Fonvizin Denis Ivanovich (1745 1792) - one of the most educated people of his era. He was a writer and playwright, publicist and translator. He is rightfully considered the creator of the national Russian domestic comedy, the most famous of which are “Minor” and “Brigadier”. Born on April 14, 1745 in Moscow, into a noble family of descendants of a knight of the Livonian Order. Even under Ivan the Terrible, one of the knights of the Von Wiesen Order was captured and remained in the service of the Russian Tsar. From him came the Fonvizin family (the prefix von was added in the Russian manner to the surname Wizen). Thanks to his father, he received his primary education at home. He was brought up in the patriarchal structure that reigned in the family. From 1755 he studied at the noble gymnasium at Moscow University, then at the Faculty of Philosophy of the same university.
Since 1762 he has been in the public service, first working as a translator, then, from 1763, in the Collegium of Foreign Affairs as secretary of the cabinet minister Elagin. After working here for about six years, in 1769 he became the personal secretary of Count Panin. From 1777 to 1778 travels abroad, spending a lot of time in France. In 1779 he returned to Russia and entered service as an adviser to the chancellery of the Secret Expedition. In 1783, his patron Count Panin passed away and he immediately resigned with the rank of state councilor and 3,000 rubles. annual pension. Free time dedicated to travel.
Since 1783, Denis Ivanovich visited Western Europe, Germany, Austria, spent a lot of time in Italy. In 1785, the writer suffered his first stroke, due to which he had to return to Russia in 1787. Despite the paralysis that tormented him, he continued to engage in literary work.
Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin passed away on December 1 (12), 1792. The writer was buried in St. Petersburg at the Lazarevskoye cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
Creative path
The creation of the first works dates back to the 1760s. Being by nature a lively and witty person who loved to laugh and joke, he creates his own early works in the genre of satire. This was facilitated by his gift of irony, which did not leave him until the end of his life. During these years, intensive work has been going on in the literary field. In 1760, in “Literary Heritage” he published his so-called “early “Minor””. At the same time, in the period from 1761 to 1762, he was engaged in translations of Holberg's fables, works of Rousseau, Ovid, Gresse, Terrason and Voltaire.
In 1766, his first well-known satirical comedy, “The Brigadier,” was completed. The play became an event in literary circles, the author himself read it masterfully and Fonvizin, then still little known, was invited to Peterhof to read his work to Empress Catherine II herself. It was a huge success. The play was staged on theater stage in 1770, but was published only after the death of the author. The comedy has not left the theater stage to this day. A legend has reached us that after the premiere, Prince Potemkin said to Fonvizin: “Die, Denis! But you can’t write better!” In the same year, a translation of the treatise “The Trading Nobility, Contrasted with the Military Nobility” was published, which presented evidence of the need for the nobility to engage in trade.
Mature creativity
Among the journalistic works, “Discourse on the Indispensable Laws of State,” created in 1783, is considered one of the best. In the autumn of the same 1783, the premiere of the main play in Fonvizin’s work, the comedy “The Minor,” took place. Despite the extensive literary heritage, left by Fonvizin, for most of us his name is associated with this comedy. The first production of the play was not easy. The censors were embarrassed by the satirical orientation of the play and the boldness of the remarks of some of the comedy characters. Finally, on September 24, 1782, the production was carried out on the stage of Volny Russian Theater. The success was colossal. As one of the authors of the “Dramatic Dictionary” testified: “The theater was incomparably filled and the audience applauded the play by throwing purses.” The next production took place in Moscow on May 14, 1783 at the Medox Theater. Since that time, for more than 250 years, the play has been performed with constant success in all theaters in Russia. With the birth of cinema, the first film adaptation of the comedy appeared. In 1926, based on “The Minor,” Grigory Roshal made the film “The Skotinins’ Gentlemen.”
It is difficult to overestimate the influence of Fonvizin’s “Minor” on subsequent generations of writers. His works were read and studied by all subsequent generations of writers from Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Belinsky to the present day. However, in the life of the writer himself, she played fatal role. Catherine the Second perfectly understood the freedom-loving orientation of comedy, as an attempt on existing social and state foundations. After 1783, when the series was published satirical works writer, she personally prohibited further publication of his works. And this continued until the death of the writer.
