Marina Tsvetaeva and Anatoly Steiger: A Novel in Letters (Reconstruction Attempt)

Abstract

The article proposes a reconstruction of M. Tsvetaeva’s epistolary novel with the young emigrant A. Steiger. The dynamics of their relationship is traced, where there is a tie, movement to the culmination and completion: a break. The characteristic features of Tsvetaeva’s letters are shown: nervous style, expression. The differences of this novel in letters from the epistolary “triangle” of Tsvetaevа – Rilke – Pasternak are revealed. If the dialogue between them is the relationship of equal poets, then in relation to Steiger Tsvetaeva appears as a protective mother. A specific set of Tsvetaevа’s motives is revealed, where the main thing is love for the inaccessible, unrealizable. In general, the correspondence with Shteiger reinforces a virtual plot common for Tsvetaeva’s letters. In it, the main role is assigned to her lyrical perception of another – his “re-creation” for himself, ascension to the romantic ideal and rejection of the original person, leading to disappointment and rupture.