How did critic Vissarion Belinsky view Mikhail Lermontov’s importance to Russian literature?

The prominent Russian critic Vissarion Belinsky viewed Mikhail Lermontov as the "great hope" of Russian literature.1

After meeting Lermontov in 1840, Belinsky recognized his immense talent and potential to contribute to the development of the nation's literary culture. Belinsky, who believed that literature should serve society and reflect Russian reality, played a significant role in establishing Lermontov’s reputation through his perceptive critical analysis. Lermontov even sought out Belinsky’s professional criticism on his work during his final years, underscoring the importance of their intellectual connection.21