Dated Titles in the 1830–1831 Lyric Poems by Mikhail Lermontov

This article examines dated (chronometric) titles in Mikhail Lermontov’s lyric poetry of 1830–1831. It aims to identify the typological features and semantic content of these titles within the poet’s early work. The significance of dating is revealed through the interplay of the poetic texts, the biographical context, and the literary style trends contemporary to the poet. The article argues that Lermontov’s creative search and the dramatic events of his personal life during this period led to the emergence of new realistic elements within his romantic poetics, linked to his reflection on his poetic vocation. The years in question mark the formation of the poet’s worldview; thus, recording the specific moment in time gains particular importance. Chronometric titles not only mark the time of creation but also serve as a sign of the poet’s personal involvement in the unfolding events, framing the moment as a juncture of the inner and outer worlds. They reflect a sense of unity between physical and spiritual experience, and in poems with historical themes, they underscore the awareness of being part of the historical process.