In this article, using the example of Russian-language works by writers from Azerbaijan and Germany, the importance of literary context for creating a “dialogue of cultures” – an obligatory feature of foreign-language literature – is revealed. It plays a plot-forming role, expands the possibilities for creating artistic images. Comparisons with famous works and characters help modern literature to create specific images and influences an author’s position, expressed in parody, the choice of epigraphs, and a reference to significant hypertexts.