“Painting an Era”: Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “A Writer’s Diary” as an Encyclopedia of 19th-Century Russian Society through the Lens of the Author’s Humane Consciousness

The article focuses on the diversity of social and cultural phenomena reflected in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s journalistic writings, as well as his unique ability to act as a “mirror” of 19th-century Russian reality. The main idea of the article is that “A Writer’s Diary” is not only a literary and journalistic work but also a valuable historical and sociologi-cal source through which one can understand the complex processes taking place in Russian society of that time. The structure of the article is organized around several key ideas. First, the author analyzes Dostoevsky’s one-man journal as a means of comprehending the so-cial, political, and cultural transformations occurring in 19th-century Russia. Through “A Writer’s Diary”, which combines elements of journalism and fiction, the reader can observe how Dostoevsky responds to various events, including political changes, social movements, and shifts in the spiritual life of society. Second, the article emphasizes the humanistic stance of the author, which is evident in his deep understanding of human nature. Dostoevsky not only depicts the realities of his time but also poses philosophical questions about the meaning of life, morality, and the fate of the individual in a constantly changing world. “A Writer’s Diary” becomes a platform for debates on the most essential and eternal themes, such as faith and morality, freedom and responsibility.