COMPARISON OF CRITICAL VIEWS OF V.G. BELINSKY ON PUSHKIN, GOGOL AND LERMONTOV

Abstract

The article is dedicated to exploring the literary and critical views of V.G.Belinsky, the creator of the historical-literary concept that depicted the development of Russian literature from Lomonosov to Pushkin and Gogol. Belinsky considered the reflection of social phenomena in life as the highest virtue of literature. He believed that Pushkin created Russian literature as an art, but his work lacked acute social significance. The article concludes that Belinsky's criticism was geared towards revolutionary transformations in society. This explains his assertion that Pushkin fulfilled his mission and should yield to representatives of "real" poetry, such as Gogol and Lermontov. In contemporary Iranian literary studies, there has been insufficient attention to the exploration of the creative legacy of one of the most influential literary critics of the first half of the 19th century. This article provides a comparative analysis of Belinsky's ideas, determining the significance of Pushkin, Gogol, and Lermontov for the development of Russian literature.

Extended abstract:

The article examines the literary-critical views of V.G. Belinsky, who developed the historical and literary concept that traced the development of Russian literature from Lomonosov to Pushkin and Gogol. Belinsky believed that nationality was the main criterion of poetic dignity, as it expressed the depths of national life. He asserted the need to create a national literature, claiming "we have no literature." Belinsky considered the reflection of social phenomena in literature to be its highest merit, promoting a realistic concept of "real poetry" that depicted real life. He praised Gogol's work for its originality and ability to give artistic images a typical meaning. However, Belinsky believed that Pushkin's work lacked pointed social significance, despite creating Russian literature as an art. He argued that Pushkin had fulfilled his mission and should give way to representatives of "real" poetry, such as Gogol and Lermontov. Belinsky saw Lermontov as reflecting a portrait of a new generation of people who were inactive and reflective, while modern writers should show an active attitude towards life and embody progressive social trends. Despite Belinsky's innovative criticism and direct influence on writers and journalists of the 1830s and 1840s, his legacy is now on the periphery of research attention. The article aims to provide a comparative analysis of Belinsky's ideas regarding Pushkin, Gogol, and Lermontov, highlighting their significance for the development of Russian literature. In modern Iranian literary criticism, insufficient attention is paid to the study of Belinsky's creative heritage, making this article a valuable contribution to the field.