А.P. Chekhov and D.S. Merezhkovsky: controversy about the mission of the Russian intelligentsia

The author examines the dialogue of A.P. Chekhov and D.S. Merezhkovsky on the role of the intelligentsia in society. The study used comparative and cultural-historical methods. The analysis of the causes of the deep split among the educated part of society at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries is carried out and two fundamentally divergent vectors have been identified in solving the issue of the role of the intelligentsia in society. Based on a study of the dialogue between Chekhov and Merezhkovsky, which took place during personal communication, in correspondence and through critical articles, it was determined that in understanding the essence of intelligence (“intelligentnost”) as an internal sensation, the writers took opposite positions. An analysis of similar themes and motives in their work (the image of Italy, superman, Oedipus, ideas about beauty, about the healthy middle, attitude towards “idealists”) allows us to concretize their positions: Merezhkovsky preached the transformation of humanity into God-manhood through revolution, blood, Chekhov expressed longing for humanity. It is concluded that Chekhov, denouncing the “fathers”-idealists, called for serving people without being afraid of routine work, without idealizing the people, and Merezhkovsky supported the claims of the intelligentsia to the role of the true elite of society, resolute, rejec- ting the principles of traditional humanism and inspiring the masses.