Sergei Alexandrovich Yesenin was born on October 3, 1895, in Konstantinovo, a village in Ryazan County, Russia. He was raised in a humble peasant family, and his parents struggled financially, leading him to be primarily raised by his grandparents. Despite his difficult upbringing, Yesenin showed an early interest in poetry and began writing poems at the young age of nine.
At the age of 17, Yesenin moved to Moscow to attend university. It was during this time that his passion for poetry continued to flourish, and his first works were published in journals in 1914. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style and imagery, drawing inspiration from Russian folklore and oral tradition.
Yesenin is credited with being a key figure in the Imagist movement, a literary movement that focused on the use of precise imagery and clear language. His work caught the attention of renowned American poet Ezra Pound, who was also associated with the movement.
Throughout his life, Yesenin was known for his tumultuous personal relationships. He was married a total of five times and had three children. One of his most notable relationships was with the famous dancer Isadora Duncan, whom he married briefly.
Tragically, Yesenin's life was cut short when he passed away on December 28, 1925, at the age of 30. His death was ruled a suicide, as he was found hanged in his hotel room. The news of his passing shocked his fans and sparked a wave of copycat suicides among his female admirers.
Despite his premature death, Yesenin left behind a lasting legacy through his poetry. Some of his most famous works include Radunitsa (1916) and Inoniya (1918). His collected poems were published posthumously in 1961, ensuring his place in the Russian literary canon.
Yesenin's works continue to inspire poets and readers around the world with their evocative imagery and emotional depth. His unique blend of traditional Russian themes and modernist techniques has solidified his reputation as one of Russia's most beloved poets.
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