Russian world literature of the 19th century. The Development of Fiction in the Last Decades of the 19th Century

Due to the availability of a variety of programs, especially for schools with in-depth study literature, gymnasiums and lyceums of the humanitarian profile, indicating the complication literary education schoolchildren, deepening their scientific and theoretical orientations, a special role is played by the comprehension of Russian literary process middle of the 19th century.

In the senior classes, the history of Russian literature is studied, the features of the literary process: art world literature of the 40-50s of the XIX century; the development of Russian literature in the 1940s and 1970s; the problem of the formation of Russian literary criticism different ideological and aesthetic orientations; formation of directions, creative groups writers ( literary schools); the problem of the nationality of literature, as well as the typology of realism and the individual originality of the writer (“the artistic world of the writer”) 1 .

Consideration of the literary process of the 60s implies familiarity with the work of democratic writers: N.V. Uspensky, V.A. Sleptsova, F.M. Reshetnikova, A.I. Levitova. Students should be well aware that the pictures folk life reproduced not only by N.A. Nekrasov in his poem "Who in Rus' should live well" ( program work), but also by other writers of the time, creating a broad picture of folk life. The peasant theme was dominant in literature during these years, which is a kind of sign of the times.

The manual reveals the origins of democratic prose in Russian realism in the development of the theme of the peasantry, in connection with which attention is drawn to the role natural school and its representatives. In addition to writers known to students - I.S. Turgenev, A.N. Ostrovsky, N.A. Nekrasova, I.A. Goncharov, it seems necessary to turn to the work of V.I. Dahl, D.V. Grigorovich, A.F. Pisemsky, P.I. Melnikov-Pechersky, whose works make it possible to realize many aspects peasant life Russia, note the role of A.N. Ostrovsky in common process national ethnology, emphasize the ethnological interests of the playwright. Such writers as P.I. Yakushkin, S.V. Maksimov, F.D. Nefedov - collectors, folklorists, ethnographers - whose works, based on folk culture, represent a unique phenomenon in Russian literature and make a significant contribution to the aesthetic education of schoolchildren, their introduction to the originality of the spiritual essence of the people, to the origins of moral aesthetic values.

The allowance is considered in accordance with the requirements school curriculum features of the Russian literary process of the middle of the 19th century, democratic prose presented by individual works V.A. Sleptsova, F.M. Reshetnikova, N.V. Uspensky, G.I. Uspensky, A.I. Levitova, S.V. Maksimova, P.I. Yakushkin, the features of democratic prose and its originality are clarified. The manual draws attention for the first time to the folklore and ethnographic orientation of the democratic prose of the sixties. It characterizes the specifics of the Russian literary process of the 50-60s of the XIX century and the features of democratic prose as an artistic phenomenon, are given biographical information by writers, analysis of their works, Control questions and assignments, a list of recommended literature for independent reading and study.

The 19th century is one of the most significant in Russian literature. It was this era that gave the world the names of the great classics, who influenced not only Russian, but also world culture. The main ideas characteristic of literature this time, is rising human soul, the struggle between good and evil, the triumph of morality and purity.

Difference from the previous century

Giving general characteristics Russian literature of the 19th century, it can be noted that the previous century was distinguished by a very calm development. Throughout the previous century, poets and writers sang of the dignity of man, tried to instill high moral ideals. And only at the end of the century began to appear more daring and bold works- the authors began to focus on the psychology of man, his experiences and feelings.

Reasons for flourishing

In the process of working on homework or a report on the topic “General Characteristics of Russian Literature of the 19th Century”, a student may have a natural question: what caused these changes, why literature was able to achieve such high level development? The reason for this was social events - this is the war with Turkey, and the invasion of Napoleonic troops, and the abolition of serfdom, and public reprisals against oppositionists. All this led to the fact that completely new stylistic devices began to be applied in literature. Working on a general description of Russian literature of the 19th century, it is worth mentioning that this era rightfully went down in history as the "Golden Age".

Orientation of literature

Russian literature of that time was distinguished by a very bold formulation of questions about the meaning of human being, about the most pressing socio-political, moral and ethical problems. The significance of these questions she deduces far beyond her own historical era. When preparing a general description of Russian literature of the 19th century, one must remember that it became one of the most powerful means of influencing both Russian and foreign readers, gaining fame as an influential force in the development of education.

Epoch phenomenon

If it is necessary to give a brief general description of Russian literature of the 19th century, it can be noted that the common feature of this era was such a phenomenon as “literary centrism”. This means that literature has become a way of conveying ideas and opinions in political disputes. It has become a powerful tool for expressing ideology, defining value orientations and ideals.

