The textbook examines the literary process of the mid-19th century in a new way: not only accusatory-realistic trends are highlighted, but also romantic-lyrical, affirming high moral values. The study of the creativity of luminaries of literature is accompanied by an understanding of the artistic process as a whole, literary associations and schools, salons, readers' opinions, the originality of the existence of the creativity of writers. The cultural and ethical-aesthetic aspects of the analysis have been significantly expanded. For students of philological faculties of universities.