Элементы сатиры в поэзии Владимира Высоцкого

Abstract

This article examines the social context and the place of certain elements which Vladimir Vysotsky, one of the most famous Russian bards, was using to create the satirical effect in his works. The development of the Russian literature of the second half of XX century showed fight for freedom of speech. Vladimir Vysotsky’s satire proved to be an amazing device for defying antinomies of life; in other words, through his loud but concealed laughter, he thrown down a challenge to the soviet regime. The purpose of the majority of Vysotsky’s humorous jokes, fairytales, social and existential poems was to remove reader’s rose-colored glasses. Seemingly, he wrote only simple songs about common people’s lives (Dialogue in front of TV), about sport (Morning Gymnastics), travelling (The instruction before a trip abroad...), space (In the distant constellation Tau Kita), distant countries (Song about nothing, or what has happened in Africa), interpersonal relations (Song about a scapegoat) and about fairytale heroes (Song-tale about genie). But, in fact, he reprehended various society’s illnesses: alcoholism, rudeness. In other words, his most nonchalant satire always had a substantial after-taste.