Комическое в критической рефлексии «молодой редакции» «Москвитянина» (1850-1856)

Abstract

The paper aims to reveal the understanding of the comical among “young editorial board” members of “Moskvityanin” (“The Muscovite”) magazine (1850-1856). This understanding was based on their aspiration to create a basis of national aesthetics. Scientific originality of the study lies in the fact that the researcher introduces into scientific circulation previously unpublished materials - literary critical articles of the “young editorial board” members providing deeper understanding of aesthetic and ideological struggle of the 1850s - a poorly investigated period in the history of Russian literature and aesthetic thought. The research findings are as follows: the author reveals Slavophilic understanding of satire and humour, which allows identifying specificity of the comical functioning in fiction. Considered in the context of national spirit and national character, satire and humour help to reveal moral ideal.