The concept of «novel-tragedy»: the polemics between M. Bakhtin and V. Ivanov

The article analyzes the genre concept of «novel-tragedy» which was suggested by V. Ivanov and polemically interpreted by M. Bakhtin. The convergence of both research positions and the way of transformation of Ivanov's ideas in the concept of polyphonical novel are traced. Subject matter of «novel-tragedy» is investigated in the context of the «creating form» and «aesthetical object» ideas. The conclusion is made that the base of the discussion of genre is the fundamental opposition of religiously-ethical and aesthetically-poetical approaches, determined by peculiarity of Dostoevskiy's works.