Reasons for the existence of the utilitarian approach to literature in Russian writers – supporters of the autonomy of art’s ideas

The article is devoted to understanding how Russian writers, who defend the freedom and intrinsic value of art in their literary criticism (А. Fet, A. Druzhinin, N. Minsky, D. Merezhkovsky, V. Bryusov, A. Blok, Ellis, D. Burliuk, Tsvetaeva, Zamyatin, A. Voronsky, L. Lunts, V. Nabokov, N. Ulyanov, E. Kropivnitsky, A. Sinyavsky, S. Dovlatov), interpret the reasons for the utilitarian approach to literature. It is shown that the designated artists in words reveal a wide range of motives for a pragmatic view of artistic creativity. The heterogeneity of these motives is noted from the point of view of the utilitarian writer’s goal, external circumstances, object of influence, and the degree of independence in choosing the pragmatic path in literature. Specific national arguments in favor of utilitarianism considered by apologists for the idea of self­sufficiency and independence of art are highlighted. The motives of the activity of the utilitarian writers which evoke sympathy and respect among a number of representatives of Russian literature who defend the autonomy of art are outlined. The existence of such situations in public life is indicated, which supporters of freedom and the intrinsic value of art consider as conditions justifying and even making necessary the choice of a utilitarian approach to literature and literary criticism.

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