Shvabrin dies at the end of the story. Walking on the waters. The religious and moral meaning of the story by A.S. Pushkin "The Captain's Daughter". Miracle. Essay With all the diversity of problems in the novel “Eugene Onegin,” Pushkin was occupied with the question of the ideal hero whom

How did Pushkin solve this problem? Chapter first U. Pushkin begins the history of Pugachev from afar, from the 15th century, when the Don Cossacks first appeared on the Yaik River and settled there. They lived by raids, were surrounded by “hostile tribes,” and “therefore felt the need for strong patronage and in the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich” (1596-1645), they sent “on their own to Moscow to ask the sovereign to accepted them under your high hand." Tsar " caressed" new subjects, and they "little by little got used to it to family and civic life." Do you remember what happened in Zaporozhye, what Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol and the historian Vasily Osipovich Klyuchevsky wrote about? D. The same. There the Cossacks also lived by robbery, and then began to defend the Orthodox faith and the Russian people. U. And it was around the same time. So the Yaik Cossacks took the oath and began to serve the Tsar and the Fatherland. And what happened next, you should have read in the final fragment of chapter one. Does Pushkin the historian present facts impartially? D. Of course not. He likes the “peaceful Kalmyks”, he calls them “ meek And kind people,” sympathizes with them, clearly thereby condemning the Russian bailiffs. He also sympathizes with the Cossacks, who were oppressed by members of the chancellery, and condemns the local authorities. But he cannot accept the fact that they refused to serve and became embittered. After all, they violated the oath! And Pushkin believes that the punishment, the measures that were taken against them, were, although “ strict", But " necessary». U. He doesn't condemn at all higher authority, but only local. And the entire first chapter shows why Pugachev’s uprising arose: “Everything foreshadowed new rebellion. The leader was missing. The leader has been found." This leader became... D. Pugachev. U. But here Pushkin writes a work of art, a novel, the task of which is completely different. Which? D. To uncover inner world heroes in the narrator's assessment. U. And what role then do historical facts begin to play? After all, it is precisely the episode of the riot that preceded the uprising led by Pugachev that is discussed twice in the novel. Find what RG says about this in Chapter II (after the “thieves’ conversation”). D.“I couldn’t understand anything then from this thieves’ conversation; but later I realized that it was about the affairs of the Yaitsky army, which at that time had just been pacified after the riot of 1772.” U. For what purpose is this given here? D. To characterize the “counselor”: he is not an ordinary man, he apparently was a participant in this riot. And this characterizes him in a special way. U. The second mention of this riot is given at the beginning of Chapter VI. Read the second and third paragraphs. D.“This vast and rich province was inhabited by many semi-savage peoples who had recently recognized the dominion of the Russian sovereigns. Their constant indignation, unaccustomed to laws and civil life, frivolity and cruelty required constant supervision on the part of the government to keep them in obedience. The fortresses were built in places considered convenient and were inhabited for the most part by Cossacks, long-time owners of the Yaik banks. But the Yaik Cossacks, who were supposed to protect the peace and security of this region, for some time were themselves restless and dangerous subjects for the government. In 1772 there was a disturbance in their main town. The reason for this was the strict measures taken by Major General Traubenberg to bring the army to proper obedience. The consequence was the barbaric murder of Traubenberg, a willful change in government and, finally, the pacification of the riot with grapeshot and cruel punishments. This happened some time before my arrival at the Belogorod fortress. Everything was already quiet, or seemed so; the authorities too easily believed the imaginary repentance of the crafty rebels who were angry in secret and waited opportunity to renew the unrest." U. What role does historical information play here? D. They warn the reader: what has happened and what will possibly happen. U. From whose point of view are these facts given? D. From Grinev's point of view. U. Compare it with the point of view of Pushkin the historian. D. RG does not know or is not interested in why the Cossacks rebelled. No sympathy visible" half-wild peoples" and " crafty rebels." RG is entirely on the side of the government, Major General, although it calls punishments “ tough». U. That is, we are dealing not only with facts that allow the reader to understand the reasons for the future social conflict, but we also see the hero’s point of view on these events. Chapters two - four. U. In chapters two and four of “The History of Pugachev,” Pushkin describes the events of the Pugachev rebellion. What is the position of Pushkin the historian? D. Pushkin’s sympathies are on the side of the government; he calls the rebels “ villains“,” emphasizes the heroism of the officers, although it shows that Pugachev did not always act cruelly: “If he was kind to you,” said the impostor, “then I forgive him.” U. And here we see again that a historian cannot not be impartial, like any person, he cannot help but have his own point of view, he cannot help but express his attitude, not express his likes and dislikes. Moreover, in his “Notes on the Rebellion” Pushkin writes: “Poor Kharlov was drunk on the eve of the capture of the fortress; but I did not dare say so out of respect for his courage and beautiful death" That is, Pushkin is silent about the facts, sins against reliability, because he has a clear position: he pities Kharlov and admires him. Comparison of "The Story of Pugachev" and "The Captain's Daughter". U. Now turn to the text of “The Captain's Daughter”. How did you manage historical facts Pushkin the artist and why? D. He writes in the novel about taking Belogorsk fortress, is based on the facts of the capture of three fortresses, the answers of the historically existing Kameshkov and Voronov become the basis for the answers of the fictional commandant Mironov, and Masha mentions Kharlova’s fate in her letter. Pushkin the artist writes about his invented heroes who act at a certain historical time next to real people - Pugachev, Khlopusha and others. U. And all these events are given “through the eyes of Grinev.” Does the point of view of RG differ from the point of view of Pushkin the historian? D. No, Grinev is entirely on the side of the government, but Grinev’s attitude towards Pugachev is more complex than that of Pushkin the historian. U. Wait, wait. In “The History of Pugachev” Pushkin, as a historian, wrote about Pugachev only what was “ reliably" known. In the novel, Pushkin the artist creates image character, using fiction: after all, he couldn’t know what the real Pugachev was thinking about, and there are many fictitious events. And Pushkin creates a complex image, a complex character, although Pushkin was given some reason for the traits of humanity to appear in Pugachev known facts. Pushkin could not help but see the intelligence, courage and contradictory nature of Pugachev. After all, what his hero Grinev is thinking about, everything that in Pugachev evokes involuntary respect for Grinev, these are the traits that Pushkin endowed his hero with. Pushkin sees further and wider than his hero-storyteller. So, as a nobleman who himself had serfs, Pushkin could not help but be horrified by the cruelty of the rebels, but he sees not only the atrocity, but also the reasons that gave rise to the rebellion when the people's patience runs out. And in this, Pushkin took a step forward in understanding Russian history, because before him, representatives of the noble culture assessed any popular rebellion only as a crime and villainy, while in folk culture There was a different idea of ​​popular riots. Works of folklore glorified the leaders of the riots as folk heroes. But even the best representatives of the nobility, such outstanding personalities as Suvorov and Derzhavin, were among those who suppressed the Pugachev uprising. And among those who almost died at the hands of the rebels was a boy, the future poet Ivan Andreevich Krylov, then still just a child. Pushkin in his historical novel posed very complex problems of contradictions between different classes of society and tried to evaluate them from the standpoint of humanity and humanism. Homework assignment. Write an essay on one of the topics: “Pugachev in the author’s assessment,” “Masha Mironova in the author’s assessment,” “Russian nobility in the author’s assessment.”

