea of the writer was to depict in his work as much as possible forty years from the history of Russia - until 1918.
The action takes place both in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, and in provincial settlements.
As for the main characters of the work, they are representatives of all social sectors of society.
The protagonist of the novel, around which the plot is built, is a revolutionary who has embarked on this path against his will and considers himself a “victim of history”.
4. Makar the Miracle
«Makar Chudra"- another story from the early work of the writer. The work was first published in 1892.
Like other early works by Alexei Peshkov, Makar Chudra is a reflection of the author’s romantic and idealistic moods.
The structure of the work is a certain story inside the story, which is presented on behalf of the main character Makar Chudra.
An aged gypsy tells of the tragic love of Loiko Zobar and Rudda. Lovers are not ready to come to terms with flaring feelings for each other and consider them an obstacle to freedom.
The story was widely recognized by readers and was filmed in 1976. The director of the film was Emil Loteanu.
The screen version was released under the title “The Camp Goes to Heaven” and the audience loved it no less than the original work of Maxim Gorky.
3. Childhood
The story "Childhood"Is the first part in an autobiographical cycle of three books. The work was published in 1913.
Maxim Gorky writes about his childhood, about all the upheavals and difficulties that he had to face at a young age.
The writer tried to describe in as much detail as possible the conditions in which he had to live, and all the important events from his childhood.
At an early age, Maxim Peshkov loses his father and younger brother. With his mother and grandmother, he goes to live in the family of his grandfather Vasily, who is distinguished by a strict disposition.
In the new house, Alexei Peshkov is watching relatives who are constantly quarreling with each other. Also, the boy learns for himself what injustice is, and many of the hardships of life.
After the death of his mother, Alexei is forced to fight for survival and earn his own bread.
2. At the bottom
The play "At the bottom"Was written at the turn of 1901-1902. The work was awarded the Griboedov Prize in 1904. The play was prohibited in many theaters until 1905.
As the name implies, the work is about people who have sunk to the very bottom of social life.
The action takes place in a rooming house, where the lower classes live. Some of the characters still do not give up hope of getting out of poverty, and someone has long been reconciled to his position and dropped his hands.
Conflicts erupt between guests periodically and intrigues are woven.
1. Old Woman Isergil
The story "Old Isergil"Was written in 1894. The work consists of two legends and one story of an old woman about men with whom she was in love.
The first legend tells of Larra, who is the son of a woman and an eagle. He lives according to his own laws and only for himself, ignoring other people.
The second legend tells of Danko, who came to the aid of people to lead them through a dangerous forest. In this story, the theme of self-sacrifice and love for one's neighbor is revealed.
The basic concept of the story of the old woman Isergil lies in life among people, but only for oneself.