Vasily Andreyevich Zhukovsky

Vasily Andreyevich Zhukovsky , 1783-1852, Russian poet and translator. Zhukovsky wrote fine lyrics and odes, including the patriotic poem "The Bard in the Camp of the Russian Warriors" (1812), but is important chiefly for his translations. He introduced into Russia the works of English, French, and German poets and also gave Russian verse a new quality of flexibility, subtlety, and grace. Zhukovsky was tutor to the future Czar Alexander II, who was influenced by his liberal ideas.

Karatygin, Vasily Andreyevich (1802–53), Russian tragic actor, who made his professional début in 1820. He was noted for the care with which he studied his roles, returning where possible to the original sources, and labouring for historical accuracy in costume and décor, though he was opposed to the realistic style of acting and the innovations of Shchepkin and was criticized for a certain frigidity and mechanical quality. In contrast to Mochalov he developed a subtle and calculated technique which enabled him to play the most varied roles, though his preference was always for classical tragedy, and he was especially admired in the patriotic drama of the day. He created the part of Chatsky in Griboyedov's Woe from Wit (1831).