FORMATION OF LERMONTOV STUDIES IN MOSCOW

Abstract

The article is devoted to the process of formation of so-called Moscow School of Lermontov Studies. The author seeks to trace the process from 1840 to the middle of 1914. The author argues that this scientific school originated within Moscow University starting with professor S. Shevyrev’s analyses of the novel “A Hero of Our Time” and the book “Poems by M. Lermontov”. This work was continued by professors N. Tikhonravov, V. Klyuchevsky, P. Sakulin and N. Brodsky. The author pays attention to the fact that each of the mentioned scholars was a student of his predecessor when studying literature at the University, which indicates the integrity of traditions and helps to follow the evolution in estimates that the legacy of Lermontov experienced. The latter can be viewed from three perspectives: as an expression of a position of a certain scholar, as the reflection of the views within the scientific school, and as the development of Lermontov studies in general. The views of the scholars are analyzed in the following areas: the national character of Lermontov’s writings, his place in Russian literature, the image of Pechorin, national idea.