However, despite publication bans, Denis Ivanovich continues to write. During this period, the comedy “The Governor’s Choice” and the feuilleton “Conversation with Princess Khaldina” were written. Just before his departure, Fonvizin wanted to publish a five-volume set of his works, but was refused by the empress. Of course, it was published, but much later after the master left.
The famous writer of Catherine's era D.I. Fonvizin was born on April 3 (14), 1745 in Moscow, into a wealthy noble family. He came from a Livonian knightly family, completely Russified (until mid-19th century, the surname was spelled Von-Wiesen). He received his primary education under the guidance of his father, Ivan Andreevich. In 1755-1760, Fonvizin studied at the newly opened gymnasium at Moscow University; in 1760 he was “promoted to student” at the Faculty of Philosophy, but stayed at the university for only 2 years.
A special place in the dramaturgy of this time is occupied by the work of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin (1745-1792), which was the pinnacle of theatrical XVIII culture century. Inheriting the traditions of classicist comedy, Fonvizin goes far ahead, essentially being the founder of critical realism in Russian drama. A. S. Pushkin called the great playwright “a brave ruler of satire,” “a friend of freedom.” M. Gorky argued that Fonvizin began the most magnificent and, perhaps, the most socially fruitful line of Russian literature - the accusatory-realist line. Fonvizin's work had a tremendous influence on contemporary and subsequent writers and playwrights. D.I. Fonvizin joined the theater early. Theatrical impressions were the strongest in his youth: “... nothing in St. Petersburg delighted me so much as the theater, which I saw for the first time as a child. The effect the theater produced in me is almost impossible to describe.” While still a student, Fonvizin took part in the life of the Moscow University Theater. In the future, Denis Ivanovich maintains connections with the largest figures of the Russian theater - playwrights and actors: A. P. Sumarokov, I. A. Dmitrevsky and others, performs with theatrical articles in satirical magazines. These magazines had a great influence on Fonvizin's work. From them he sometimes drew motives for his comedies. Fonvizin's dramatic activity began in the 60s. At first, he translates foreign plays and “transposes” them into the Russian style. But this was only a test of the pen. Fonvizin dreamed of creating a national comedy. "Brigadier" is Fonvizin's first original play. It was written in the late 60s. The simplicity of the plot did not prevent Fonvizin from creating a sharply satirical work, showing the morals and character of his narrow-minded heroes. Contemporaries called the play “The Brigadier” “a comedy about our morals.” This comedy was written under the influence of advanced satirical magazines and satirical comedies of Russian classicism and imbued with the author’s concern for the education of youth. “The Brigadier” is the first dramatic work in Russia, endowed with all the features of national originality, and in no way reminiscent of comedies created according to foreign standards. The language of comedy contains many popular expressions, aphorisms, and apt comparisons. This dignity of the “Brigadier” was immediately noticed by contemporaries, and the best of Fonvizin’s verbal turns were transferred to daily life, have become proverbial. The comedy “The Brigadier” was staged in 1780 at the St. Petersburg Theater on Tsaritsyn Meadow. The second comedy “The Minor” was written by D. I. Fonvizin in 1782. It brought the author long-lasting fame and placed him in the forefront of the fight against serfdom. The play explores the most important issues of the era. It talks about the education of underage noble sons and the morals of court society. But the problem of serfdom, evil and unpunished cruelty of landowners is posed more acutely than others. “The Minor” was created by the hand of a mature master, who managed to populate the play with living characters and build the action according to the signs of not only external, but also internal dynamics. The comedy “The Minor” absolutely did not meet the requirements of Catherine II, who ordered the writers to “only occasionally touch upon vices” and to conduct criticism without fail “in a smiling spirit.” On September 24, 1782, “The Minor” was staged by Fonvizin and Dmitrevsky at the theater on Tsaritsyn Meadow. The performance was a great success among the general public. On May 14, 1783, the premiere of “The Minor” took place on the stage of the Petrovsky Theater in Moscow. The premiere and subsequent performances were a huge success. “The Tutor's Choice”, a comedy written by Fonvizin in 1790, was dedicated to the burning topic of educating young people in aristocratic noble houses. The pathos of the comedy is directed against foreign adventurers-pseudo-teachers in favor of enlightened Russian nobles.
Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin was born on April 3 (14), 1745 in Moscow into a noble family descended from a Livonian knightly family. Elementary education the future writer received a home. A patriarchal atmosphere reigned in the Fonvizin family.
Since 1755, Denis Ivanovich studied at the noble gymnasium at the university in Moscow, then at the Faculty of Philosophy of Moscow University. In 1760, Fonvizin, among the “selected students,” left for St. Petersburg, where he met Lomonosov and Sumarokov.
The beginning of a creative journey
Since the 1760s, Denis Ivanovich created his first works. Early creativity Fonvizin was distinguished by a sharp satirical orientation. In 1760, the so-called “early “Nedorosl”” was published in “Literary Heritage”. At the same time, the writer was engaged in translations. In 1761, Fonvizin translated Holberg's fables into Russian. In 1762 - the works of Terrason, Voltaire, Ovid, Gresse, Rousseau.
Since 1762, Fonvizin has worked as a translator, and since 1763 - secretary of the cabinet minister Elagin in the Collegium of Foreign Affairs. In 1769, Denis Ivanovich entered the service of Count Panin as his personal secretary.
In 1768 the writer creates satirical comedy"Brigadier." The play received a wide response and Fonvizin, whose biography was still unknown in high circles, was invited to Peterhof to read the work to the empress herself. Catherine II.
Public service. Mature creativity
From 1777 to 1778, Fonvizin spent abroad and spent a long time in France. Returning to Russia in 1779, Denis Ivanovich entered the service as an adviser to the chancellery of the Secret Expedition. At the same time, the writer was translating the book “Ta-Gio”. In 1783, Fonvizin created one of best works Russian journalism - “Discourse on indispensable state laws.”
Since 1781, Denis Ivanovich has taken the place of state councilor. In 1782 he retired. In the fall of the same year, the premiere of the playwright’s most important work, the comedy, took place. "Undergrown"(date of writing - 1781) in St. Petersburg. In 1783 the play was staged in Moscow.
Disease. Last years
Since 1783, Denis Ivanovich has been traveling around Europe, visiting Italy, Germany, and Austria. In 1785, the writer suffered his first apoplexy. In 1787, Fonvizin returned to Russia.
IN last years In his short biography, Fonvizin suffered from a serious illness - paralysis, but did not stop studying literary activity. Despite the ban of Catherine II on the publication of a five-volume collected works, Denis Ivanovich at this time created the comedy “The Tutor’s Choice”, the feuilleton “Conversation with Princess Khaldina”, and worked on the autobiography “Pure Confession” (remained unfinished).
On December 1 (12), 1792, Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin died. The writer was buried at the Lazarevskoye cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg.
Other biography options
- During a trip to St. Petersburg in 1760, Fonvizin attended for the first time theatrical performance. It was Holberg's play Henry and Pernille. What happened on stage made an indelible impression on the writer, and he retained his passion for theater throughout his life.
- The success of the premiere of "The Minor" during the premiere was so great that the audience, according to the custom of that time, threw wallets with money on the stage.
- Fonvizin Special attention paid appearance, for which he was recognized as a dandy. The writer decorated his clothes with fresh flowers, wore a sable frock coat and shoes with large buckles.
- Denis Ivanovich was married to Katerina Ivanovna Rogovikova, the daughter of a wealthy merchant.
Biography test
The test will help you remember better short biography Fonvizina.
What works of Fonvizin are known to modern readers? Of course, "Minor". After all, comedy is part of school curriculum. It is known that the Russian writer wrote critical articles and translations of foreign authors. However, Fonvizin’s works are not limited to literary works and satirical essays about the ignorant Prostakov family.
What else did the creator of the domestic comedy write? And why, in his declining years, was it difficult for the author of “The Minor” to publish his creations?
Russian author of foreign origin
The writer lived and worked in Catherine's era. Fonvizin’s works would not have been created if one of the comedian’s ancestors had not once fallen into Russian captivity. The creator of such characters as Prostakov, Starodum and Mitrofanushka was of foreign origin, but was the most Russian of all Russian writers of the eighteenth century. At least that's what Pushkin said about him.
