MIRRORS AND MASKS: THE LIFE AND POETIC WORKS OF ANNA AKHMATOVA
MIRRORS AND MASKS: THE LIFE AND POETIC WORKS OF ANNA AKHMATOVA ROBERTA REEDER A POET'S LIFE CAN BE REFLECTED IN MANY MIRRORS. The life of Anna Akhmatova has been reflected in autobiographical notes, recorded conversations, letters and diaries of contemporaries, and criticism of her works. Yet she remains mysterious in many ways. She was discreet about the events in her personal life and restrained in expression. Though often inspired by real events or emotions, her poems may mask more than they reveal. Akhmatova warned against scrutinizing her lyrics for insight into her thoughts and feelings: "Lyric verse is the best armor, the best cover. You don't give yourself away.’ (1) Akhmatova practiced her art under extraordinarily difficult condi
