Alexander Blok's "The Scythians"

Alexander Blok's poem "The Scythians," written in 1918, reflects his response to the tumultuous political situation in Russia following the Bolshevik Revolution. The poem contrasts the ancient Scythians, who represented a fierce, independent spirit, with the modern world’s chaos and destruction. Blok explores themes of identity, freedom, and the clash between civilization and barbarism. He evokes a sense of longing for a pure, untainted existence while grappling with the violent upheaval of his time. "The Scythians" ultimately serves as both a critique of contemporary society and a quest for cultural and spiritual rebirth amidst turmoil.