It is impossible to say unequivocally whether this is good or bad. Of course, giving a general description of the Russian literature XIX century, one can reproach the literature of that time for being too "preaching", "mentoring". Indeed, it is often said that the desire to become a prophet can lead to inappropriate guardianship. And this is fraught with the development of intolerance towards dissent of any kind. Of course, there is some truth in such reasoning, however, when giving a general description of Russian literature of the 19th century, it is necessary to take into account the historical realities in which the then writers, poets, and critics lived. AI Herzen, when he found himself in exile, described this phenomenon as follows: "For a people who have been deprived of freedom of speech and self-expression, literature remains almost the only outlet."

The role of literature in society

Almost the same thing was said by N. G. Chernyshevsky: “Literature in our country still concentrates the entire mental life of the people.” Pay attention to the word "yet" here. Chernyshevsky, who argued that literature is a textbook of life, still recognized that the mental life of the people should not be constantly concentrated in it. However, "for now", in those conditions of Russian reality, it was she who took on this function.

Modern society should be grateful to those writers and poets who, in the most difficult social conditions, despite the persecution (it is worth remembering the same N. G. Chernyshevsky, F. M. Dostoevsky and others), with the help of their works they contributed to the awakening of a bright man, spirituality, adherence to principles, active opposition to evil, honesty and mercy. Considering all this, we can agree with the opinion expressed by N. A. Nekrasov in his message to Leo Tolstoy in 1856: “The role of a writer in our country, first of all, is the role of a teacher.”

Common and different in the representatives of the "Golden Age"

Preparing materials on the topic “General characteristics of the Russian classical literature 19th century”, it is worth saying that all the representatives of the “Golden Age” were different, their world was unique and original. Writers of that time are difficult to bring under any one general image. After all, every true artist (this word means a poet, a composer, and a painter) creates own world guided by personal principles. For example, the world of Leo Tolstoy is not similar to the world of Dostoevsky. Saltykov-Shchedrin perceived and transformed reality differently than, for example, Goncharov. However, representatives of the "Golden Age" and common feature- this is a responsibility to the reader, a talent, a high idea of ​​the role that literature plays in a person's life.

General characteristics of Russian literature of the 19th century: table

The "Golden Age" is the time of writers of completely different literary movements. To begin with, we will consider them in a summary table, after which each of the directions will be considered in more detail.

Russian literature of this era was a reflection of the leap that was made in the previous century. The "Golden Age" began mainly with the flowering of two currents - sentimentalism and romanticism. Since the middle of the century, the direction of realism has been gaining more and more power. Such is the general characteristic of Russian literature of the 19th century. The tablet will help the student to navigate the main trends and representatives of the "Golden Age". In the process of preparing for the lesson, it should be mentioned that the further socio-political situation in the country is becoming more and more tense, contradictions are growing between the oppressed classes and common people. This leads to the fact that in the middle of the century the development of poetry somewhat calms down. And the end of an era is accompanied by revolutionary sentiments.

Classicism

This direction is worth mentioning, giving a general description of Russian literature of the early 19th century. After all, classicism, which arose a century ago before the beginning of the "Golden Age", primarily refers to its beginning. This term is translated from Latin means "exemplary" and is directly related to imitation classic images. This direction arose in France in the 17th century. At its core, it was associated with absolute monarchy and the establishment of the nobility. It is characterized by ideas of high civic topics, strict observance of the norms of creativity, established rules. Classicism reflects real life V ideal images that gravitate toward a particular pattern. This direction strictly adheres to the hierarchy of genres - the highest place among them is occupied by tragedy, ode and epic. It is they who illuminate the most important problems for society, are designed to reflect the highest, heroic displays human nature. As a rule, "high" genres were opposed to "low" ones - fables, comedies, satirical and other works that also reflected reality.

Sentimentalism

Giving a general description of the development of Russian literature of the 19th century, one cannot fail to mention such a direction as sentimentalism. In him big role plays the voice of the narrator. This direction, as indicated in the table, is characterized by increased attention to the experiences of a person, to his inner world. This is the innovation of sentimentalism. In Russian literature, Karamzin's "Poor Lisa" occupies a special place among the works of sentimentalism.

Noteworthy are the words of the writer, which can characterize this direction: "And peasant women know how to love." Many have claimed that a common person, commoner and peasant, moral attitude in many ways superior to a nobleman or a representative of high society. Landscape plays an important role in sentimentalism. This is not just a description of nature, but a reflection of the inner experiences of the characters.