Lesson 31. About the novel by A. Pushkin “ Captain's daughter»

Discussion of essays

From the essays

U. Today you have to discuss your essays. Let's start with how you felt about the given topics. What topics were given? D.“Pugachev in the author’s assessment”, “Masha Mironova in the author’s assessment”, “Russian nobility in the author’s assessment”. U. And your task as reader-critics was to choose one of the topics and try to reveal it. The topics were set and could not be changed. But here we have a work called: “Essay on the Captain’s Daughter.” What would that mean? The reader-critic abandoned the topic and wrote an essay in the genre of review: what is interesting and what is not. And this review contains many interesting observations, for example: “But when I read last time, I realized that everything is somewhat reminiscent of our life. Petrusha’s mother hopes that he will go to St. Petersburg, under the patronage of the prince. And his father wants to send him to real service. It is clear that the mother is worried about her child, and the father, in his own way, is afraid that in St. Petersburg he will learn to “drag and hang around.” Or: “Savelich trembles for the life of his beloved master’s child. And the sheepskin coat is sorry. Petrusha, who has already turned into officer Grinev, has matured feelings of patriotic duty; he understands that Pugachev is a robber, and he, Grinev, must fight him. But Savelich tells him: kiss the hand, and that’s enough.” This is one of the main problems in life: is it possible to make concessions? Which ones are possible, which ones are not? Very interesting and important reflections of the reader, who was able to see close in the distant, to see eternal problems. That is why the present ones do not die along with the past era. works of art, since their authors show not only the transitory, that which will go into the past forever, but also the eternal, that which remains with people. But against the backdrop of these important reader reflections, the question arises: how to evaluate an essay if it is not written on the topic? If the reader has arbitrarily come up with his own topic. How would you solve this issue? D.... U. But two more students wrote essays on the topic “Pugachev in the assessment of the narrator.” Why do you think? D. Maybe they were inattentive to the topic, or maybe because Grinev’s assessment is understandable and easier to write about than the author’s assessment. U. It may be true that this happened because the topic proposed by the boys was easier. But in fact, which of the available topics is the most difficult and why? D.... U. I think that the most difficult topic- “Russian nobility of the 18th century in the author’s assessment.” It is more difficult because it was necessary not only to highlight the features of one hero in the author’s assessment, but, having highlighted the features of individual heroes, to find commonality in them, to combine the features of the nobles. Apparently, you also felt the difficulty of the topic, because few people decided to take it, and those who took it couldn’t cope with it. For example, is the following reader making the correct conclusion: “And through this very strong nature of Pugachev, Pushkin’s nobility looks like a bunch of frightened people clinging to power and the protection of the empress”? D. Of course not. Among the nobles there were also frightened ones, as can be seen at the meeting of the military council in Orenburg: they were more afraid to attack than to defend. Shvabrin went over to Pugachev’s side, but he is shown as a vile person in general. But the rest were not afraid, took care of their honor, were faithful to their duty, as they understood it, and died like heroes. U. That's right, and these are the features that another reader highlighted. This is what he writes: “But it was they who had to meet the first onslaught of the enemy and, although their fortresses were taken and destroyed from the first attack, Pugachev failed to defeat these people morally. After all, when Mironov was brought to Pugachev for the oath, he told him: “You are not my sovereign, you are a thief and an impostor.” It would be possible to give other examples confirming the moral strength of nobles who were ready to die in the name of duty, to die, but not to break the oath. And once again about Grinev. Although there was no special topic dedicated to this hero, nevertheless, a number of works naturally talk about him. And, apparently, our thoughts about the relationship between the points of view of Pushkin and Grinev, about the difference between the author and his narrator, led some readers to the conclusion that Grinev is poorly educated and narrow-minded. We really talked about the fact that Pushkin is smarter than his hero, that he sees wider and further, but this does not detract from the hero. After all, Grinev was well educated for his time, especially by the time he wrote his notes, and it was not without reason that his poems, even from his youth, were praised by the famous Russian poet. And most importantly, everything you read, who “composed” it? D. According to the text, it turns out that Grinev. U. Remember the story " Prisoner of the Caucasus» Tolstoy? There, too, the narrator is a simple, even very poorly educated person, clearly different from the author, but this does not prevent such a narrator from raising very complex problems that are not so easy for us, readers, to judge. And Petrusha Grinev? Remember what subtle observations, what a subtle sense of humor he shows, how to see humorous traits even in his own father, with all due respect to him. Which subtle characteristics Grinev gives to those he is talking about what smart solution he proposes at the military council. With what feeling he describes the tragic events! All this makes it easier to understand the author’s point of view, because the points of view of RG and Pushkin are in many ways close. Although, of course, there are other ways to find the author’s point of view: through conflict, the actions of the characters, their characters, their speech. Now try to evaluate one entire essay.

