A controversy of the Russian destiny. (Saltykov-Shchedrin and Dostoevsky)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the
critical notes of Saltykov-Shchedrin (in his cycle
of essays «Abroad») on the famous Pushkin
speech of Dostoevsky. The writers differed in
their opinions on the religious consciousness
of Russian peasantry, on the relation between
poor and ruling classes, on the predestination
of Russia. The polemic of two writers was
connected with the resistance of Belinsky and
Gogol, reflecting in their well-known letters.
These controversies were the evidance, how
difficult for the famous representatives of national
culture in XIX century was the decision
of the question, where was the common good
of Russia. But Saltykov-Shchedrin and Dostoevsky
were unanimous in the critical perception
of European bourgeous spirit, in the faith
in the future of their motherland.