Romanticism

This is one of the most controversial phenomena of Russian literature of the Golden Age. For more than a century and a half, there have been disputes about what lies at its basis, and no one has yet given any recognized definition of this trend. The representatives of this trend themselves emphasized the originality of the literature of each individual people. One cannot but agree with this opinion - in every country romanticism acquires its own features. Also, giving a general description of the development of Russian literature in the 19th century, it is worth noting that almost all representatives of romanticism stood up for social ideals, but they did it in different ways.

Representatives of this movement dreamed not of improving life in its particular manifestations, but of the complete resolution of all contradictions. Many romantics in their works are dominated by the mood of fighting evil, protesting against the injustice reigning in the world. Romantics also tend to turn to the mythological, fantasy, folk tales. In contrast to the direction of classicism, a serious influence is given to the inner world of a person.

Realism

The purpose of this direction is a true description surrounding reality. It is realism that ripens on the soil of tense political environment. Writers are starting to social problems to objective reality. The three main realists of this era are Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Turgenev. The main theme of this direction is life, customs, events from life ordinary people from the lower classes.

Russian national culture in the 19th century it reached in art, literature, in many areas of knowledge the heights defined by the word "classic". Russian literature of the 19th century is deservedly called the "golden age". famous masters. The 19th century is the time of the development of the Russian literary language, which took shape for the most part thanks to A.S. Pushkin. It began with the flourishing of sentimentalism and the gradual emergence of romanticism, especially in poetry. During this period there are many poets, but the main figure of that time was Alexander Pushkin. As they would now call him a "star".

His ascent to the Olympus of Literature began in 1820 with the poem Ruslan and Lyudmila. And "Eugene Onegin" - a novel in verse was called an encyclopedia of Russian life. The era of Russian romanticism was opened by him romantic poems « Bronze Horseman"," Bakhchisarai Fountain", "Gypsies". For most poets and writers, A. S. Pushkin was a teacher. Traditions laid down by him in the creation literary works many of them continued. Among them was M. Lermontov. Russian poetry of that time was closely connected with the socio-political life of the country. In the works, the authors tried to comprehend and develop the idea of ​​their special purpose. They urged the authorities to listen to their words. The poet of that time was considered a prophet, a conductor of divine truth. This can be seen in Pushkin's poem "The Prophet", in the ode "Liberty", "The Poet and the Crowd", in Lermontov's "On the Death of a Poet" and many others. In the 19th century, English historical novels. Under their influence, A.S. Pushkin writes the story "The Captain's Daughter".

During the 19th century, the main artistic types were type " little man” and the type of “extra person”.

From the 19th century, literature inherited a satirical character and publicism. This can be traced in Gogol's "Dead Souls", "The Nose", in the comedy "The Government Inspector", in M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin "History of one city", "Gentlemen Golovlev".

The formation of Russian realistic literature has been going on since the middle of the 19th century. She reacted sharply to the socio-political situation in Russia. Between Slavophiles and Westernizers there is a dispute about the ways historical development countries.

The development of the genre begins realistic novel. A special psychologism can be traced in the literature, philosophical, socio-political problems prevail. The development of poetry somewhat subsides, but, despite the general silence, the voice of Nekrasov is not silent, which in the poem “Who is living well in Rus'?” illuminates the hard and hopeless life of the people. -

The end of the century gave us A.P. Chekhov, A.N. Ostrovsky, N. S. Leskov, M. Gorky. Pre-revolutionary moods run like a red thread in literature. The realistic tradition began to fade, replaced by decadent literature, with mysticism, religiosity, as well as a premonition of changes in the socio-political life of Russia. Then everything grew into symbolism. And a new page has been opened in the history of Russian literature.

On the works of writers of that time, we learn humanity, patriotism, we study our history. More than one generation of people - Humans - has grown up on this "classic".

The nineteenth century is the golden age of Russian literature. During this period, a whole galaxy of geniuses of the art of the word, poets and prose writers was born, whose unsurpassed creative skill determined further development not only Russian literature, but also foreign.

fine weave social realism and classicism in literature absolutely exactly corresponded to the national ideas and canons of that time. In the 19th century, for the first time, such acute social problems began to be raised, such as the need to change priorities, the rejection of outdated principles, and the confrontation between society and the individual.