Composition 1. “Masha Mironova in the author’s assessment”

Masha Mironova - “The Captain's Daughter” - plays a very important role in A. S. Pushkin’s work. She gives impetus to the entire life plot of Grinev. After all, because of her, the events of this line occur, such as the duel between Grinev and Shvabrin. Because of Masha, Grinev returns to the Belogorsk fortress, not being afraid of being captured by the Pugachevites. Well, if it weren’t for Masha, Grinev would be in Siberia, in eternal settlement. I believe that in the story “The Captain's Daughter” everything is interconnected. Those. the author A.S. Pushkin creates a situation, and then the attitude of the RG is given. I think the main thing in understanding the author is to find out what qualities he wanted to show in a particular episode. So, for example, to show that the heroine is a modest girl, the author gives a line from her mother in the first episode with Masha, in which she says: “One problem: Masha, a girl of marriageable age, what is her dowry? A fine comb, a broom, and an altyn of money (God forgive me!), with which to go to the bathhouse. It’s good if there’s a good person, otherwise you’ll be an eternal bride.” And Masha immediately blushes and feels embarrassed. After the duel, the author shows the kindness of Masha, who immediately begins to care for Grinev. Next is the incident with the letter from Father Grinev. Here Masha’s honor and integrity are revealed when she does not agree to get married without the permission of Grinev’s parents. The author tries to sharpen Masha’s steadfastness in love, how she expects help from Grinev, and how she does not agree to marry Shvabrin. And at the very end of the story, Masha is shown as a brave, faithful and grateful girl who, for the sake of the people who have done good to her, and first of all for her most beloved person, Grinev, goes to Catherine and, without embarrassment, proves Grinev’s innocence. If we put all of Masha’s qualities together, we see that throughout the entire story the author paints a portrait of a modest, kind, faithful and grateful girl who, in my opinion, deserves to get a happy ending in the story. Dima. Masha was not embarrassed in front of Catherine because she did not know that the queen was in front of her, and in general the topic was revealed: both the character and the author’s attitude were clear. Dina. It’s somehow not very clear: “she deserves to get a happy ending in the story.” U. Yes, it’s not very well said stylistically. Help the critic. How would it be better to say? Children offer your options. U. Indeed, on the whole the essay was a success, the topic was covered. And it is interesting that the critical reader, trying to understand the author, pays attention to those episodes in which the author “wanted to show” certain qualities of his heroine. The following statement from the reader-critic is especially interesting, although linguistically it is not entirely well-formed: “The author tries to sharpen Masha’s steadfastness in love, how she expects help from Grinev, and how she does not agree to marry Shvabrin.” In other words, the critic believes that the author specifically “creates” situations in which certain character traits of the hero can appear. In any epic text, starting with fairy tale, the hero is being tested. And in a certain situation, the hero can pass this test or not. That is, the author can specially, arbitrarily come up with an episode, an event that shows character. But can he arbitrarily come up with happy end? Why? D.... U. For Masha, everything ended happily, like in a fairy tale. And remember the bitter fate of another, real woman - Kharlova. She died. Could Pushkin come up with a sad ending? D.... U. Complex issue. The author, of course, is free to come up with a bad or good ending, but this will depend not only on his will, his plan, but also on what he writes about, what events lie at the basis. And if the author is more or less free to choose events that do not depend on the hero himself, then is the author free to choose the actions of the hero within these events? Can he, as one critic writes, “attribute any (or almost any) actions to the hero”? D.... U. Could Pushkin have made Grinev commit meanness? D. No, of course, this is not in his character. U. The author's arbitrariness not unlimited, it is limited by the character of the hero: the hero can begin to “resist” the author’s tyranny.

Composition 2 "Pugachev in Pushkin's assessment"

