For the first time in literary criticism, the article examines two letters from E.L. Markov to L.N. Tolstoy, which have not been previously published. These letters are kept in the manuscript department of the Tolstoy State Museum in Moscow. The letters cited and analyzed in this work contain important information necessary for understanding the relationship between the famous writer and teacher and drawing significant parallels. The author of the article comprehends the points of convergence and divergence of the two contemporaries, their views on pedagogy, artistic creativity, reveals Markov’s polemical attitude towards Tolstoy’s many extremes, and at the same time his deep admiration for the writer’s talent and his ability to lead a fulfilling life in the village. It is for the first time that the image of Tolstoy — the owner, teacher, zemstvo figure and agronomist — is considered as a prototype of Surovtsev — the main character in Markov’s novel “Black Earth Fields”. Markov's letters make it possible to clarify some important points and details of Tolstoy's life. They also contain a deep thought about the degree of influence of an outstanding man on the people around him, especially on his social circle. The article shows the possible influence of Markov’s ideas and his pedagogical experience on Tolstoy; it is noted that a certain controversy that developed between Tolstoy and Markov regarding issues of public education could have indirectly influenced the most important historical and philosophical problems raised by the writer later in the epic novel “War and peace”.
For citations: Andreeva V.G, About the significant and dear voice of the writer: two letters from E.L. Markov to L.N. Tolstoy, Ivanovo State University Bulletin, Series: Humanities, 2024, iss. 3, pp. 12—23.