Aspects of 19th-Century Literary and Societal Thought

Abstract

19th-century Georgia stands out for events of profound significance in determining the fate of the country. These events are perceived in different ways by Georgian writers, and despite  differences of opinion, their contributions to the development of Georgian literary and societal thought are considerable and important. Analyzing the lives and works of each figure reveals the notion that the diversity of thought is influenced by multiple factors: primarily, the era itself – the various periods of the 19th century in which they lived, shaped by the prevailing socio-political context – as well as their social origins, which also become a defining factor in the mindset of each Georgian public figure.

In the first half of the 19th century, one central issue dominated: the annexation of Georgia by Russia—a concern that troubled and united all public figures of the time. The path of resistance during this period manifested through uprisings and the conspiracy of 1832, representing an armed struggle aimed at restoring Georgia’s independence.

After the failure of the 1832 conspiracy, the situation began to change. Although the struggle for Georgian independence remained an issue, it gradually moved to the background. This shift was largely influenced by the growing dominance of the Russian Empire in all spheres of Georgian life.

It is also noteworthy that not all public figures perceived the existing situation in the same way. To understand the nature of societal thought, their evaluations of key events are especially important – such as the so-called "struggle between fathers and sons," which involved debates over literary movements and the literary language, the Caucasian War, the issue of serfdom, social revolutions, and the political orientation of the country.

On the social and economic front, we see conflicts emerge between the Sixtiers (the 1860s generation) and the Populists, and later among the representatives of the first, second, and third groups of the Tergdaleulebi (Russian-educated Georgians), each holding differing political views.

Thus, for the writers and public figures of the second half of the 19th century, national and social issues were of paramount importance – closely tied to questions of language and literature. The slogan of the Sixtiers, "Homeland, Language, Faith," became a unifying formula for the identity of all of Georgia. Literature emerged as a powerful force that reflected reality, awakened national sentiment, voiced social problems, and shaped public consciousness.