The most significant representatives of Russian classics of the 19th century

Word geniuses like A.A. Bestuzhev-Marlinsky and A.S. Griboyedov, in their writings openly demonstrated contempt for upper strata society for their selfishness, vanity, hypocrisy and immorality. V.A. Zhukovsky, on the contrary, introduced dreaminess and sincere romance into Russian literature with his works. In his poems, he tried to get away from the gray and boring routine in order to show in all colors the sublime world that surrounds a person. Speaking of Russian literary classics, it is impossible not to mention the great genius A.S. Pushkin - poet and father of the Russian literary language. The works of this writer made a real revolution in the world literary art. Pushkin's poetry, story " Queen of Spades"and the novel" Eugene Onegin "became a stylistic presentation, which was repeatedly used by many domestic and world writers.

Among other things, the literature of the nineteenth century was also characterized by philosophical concepts. They are most clearly revealed in the works of M.Yu. Lermontov. All my creative activity the author admired the Decembrist movements and defended freedoms and human rights. His poems are saturated with criticism of the imperial power and opposition calls. In the field of dramaturgy, A.P. Chekhov. Using subtle but "prickly" satire, the playwright and writer ridiculed human vices and expressed contempt for the vices of the representatives of the nobility. His plays from the moment of his birth to the present day do not lose their relevance and continue to be staged on the stage of theaters all over the world. It is also impossible not to mention the great L.N. Tolstoy, A.I. Kuprin, N.V. Gogol, etc.

Group portrait of Russian writers - members of the editorial board of the journal Sovremennik». Ivan Turgenev, Ivan Goncharov, Leo Tolstoy, Dmitry Grigorovich, Alexander Druzhinin, Alexander Ostrovsky.

Features of Russian literature

In the nineteenth century Russian realistic literature acquired an unprecedented high artistic perfection. Her main hallmark was selfish. The second half of the 19th century in Russian literature passed with the idea of ​​decisive democratization artistic creation and under the sign of tense ideological struggle. Among other things, pathos changed in these time frames. artistic creativity, as a result of which the Russian writer was faced with the need for artistic understanding of the unusually mobile and impetuous elements of being. In such an environment, literary synthesis originated in much narrower temporal and spatial periods of life: the need for a certain localization and specialization was dictated by the special state of the world, characteristic of the era of the second half of the nineteenth century.

Russian prose in the last decades of the XIX century. experienced a difficult and difficult, but not stagnant period of its development. It was in prose that, first of all, the originality of time was reflected with its characteristic social contrasts and conflicts, with contradictions and ideological disputes.

The best figures of Russian culture of the 70s, as before, were looking for support among the people. But during the period of accelerated post-reform development, attention to the personality of a person intensifies, a sense of personal responsibility for everything that happens in the world, for the hardship of people's life, for the tragic separation of the Russian intelligentsia from the peasantry is aggravated. Hence the appearance of "repentant" lyrics in Nekrasov, the tragic worldview of Dostoevsky's heroes, a turning point in the worldview of L. Tolstoy.

In the 80s. it is L. Tolstoy who finds himself in the center literary life. (Recall: Dostoevsky died in 1881, Turgenev - in 1883.) It was during this period that decisive changes took place in the views and in the work of the great writer. The final and irrevocable transition to the positions of the oppressed peasantry predetermined his resolute criticism of all official, bureaucratic structures in the state. L. Tolstoy was firmly convinced that the reorganization of life is possible not through revolutionary upheavals, but through moral purification. Evil cannot be resisted with violence, the writer said, because this will only increase the amount of evil in the world.

L. Tolstoy transferred the solution of many life problems to the moral and ethical sphere, posed the most important problems of a person's responsibility for himself and for others. This helped him with tremendous artistic power to penetrate into the psychological depths of the personality. Therefore, the call for self-improvement is not at all a reactionary theory, as many believed until recently. Start with yourself- this is the main testament of L. Tolstoy to any of us, if we are concerned about the fate of the people and the country.

In the 80s. a new generation of writers appears: V. G. Korolenko, V. M. Garshin, D. N. Mamin-Sibiryak, N. G. Garin-Mikhailovsky, A. P. Chekhov. material from the site

Writers in late XIX V. more and more consistently they turn to the philosophical aspects of being (and not just life), to the artistic study of the spiritual essence of man. Therefore, romantic tendencies are noticeably intensifying in literature. This is manifested in the most diverse writers, in the most various genres, in prose and poetry. It's about not only about the "young". Can you remember latest works Turgenev, his so-called "mysterious stories": "The Song of Triumphant Love", " Clara Milic”, as well as “Poems in prose”.

What is it - a simple return to the past? You know that the first third of the 19th century is traditionally considered the heyday of Romanticism. Then comes the era of realism. Spiral development? or amplification romantic tendencies means the end of an era classical realism? Or is it just one of the forms of its existence? Questions of this kind have not yet found a generally accepted solution in literary science.