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 A.M.GORKY INSTITUTE OF WORLD LITERATURE
OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Povarskaya 25A, bld. 1, 121069 Moscow, Russia
fedor@dostmirkult.ru

ISSN 2619-0311 (Print)
ISSN 2712-8512 (Online)

“To Be Human Among Humans and Remain So Forever, in Whatever Misfortunes.” Netochka Nezvanova and A Little Hero: A Comparative Problem

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  • Author: Tatiana G. Magaril-Il'iaeva
  • Information about the author:

    PhD in Philology, Senior Researcher, Research Centre “Dostoevsky and World Culture,” А.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Povarskaya St., 25A, bld. 1, 121069 Moscow, Russia.

    https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7521-1898

    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • For citation:

    Magaril-il'iaeva, T.G. "To Be Human Among Humans and Remain So Forever, in Whatever Misfortunes.' Netochka Nezvanova and A Little Hero: A Comparative Problem." Dostoevsky and World Culture. Philologicaljournal, no. 2 (34), 2026, pp. 32-59. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22455/2619-0311-2026-2-32-59
  • Received: 13 Feb. 2026
  • Approved after reviewing: 24 Apr. 2026
  • Published: 25 June 2026
  • Issue: 2026 no. 2 (34)
  • Department: HERMENEUTICS. SLOW READING
  • Pages: 32-59
  • DOI: Visit Website
  • EDN:

    https://elibrary.ru/TBNTEE
  • UDK: 821.161.1.0+82.0
  • BBK: 83.3(2Рос=Рус)+83
  • Publication Type: Research Article
  • Keywords: Fyodor Dostoevsky, A Little Hero, Netochka Nezvanova, comparative problem, initiatory text, Gnostic myth, physical and spiritual nature
  • Abstract: The article critically examines the established scholarly view of A Little Hero as a kind of continuation or even an alternative version of Netochka Nezvanova. In order to move the question of the connection between these two texts beyond the realm of general observation-and toward an understanding of the role played by the similar elements identified in each work and how they may accordingly be compared— it is necessary to analize the symbolic levels of each work separately. The first part of the article thus describes the main milestones in the little hero's journey toward finding his true place in the world and "the revelation of his true nature." This is followed by an analysis of the philosophical and symbolic foundations of Netochka Nezvanova. On this basis, the difference between the two works' narrative modes is shown, which in turn accounts for the difference in the way each work "engages" with the reader. It is demonstrated that the plot which in A Little Hero presents itself as a self-contained story is, in Netochka Nezvanova, only one stage in the heroine's journey — that is, part of a more complex narrative. It is for this reason that a direct comparison of these two texts will inevitably distort, rather than enrich, the understanding of each. The conclusion examines the direct connection between A Little Hero and the events of the writer's life that accompanied its creation.

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