Translation activities
The writer studied at the gymnasium, then became a student at the Faculty of Philosophy. Fonvizin's works represent the pinnacle theatrical arts eighteenth century. However, before receiving recognition, the writer spent many years poring over translations of famous foreign and even ancient playwrights. And only after gaining experience, he began to write original essays.
The hero of this article began to engage in literary translation by accident. One day one of the St. Petersburg booksellers heard about his excellent knowledge. foreign languages. Businessman suggested young man translate the works of Ludwig Holberg into Russian. Denis Fonvizin coped with the task. After which many offers from publishers poured in.
Literary creativity
When did Fonvizin’s original works begin to appear? The list of his works is small. Below is a list of dramatic works and publications on political theme. But first it’s worth saying a few words about the worldview of this author.
In the second half of the eighteenth century, educational thought was in fashion throughout Europe, one of the founders of which was Voltaire. The Russian writer gladly translated the works of the French satirist. The humor that distinguishes Fonvizin’s works in the style of classicism probably became a feature formed under the influence of Voltaire’s work. During the years when the writer was especially active in visiting circles of freethinkers, the first comedy was created.
"Brigadier"
Literary studies helped Fonvizin climb the career ladder in his youth, but had a detrimental effect on the writer’s work in his old age. The empress herself drew attention to the translation of the tragedy of the Aviary. A special success used the comedy "Brigadier".
Journalism
In 1769, the writer entered the service of which prompted him to write a political treatise. The title of this work fully corresponds to the time in which the author lived: “Reflections on the completely destroyed form of government and on the precarious state of the empire and sovereigns.”
In Catherine’s era, educated people expressed themselves in a very florid way, even the empress herself, who, by the way, did not like the essay. The fact is that in this work the author criticized both Catherine and her favorites and demanded constitutional reform. At the same time, he even dared to threaten a coup.
In Paris
Fonvizin spent more than two years in France. From there he carried on regular correspondence with Panin and other like-minded people. Social problems have become main theme both letters and essays. Fonvizin's journalistic works, the list of which is little known to contemporaries, despite the absence of strict censorship in those years, were imbued with a thirst for change and a reformist spirit.
Political Views
After visiting France, Denis Fonvizin wrote new “Discourses”. This time they were dedicated to state laws. In this essay, the author raised the issue of serfdom. Convinced of the need to destroy it, he was still under the impression of the “Pugachevism”, and therefore proposed getting rid of serfdom moderately, without haste.
Fonvizin was studying literary creativity till the end of one's days. But due to the disapproval of the empress, he was unable to publish a collection of his works. Finally, it is worth mentioning the works of Fonvizin.
List of books
- "Brigadier."
- "Undergrown."
- "Discourses on indispensable state laws."
- "Governor's Choice"
- "Conversation with Princess Khaldina."
- "Frank confession."
- "Corion".
The writer created “A Sincere Confession” when he was in his old age. This work is autobiographical in nature. In recent years, the writer Fonvizin mainly wrote articles for magazines. Fonvizin entered the history of Russian literature as the author of comedies in the genre of classicism. What is this direction? What are its characteristic features?
Works by Fonvizin
Classicism is a movement based on the principles of rationalism. The works contain harmony and faith, and poetic norms are strictly observed. The heroes of the comedy “The Minor” are divided into positive and negative. There are no contradictory images here. And this is also characteristic feature classicism.
This trend originated in France. In Russia, classicism was distinguished by its satirical orientation. In the works of French playwrights, ancient themes came first. They are characterized by national-historical motives.
main feature dramatic works the eighteenth century - the unity of time and place. The events of “The Minor” take place in the house of the Prostakov family. Everything that is described in the comedy takes place within twenty-four hours. Fonvizin endowed his characters speaking names. Skotinin dreams of villages where many pigs graze. Vralman pretends to enlighten Mitrofanushka, while he introduces the undergrowth into even more terrible ignorance.
The comedy touches on the topic of education. Enlightenment thought had a significant influence on all of Fonvizin’s work. The writer dreamed of change political system. But he believed that without enlightenment, any changes would lead to rebellion, “Pugachevism” or other negative socio-political consequences.