The author of "The Captain's Daughter" - A. S. Pushkin largely puts his assessment of Pugachev into the mouth of his RG - Grinev. However, in addition to this, there are other sources of the author's assessment. Epigraphs (in last paragraph the story - from the publisher - it is written: “having found a decent epigraph for each chapter”): “An uninvited guest is worse than a Tatar,” “At that time the lion was well-fed, even though he was ferocious from birth. “Why did you deign to welcome me to my den?” - he asked affectionately.” One of the most important sources is historical documents, Pushkin’s personal notes, letters, and, finally, his “History of the Pugachev Rebellion.” The assessment of Pushkin the historian is harsher and more terrible than the assessment of Pushkin the artist through Grinev. In “The Captain's Daughter,” the descriptions of many of the atrocities committed by Pugachev, which are contained in “The History of the Pugachev Rebellion,” are softened. Pushkin, through Grinev, shows the versatility of Pugachev’s character. On the one hand: cruelty, lust for power, however, caused by the attitude of the nobles towards the people (for example, the fate of Yulay), it is better to drink fresh blood once. On the other hand, Pugachev is brave, on occasion he likes to show generosity - “to execute, so to execute, to favor, to favor.” Pugachev is a man of a broad soul. He understands well the troubles of the people and sympathizes with them: “Are you safe? - repeated Pugachev. - And the people are dying of hunger! The impostor was telling the truth." Pushkin, as a historian and a person, understood Pugachev in this: “There will be half a million holidays: what will a people dying of hunger say?” (A.S. Pushkin - from the diaries of 1834). Pushkin wrote this two years before writing The Captain's Daughter, when he had already become interested in Pugachev. Pushkin writes at the same time in “The History of Pugachev”: “The name of the terrible rebel still thunders in the regions where he was rampant. The people still vividly remember the bloody time, which he so expressively called Pugachevism.” U. The last quote from “The History of Pugachev” - by the way, Pushkin himself called his historical research “The History of Pugachev”, and Nicholas I, who was his personal censor, recommended calling it “The History of the Pugachev Rebellion” - requires comment. It is censorship that must be taken into account when assessing last statement Pushkin. After all, he had to hide his true attitude towards the rebellion, otherwise his work would not have been published. And the people, as you know, considered Pugachev a hero and composed songs about him. D. The topic has been resolved. And mainly through the interpretation of epigraphs and comparison of the novel and “The History of Pugachev”. She explains the role of Grinev interestingly: Firstly, thanks to Grinev, a lot is softened, and, secondly, the versatility of Pugachev’s character is shown. U. Well done, they very correctly noted the dignity of the work. It should be noted, by the way, that often when writers create artistic image, it turns out to be deeper and more multifaceted than in cases where they give direct assessments of certain events. Homework assignment . Make a dramatization of an episode from “The Captain’s Daughter” (optional): Ch. IV “We entered the commandant’s house... - No way! not for any well-being!”; Ch. XI “I went to the Belogorsk fortress to deliver an orphan ... Khlopusha and Beloborodov did not say a word and looked at each other gloomily.”

Lesson 32. Dramatizations of episodes from the novel “The Captain’s Daughter”

Discussion of re-enactments

The main task of the stage designer when translating an epic text into a dramatic one is not just to “remove” the narrator’s speech, but to create a work for the stage with a clear and dynamic development of the action. How this work happens - see the discussion of children's dramatizations of fairy tales (UMK 5th grade “Stagings of fairy tales” Ivan the peasant son and Miracle Yudo") The following dramatizations can serve as an example of what our students achieved.

Dramatization1.

Ch. IV. DUEL

(excerpt)

Act I

The dark, cozy room is illuminated only by the morning light from the window. Standing at the door are Ivan Ignatich, Grinev and Shvabrin. Grinev looks down, chuckling. Shvabrin looks forward proudly. An irritated Vasilysa Yegorovna is walking around the room. Ivan Kuzmich sits at a wooden table.

V a s i l i s a E g o r o v n a. Ah, my fathers. What does it look like? How? What? start a murder in our fortress! Ivan Kuzmich, they are now under arrest. Pyotr Andreich, Alexey Ivanovich! Bring your swords here, bring them, bring them. (Turns to the second door.) Broadsword! (The yard girl comes out of the door.) Broadsword, take these swords to the closet.

Broadsword takes their swords and leaves.

V a s i l i s a E g o r o v n a. Pyotr Andreich! I didn't expect this from you. How are you not ashamed? Good Alexey Ivanovich: he was discharged from the guard for murder, he does not believe in the Lord God; and what about you? Is that where you're going? Ivan Kuzmich. And listen, Vasilisa Egorovna is telling the truth, fights are formally prohibited in the military article.

Grinev laughed.

Shvabrin (proudly). With all due respect to you, I cannot help but notice that it is in vain that you deign to worry by subjecting us to your judgment. Leave this matter to Ivan Kuzmich: this is his business (with importance and composure). V a s i l i s a E g o r o v n a. Ah, my father! But aren’t husband and wife one spirit and flesh? Ivan Kuzmich? Why are you yawning? Now plant them different angles for bread and water, so that their stupidity goes away; Yes, let Father Gerasim impose penance on them, so that they pray to God for forgiveness and repent before people.

Ivan Kuzmich is at a loss.

V a s i l i s a E g o r o v n a. (over time). Broadsword! You can give them the swords. Well, now kiss each other, kiss, kiss.

Grinev and Shvabrin kiss with disdain. Palashka enters and gives them their swords. Grinev, Shvabrin and Ivan Ignatich leave the hut reconciled.

Act II

Morning. Winter. Snowing. There is no one in the yard.

Grinev (angrily to Ignatyich). Aren't you ashamed? Report on us to the commandant after they gave me their word not to do this? Ignatich. Like God is holy, I didn’t tell Ivan Kuzmich that. Vasilisa Egorovna found out everything from me. She ordered everything without the knowledge of the commandant. However, thank God it all ended like this (turns and walks towards the house). Grinev (to Shvabrin). Our business cannot end. Shvabrin. Of course, you will answer me with your blood for your insolence; but they will probably keep an eye on us. We have to pretend for a few days. Goodbye!

They part as if nothing had happened.

Dramatization 2

Ch. XI. REBEL SLOBODA

(excerpt)

Characters:

Petr Andreich Grinev, officer, 16 years old. Pugachev. Khlopusha is tall, broad-shouldered, with a red beard. B elo beardov is an old man with a gray beard and a blue ribbon over his shoulder. Comrade Pugacheva.

