Experience in Psychological Research of A.S. Pushkin’s Early Reading Biography

Abstract

Background. Addressing the issue of the birth of Pushkin as a reader is relevant in many aspects. In the historical and cultural aspects, it can be considered as the approach to identifying the genesis of his work. In the historical psychological and general psychological aspects, this issue is addressed as a way to clarify and expand the factors involved in the formation of a genius. In the pedagogical aspect, it needs research in order to overcome the reading crisis of the late 20th — early 21st centuries. Objective. The aim is to present the experience of psychological analysis of Pushkin’s early reading biography and identify the role of reading as one of the factors contributing to the development and formation of a genius. Methods. Retrospective and historical-biographical methods as well as the analysis of the poet’s creative products are applied. Results. In the early reader’s biography of Pushkin, three periods are distinguished: 1) 1799–1803. (“pre-reading”) — infancy and early childhood, during which the child Pushkin gains the experience of listening to folklore small genres and mastering speech as a prerequisite for future reading skills; 2) 1804–1806 — early learning to read and first independent experiences in reading; 3) 1807–1811 — “a hunt for reading” (A. Pushkin), the role of his father’s library in the poet’s reading biography. The main features of Pushkin’s reading development in childhood have been identified: accelerated development, bilingualism, breadth of reading interests, initiative, obsession with reading, connection with early poetic experiences. Conclusions. The understanding of social factors influencing the development and realization of the personality of a genius in the early years has been expanded. Such factors, in particular, include the “reading factor”, which, together with others (favourable historical and cultural context, the role of the literary gifted Pushkin family and their immediate environment) and with the obligatory action of a genetic factor, participates in the formation of Pushkin’s genius.