The problem of genre completion in “White nights,” a novel by F. M. Dostoevsky

The article substantiates the necessity of using the “genre completion” category developed by P. N. Medvedev in the analysis of a work of art. “White Nights” is successively connected with the “Petersburg Chronicle” by F. M. Dostoevsky. This relationship is rooted in the proximity of the time of creation, linguistic and poetic techniques, and thoughts. The multifaceted relationship of the “White Nights” with the “Petersburg Chronicle” helps to understand the fundamental concept of the “sentimental novel.” Analyzing the symbolism of rhyming plot situations, images, details in the text (“web,” “yellow,” “lonely,” “Matryona,” etc.), numbers (8, 26, 15), the meaning of which is amplified and revealed in the epilogue, the author of the article comes to the conclusion that in “White Nights” the main idea of the work is artistically completed. This explains the mental crisis of the hero caused by the tragedy of reverie. Nastenka’s faithfulness in love helps the Dreamer to strengthen his faith in ideals. According to the type of genre completion, “White Nights” by F. M. Dostoevsky is a novel, which corresponds to the author’s concept of the work. There are two plot / composition levels in the novel and one completion for both. The author of the article proves that the analysis of the novel “White Nights” reveals the need to use the principles of P. N. Medvedev’s sociological poetics.