A room in a hut. The walls are covered with gold paper. Pugachev is sitting under the icons, next to him are several people, including Khlopusha and Beloborodov. Grinev enters.

P u g a c h e v (with liveliness). Ah, your honor! How are you doing? Why did God bring you? Grinev. Yes, I was traveling on business, but your people detained me. Pugachev. And for what reason?

Grinev is silent.

Pugachev. So you don't want to be in front of witnesses? (To comrades). Hey, come out and let me talk.

Everyone leaves except Beloborodov and Khlopushi.

Pugachev. Speak boldly in front of them. I don't hide anything from them.

Grinev silently examines Beloborodov and Khlopusha.

Pugachev. Well, tell me, what business did you leave Orenburg for? Grinev (shuddering). I was going to the Belogorsk fortress to deliver an orphan who was being abused there. P u g a c h e v (jumps up, screams). Which of my people dares to offend an orphan? Even if he is a genius, he will not escape my judgment! Speak: who is to blame? Grinev. Shvabrin is guilty. P u g a c h e v (calming down). I'll teach Shvabrin a lesson. He will learn what it is like to be willful and offend people. I will hang him. Cotton (hoarsely). Order the word to be spoken. You were in a hurry to appoint Shvabrin as commandant, and now you are in a hurry to hang him. You have already insulted the Cossacks by placing a nobleman as their leader; Don’t frighten the nobles by executing them at the first slander. B elo bo r o d o v. There is no point in pitying or favoring them. It doesn’t matter if Shvabrin is executed; and it would not be a bad idea to interrogate the gentleman officer in order: why did he deign to come? If he doesn’t recognize you as sovereign, then there’s no point in looking for government from you, and if he recognizes you, what does he care? today sat in Orenburg with his adversaries? Would you like to order him to be taken to the office and light a light there: it seems to me that his honor was sent to us from the Orenburg commanders.

Grinev shudders.

P u g a c h e v (noticing Grinev’s embarrassment, winking). Ah, your honor? My field marshal speaks his mind, it seems. How do you think? Grinev. I'm in your power. You are free to do with me as you please. Pugachev. Okay, now tell me what the state of your city is. Grinev. Thank God, everything is fine. Pugachev. Safely? And the people are dying of hunger! Grinev (thinking, aside). But he speaks the truth, the impostor. (to Pugachev). Yes, all empty rumors, there are enough reserves in Orenburg, everything is fine. B eloborodov (picks up). You see that he is deceiving you to your face. All the fugitives agree that there is famine and pestilence in Orenburg, that they eat carrion there, and that only for honor; and His Grace assures us that there is enough of everything. If you want to hang Shvabrin, then hang this fellow on the same gallows, so that no one will be jealous.

Pugachev thinks and looks questioningly at Beloborodov.

Cotton (To Beloborodov). That's enough, Naumych! You should strangle and cut everything. What kind of hero are you? Look at what the soul holds. You look into your own grave, but you destroy others. Isn't there enough blood on your conscience? B elo bo r o d o v. What kind of a saint are you? Where did your pity come from? Cotton. Of course, I am a sinner, and this hand (clenches a fist, rolls up his sleeve, shows his hand), and this hand is guilty of shed Christian blood. But I destroyed the enemy, not the guest; at a free crossroads, in dark forest, not at home, sitting at the stove; with a flail and a butt, and not with a woman’s slander! B eloborodov (to the side, quietly). Torn nostrils! Cotton (screams furiously). What are you whispering there, you old brat? I'll give you ragged nostrils; wait, your time will come! God willing, and you will smell the tongs ... In the meantime, make sure I don’t tear out your beard! P u g a c h e v (with importance). Gentlemen generals! It's enough for you to quarrel. It wouldn’t be a problem if all the Orenburg dogs kicked their legs under the same crossbar; it would be a problem if our male dogs squabbled among themselves. Well, make peace.

Khlopusha and Beloborodov look at each other gloomily. Grinev frowns, then pretends to be cheerful.

Grinev (as if having come to his senses, to Pugachev). Oh! I forgot to thank you for the horse and sheepskin coat. Without you, I wouldn’t have gotten to the city and would have frozen on the road. Thank you. P u g a c h e v (funny). Debt good turn deserves another. ( Squinting). Tell me: what do you care about that girl whom Shvabrin offends? Isn’t it a sweetheart for a young man’s heart, huh? Grinev. She is my bride. Remember, you saw her sick at the priest's. P u g a c h e v (screams cheerfully). Your bride! Why didn't you say it before? Are we having a feast at your wedding? (To Beloborodov). Listen, Field Marshal! His honor and I are old friends; Let's sit down and have dinner; The morning is wiser than the evening. Tomorrow we'll see what we do with it.

1 N.V. Gogol, “Arabesques”. St. Petersburg, 1835. Part 1. pp. 216–217.

1 Melmoth is the hero of Mathurin's novel Melmoth the Wanderer.

2 Failed beings, failed existences.

1 Volmar is the hero of Rousseau’s novel “Julia, or the New Heloise.” Malek-Adele is the hero of the novel “Matilda, or the Crusades” by the French writer Cotten Marie, the ideal of romantic young ladies. De-Linar is the hero of the novel “Valeria or Letters of Gustave de Linard to Ernest de-G” by the French writer Krudner. Werther is the hero of Goethe's novel The Sorrows of Young Werther.2 Clarice is the heroine of Richardson's novel Clarice Harlow. Julia is the heroine of the novel “The New Heloise” by Rousseau. Delphine is the heroine of Madame de Staël's novel Delphine.

