Russian philology
Peter's example
set a precedent for the remainder of the 18th century as Russian writers began to form clear
ideas about the proper use and progression of the Russian language. Through their debates
regarding versification of the Russian language and tone of Russian literature, the writers in
the first half of the 18th century were able to lay foundation for the more poignant, topical
work of the late 18th century.
Satirist Antiokh Dmitrievich Kantemir, 17081744, was one of the earliest Russian writers not
only to praise the ideals of Peter I's reforms but the ideals of the growing Enlightenment
movement in Europe. Kantemir's works regularly expressed his admiration for Peter, most
notably in his epic dedicated to the emperor entitled Petrida. More often, however, Kantemir
indirectly praised Peter's influence through his satiric criticism of Russia's "superficiality and
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