RANCHIN Andrey

The article considers the correlation between the state service and the literary creation of the outstanding Russian satirist Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin. The political position of Saltykov-Shchedrin has been quite moderate; he believed that the responsible, principled and conscientious person in the public service could benefit society. The article demonstrates that for him the state public service and satire on the Russian system of governance did not contradict each other.

The article considers the relation of the service activity and literary creativity of the outstanding Russian writer, Ivan Aleksandrovich Goncharov (1812-1891). It demonstrates that the public service was an incentive in Goncharov's life and creative activity. It is shown that as a censor, reciting leading Russian magazines, Goncharov attempted to be guided by ideas of moderate liberalism, and was not alien to enlightened conservatism.

The article reflects the diplomatic activity of Alexander Griboyedov (1795[?] - 1829) - the author of the famous comedy «Woe from Wit» and the compelling activity of Griboyedov as an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as Russia's representative in Persia is considered. It is shown that, in spite of the critical attitude to modern arrangements, Griboyedov was loyal to the authorities and apparently, did not belong to the secret society of the Decembrists. The choice of Griboyedov, civil service was not a betrayal of the principles of independence, proclaimed by Chatsky, the protagonist character of «Woe from Wit». The statements of Chatsky expressed the ideal norm, but the author did not consider them as being a program intended for literal embodiment.