Remember how Savelich called out to Grinev just at the moment when he drove Shvabrin "almost to the river»?

But Grinev defends the Belogorsk fortress: “The commandant, wounded in the head, stood in a group of villains who demanded the keys from him. I rushed to his aid: several hefty Cossacks grabbed me and tied me up with sashes...”

Here is an episode from the chapter “Siege of the City”:

“...I ran into a Cossack who had lagged behind his comrades; I was ready to hit him with my Turkish saber, when suddenly he took off his hat and shouted: “Hello, Pyotr Andreevich!” How does God have mercy on you?’”

One more, last time, Grinev snatches his saber in a night battle near Berdskaya Sloboda. He snatches it, swings it, even hits it: “I pulled out a saber and hit the man on the head...”

So what's going on? The phrase ends like this: “The hat saved him, but he staggered and let go of the bridle. The others were embarrassed and ran away..."

This is how Pushkin protects the clear conscience and strict neutrality of his lucky man.

Another important difference between Shvabrin and Grinev opens on the very first day of their acquaintance. Shvabrin is a liar. He begins with a helpless, childish trick: he rushes to direct the conversation to Marya Ivanovna and present her as a “complete fool” in order to instill in Grinev a prejudice against her. And having failed, he loses his composure and every day sinks lower and lower in the eyes of Grinev and the reader: first to “caustic remarks about Marya Ivanovna,” then to outright nasty things.

Grinev explains this in two ways: different ways. First: “He probably noticed our mutual inclination and tried to distract us from each other" In other words, Shvabrin is jealous of Marya Ivanovna. Second explanation: “In his slander I saw the annoyance of offended pride and rejected love…» In other words: Shvabrin takes revenge on Marya Ivanovna.

But things are apparently even worse. Shvabrin is simply asking for a duel. “Shvabrin didn’t expect it,” Grinev modestly notes, - find such a dangerous opponent in me" Of course, how did he know that the drunkard Beaupre was an excellent swordsman? So, trying to piss off a seventeen-year-old boy, he commits premeditated murder.

But when this also fell through, Shvabrin makes a hypocritical apology (well, he looks exactly like Rashleigh Osbaldiston, check it out on Rob Roy if you want), and he himself sends an anonymous (how could it be otherwise?) letter to old man Grinev.

That is, before us is a man who has completely lost his honor. Starting with an almost innocent lie, he becomes an informer, then becomes a traitor, and in the end earns the title of “chief informer.”

There seems to be a justification for all this. Or rather, there is no reason to doubt that the only content of Shvabrin’s life is passion for Marya Ivanovna. He calls her Masha because she grew up before his eyes and probably under his influence. She was about fourteen years old when he arrived in Belogorskaya. Four s more than a year they saw each other every day. This long term. Either that murdered lieutenant was a very important bird, or Shvabrin did not ask for a mitigation of his fate. Most likely he didn't ask. He fell in love with a village girl.

He fell in love, but behaved in such a way that Masha’s parents had no idea about anything, and the commandant said in front of him:

“One problem: Masha; a girl of marriageable age, what is her dowry? a fine comb, a broom, and an altyn of money (God forgive me!), with which to go to the bathhouse. It’s good if there is a kind person; otherwise sit in the girls as an eternal bride».

When Masha turned seventeen, Shvabrin wooed her. And he was refused. It was incredible, inexplicable, unfair.

Let us add that this refusal exposed the dowryless and simpleton’s strength of character and improbable insight. After all, Shvabrin was the most mysterious and brilliant person of all whom Marya Ivanovna saw in her life.

But, apparently, she did not dare to directly state that Alexey Ivanovich was disgusting to her ( “...I wouldn’t want him to like me just as much. It would worry me fear"). She probably asked to give her time to think (later she would resort to this trick again). But then Grinev appeared...

And all of Shvabrin’s further actions can be explained by the desire to destroy or at least remove Grinev at any cost.

Shvabrin, like Grinev, does not want to participate in History.

Shvabrin, like Grinev, only needs the Captain’s daughter in the world. Both of them are bad nobles, if we keep in mind Pushkin’s definition that a nobleman is a person who has leisure to take care of other people’s affairs.

True, unlike Grinev (and like, say, Hermann), Shvabrin is dishonest, but this is not enough to despise him.

Pushkin sees what Grinev, blinded by jealousy, does not notice: the scoundrel Shvabrin, when Marya Ivanovna was in his power, uses his position in a rather strange way. Without showing the slightest pretense of ambition, he remains in the fortress for her sake (this, of course, could not have happened: Pugachev did not take high-born nobles into his service for petty sinecures). And what does he want to achieve - through threats and coercion - from Marya Ivanovna? He asks and demands her hand. He wants to get married.

“The Berdsk settlement was a den of murder and debauchery. The camp was full of officers' wives and daughters, given over to the robbers to mock. Executions took place every day” (“The History of Pugachev”, chapter three).

And now, in a land engulfed by atrocities, Shvabrin is looking for one thing - legal marriage, family happiness with a poor orphan. He is, of course, a villain, but a romantic villain.

In order to win a moral, and not just a plot, victory over him, Grinev has to make the most difficult and humiliating accusation: Shvabrin is a coward. This is how he fusses in front of Pugachev, “expressing his joy and zeal in vile terms...” “He was a coward in front of him, and looked at me with distrust...” And again: “Shvabrin fell to his knees... At that moment, contempt drowned out everything in me feelings of hatred and anger. I looked with disgust at the nobleman lying at the feet of the runaway Cossack..."

