Two Russian Classics, or Strong People: to the Bicentennial of F.M. Dostoevsky and N.A. Nekrasov

Abstract

The reason for the article was the bicentennial anniversary of two great Russian writers of the 19th century F. M. Dostoevsky and N. A. Nekrasov. The author sets the task of fi nding the connecting threads in their biographies and in their work. As it turned out, Dostoevsky specialists and Nekrasov specialists work almost without intersection. The author shows the continuity and depth of contacts between Russian geniuses. Among other things, he puts forward the assumption that the prototype of Versilov, the protagonist of “Teenager”, can be called Nekrasov. Such a turn in research presupposes an understanding of the integral existence of Russian literature and Russian thought. As Lev Shestov justly remarked, Russian literature is Russian philosophy. The article draws attention to the nature of the personalities of both writers, of course different to the same extent as their fate is different, but possessing tremendous inner strength. This fortitude in difficult conditions of life, its troubles and horrors (hungry youth, hard labor, illness, etc.), allowed them to create the meanings of Russian culture, structure it, affirming the principles of goodness and beauty in their literary works. Life, its comprehension and its embodiment in prose and poetry, the professionalism of the creators and editors of magazines allowed both of them to overcome tabloid-ideological enmity, extending a helping hand and support to each other in difficult times. Spiritual closeness and spiritual confrontation of two Russian geniuses became the most important event for Russian classical literature and Russian culture.