The diary as a genre model of C. Simonov's cycle “With you and without you” (1942)

The article discusses the genre peculiarities of the earlier editions of Simonov’s cycle “With You and Without You”, which have the subtitle “lyrical diary”. They reveal all the features of the original documentary genre. Special attention is focused on the lack of temporary completion, the trait presupposed by the diary’s immanent structural properties. The author prefers to do away with an outsider position, entrusting to the hero the task of searching for the moments of completion. Breaking the laws of the genre’s aesthetics, the author becomes able to recreate the complexity of the personal relationships of the hero and the tragic uncertainty of his fate during wartime.