All this - and even the course of the duel, in which Shvabrin turns out to be more skillful, and Grinev - “stronger and bolder”, should seem to convince us. Shvabrin probably betrayed himself to Pugachev out of cowardice, saving his life. Pushkin writes about Shvanvich that he “had the cowardice to pester Pugachev and the stupidity to serve him with all diligence” (“Notes on the Rebellion,” draft edition).

But with Shvabrin it’s not so simple. Whatever Grinev says about him, the course of events shows that Shvabrin offered his services to Pugachev even before the appearance of the impostor under the walls of Belogorskaya. Most likely, he got in touch with him through the constable Maksimych. Otherwise, how could he, upon the entry of the winner, “appear in the circle of rebellious elders”? This means that he decided to commit treason and conspired with the Cossacks when the fate of the fortress had not yet been decided and Shvabrin himself did not see “for now anything important” in the rumors about the impostor. Therefore, he risked his head. Another thing is that his role in the fall of the fortress is unclear and that he only begged Pugachev’s mercy for himself (most likely, he believed, like Grinev, that Marya Ivanovna would have time to leave).

So Shvabrin is not Shvanvich. He's hardly a coward. He remains steadfast during the investigation. Rather, the words from the “Missing Chapter” of the novel are applicable to him: “Those who are plotting impossible revolutions among us are either young and do not know our people, or they are hard-hearted people, for whom someone else’s head is half a piece, and their own neck is a penny.”».

And Grinev? Grinev, on the contrary, is kind and noble. He sets an enviable and painful example for Shvabrin: pursuing the same goal, he commits the same offenses, but Shvabrin loses, and Grinev wins, and, moreover, wins without fear or reproach, without sacrificing honor.

For this he only needs to rely on providence, that is, on the will of the author. Grinev cannot afford to ask for mercy from the impostor, to kneel before him. The author will help him out and whitewash him - and arrange it so that others will do everything for Grinev: Savelich, for example, or Marya Ivanovna, or the same Shvabrin.

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In the novel by A. S. Pushkin “The Captain's Daughter” two opposing characters are depicted: the noble Pyotr Grinev and the dishonest Alexey Shvabrin. The story of their relationship is one of the main plot points of The Captain's Daughter and reveals in detail the problem of protecting honor in the novel.

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Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin’s novel “The Captain’s Daughter” is dedicated to the problem of protecting and preserving honor. To explore this topic, the author portrays two opposing characters: the young officer Pyotr Grinev and Alexey Shvabrin, exiled to the Belogorsk fortress for a duel.

Young Pyotr Grinev appears in the novel as an infantile, poorly educated nobleman, not ready for adult life, but in every possible way wanting to break out into this adult life. The time spent in the Belogorsk fortress and in the battles near Orenburg changes his character and fate. He not only develops all his best noble qualities, but also finds true love, as a result remaining an honest person.

In contrast, the author from the very beginning portrays Alexei Shvabrin as a man who has clearly crossed the line between honor and dishonor. According to Vasilisa Egorovna, Alexey Ivanovich “was discharged from the guard for murder and does not believe in God.” Pushkin gives his hero not only bad character and a penchant for dishonest acts, but also symbolically paints a portrait of a man with a “swarthy and distinctly ugly face,” but at the same time “excessively lively.”

Perhaps it is Shvabrin’s liveliness that attracts Grinev. The young nobleman is also very interesting to Shvabrin, for whom the Belogorsk fortress is an exile, a disastrous place in which he does not see people. Shvabrin’s interest in Grinev is explained by the desire to “finally see a human face” after five years of being in the hopeless steppe wilderness. Grinev feels sympathy for Shvabrin and spends a lot of time with him, but gradually his feelings for Maria Mironova begin to take hold of him. This not only alienates Grinev from Shvabrin, but also provokes a duel between them. Grinev wants to take revenge on Shvabrin for slandering his beloved, whom Shvabrin takes revenge on for rejecting him.

During all subsequent events, Shvabrin increasingly shows his dishonor and, as a result, turns into the ultimate villain. All the traits most disgusting to Grinev awaken in him: a slanderer, a traitor, who forcibly wants to marry Maria to himself. He and Grinev are no longer friends or even comrades in arms; Shvabrin not only becomes disgusted by Grinev, they become on opposite sides in the Pugachev uprising. Even entering into relations with Pugachev, Grinev cannot go all the way, he cannot betray his noble honor. For Shvabrin, honor is initially not so important, so it costs him nothing to run over to the other side and then slander honest Grinev.

Grinev and Shvabrin are two opposites that diverge as quickly as they attract. These heroes choose different paths, but the denouement still turns out to be successful for honest Grinev, who was pardoned by the empress and lived a long life. happy life, unlike Shvabrin, who disappeared unknown to the sound of chains in the prison corridors.

Even more essays on the topic: “Relationships between Grinev and Shvabrin”:

Historical story "The Captain's Daughter" - last piece A.S. Pushkin, written in prose. This work reflects all the most important themes Pushkin's creativity late period– the place of the “little” person in historical events, moral choice in harsh social circumstances, law and mercy, people and power, “family thought.” One of the central moral problems The story is a problem of honor and dishonor. The resolution of this issue can be traced primarily through the fates of Grinev and Shvabrin.

These are young officers. Both serve in the Belogorsk fortress. Grinev and Shvabrin are nobles, close in age, education, mental development. Grinev describes the impression the young lieutenant made on him: “Shvabrin was very intelligent. His conversation was witty and entertaining. With great joy he described to me the commandant’s family, his society and the region where fate had brought me.” However, the heroes did not become friends. One of the reasons for the hostility is Masha Mironova. It was in the relationship with the captain's daughter that they revealed moral qualities heroes. Grinev and Shvabrin turned out to be antipodes. The attitude towards honor and duty finally separated Grinev and Shvabrin during the Pugachev rebellion.

