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