Russian philology
Sumarokov's interest in the form of French
literature mirrored his devotion to the westernizing spirit of Peter the Great's age. Although he
often disagreed with Trediakovsky, Sumarokov also advocated the use of simple, natural
language in order to diversify the audience and make more efficient use of the Russian
language. Like his colleagues and counterparts, Sumarokov extolled the legacy of Peter I,
writing in his manifesto Epistle on Poetry, "The great Peter hurls his thunder from the Baltic
shores, the Russian sword glitters in all corners of the universe". Peter the Great's policies of
westernization and displays of military prowess naturally attracted Sumarokov and his
contemporaries.
Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov, in particular, expressed his gratitude for and dedication to
Peter's legacy in his unfinished Peter the Great, Lomonosov's works often focused on themes
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