Pyotr Andreevich is distinguished by kindness, gentleness, conscientiousness, and sensitivity. It is no coincidence that Grinev immediately became “native” to the Mironovs, and Masha fell in love with him deeply and selflessly. The girl confesses to Grinev: “... until your grave, you will remain alone in my heart.” Shvabrin, on the contrary, makes a repulsive impression on those around him. The moral flaw is already evident in his appearance: he was short in stature, with “excellent ugly face" Masha, like Grinev, is unpleasant about Shvabrin, the girl is scared away by him evil tongue: “...he’s such a mocker.” In the lieutenant she feels dangerous person: “He’s very disgusting to me, but it’s strange: I wouldn’t want him to like me the same way. That would worry me with fear.” Subsequently, having become a prisoner of Shvabrin, she is ready to die, but not submit to him. For Vasilisa Egorovna, Shvabrin is a “murderer,” and the disabled Ivan Ignatich admits: “I’m not a fan of him myself.”

Grinev is honest, open, straightforward. He lives and acts at the behest of his heart, and his heart is freely subordinate to the laws of noble honor, the code of Russian chivalry, and the sense of duty. These laws are unchanged for him. Grinev is a man of his word. He promised to thank the random guide and did this, despite Savelich’s desperate resistance. Grinev could not give half a ruble for vodka, but gave the counselor his rabbit sheepskin coat. The law of honor forces young man pay off the huge billiard debt of the hussar Zurin, who played not too honestly. Grinev is noble and ready to fight a duel with Shvabrin, who insulted the honor of Masha Mironova.

Grinev is consistently honest, and Shvabrin commits immoral acts one after another. This envious, evil, vengeful person is accustomed to acting with deceit and deceit. Shvabrin deliberately described Grineva Masha as “a complete fool” and hid from him his matchmaking with the captain’s daughter. Grinev soon understood the reasons for Shvabrin’s deliberate slander, with which he persecuted Masha: “He probably noticed our mutual inclination and tried to distract us from each other.”

Shvabrin is ready to get rid of his opponent by any means necessary. Insulting Masha, he skillfully infuriates Grinev and provokes a challenge to a duel, not considering the inexperienced Grinev a dangerous opponent. The lieutenant planned murder. This man stops at nothing. He is used to having all his wishes come true. According to Vasilisa Egorovna, Shvabrin was “transferred to the Belogoro fortress for murder”, for the fact that in a duel he “stabbed a lieutenant, and even in front of two witnesses.” During the duel of officers, Grinev, unexpectedly for Shvabrin, turned out to be a skilled fencer, but, taking advantage of the favorable moment for him, Shvabrin wounded Grinev.

Grinev is generous, and Shvabrin is low. After the duel, the young officer forgave the “unfortunate rival,” but he continued to insidiously take revenge on Grinev and wrote a denunciation to his parents. Shvabrin constantly commits immoral acts. But the main crime in the chain of his constant baseness is going over to Pugachev’s side not for ideological, but for selfish reasons. Pushkin shows how in historical trials all the qualities of nature are fully manifested in a person. The vile beginning in Shvabrin makes him a complete scoundrel. Grinev's openness and honesty attracted Pugachev to him and saved his life. The hero’s high moral potential was revealed during the most difficult tests of the strength of his convictions. Grinev several times had to choose between honor and dishonor, and in fact between life and death.

After Pugachev “pardoned” Grinev, he had to kiss his hand, that is, recognize him as the king. In the chapter “The Uninvited Guest,” Pugachev himself arranges a “test of compromise,” trying to get a promise from Grinev to “at least not fight” against him. In all these cases, the hero, risking his life, shows firmness and intransigence.

Shvabrin doesn’t have any moral principles. He saves his life by breaking his oath. Grinev was amazed to see “among the elders Shvabrin, with his hair cut in a circle and wearing a Cossack caftan.” This scary man continues to relentlessly pursue Masha Mironova. Shvabrin is fanatically obsessed with the desire to achieve not love, but at least obedience from the captain's daughter. Grinev assesses Shvabrin’s actions: “I looked with disgust at the nobleman lying at the feet of the runaway Cossack.”

The author's position coincides with the views of the narrator. This is evidenced by the epigraph to the story: “Take care of your honor from a young age.” Grinev remained faithful to duty and honor. He said the most important words to Pugachev: “Just don’t demand what is contrary to my honor and Christian conscience.” Shvabrin violated both his noble and human duties.

Source: mysoch.ru

The story “The Captain's Daughter” by A. Pushkin attracts the reader not only with interesting historical facts, but also with bright, memorable images of the characters.

Young officers Pyotr Grinev and Alexey Shvabrin are characters whose characters and views are completely opposite. This is evidenced by how differently they behave in everyday life, in critical situations, and in love. And if you feel sympathy for Grinev from the very first pages of the story, then meeting Shvabrin evokes contempt and disgust.

The portrait of Shvabrin is as follows: “... a young officer of short stature, with a dark and distinctly ugly face.” His appearance matches his nature - evil, cowardly, hypocritical. Shvabrin is capable of dishonorable acts, it costs him nothing to slander or betray a person for his own benefit. This person cares most about his “selfish” interest.

Having failed to achieve the love of Masha Mironova, he not only seeks to stand in her way to happiness, but also tries, with the help of threats and force, to force the girl to marry him. Saving his life, Shvabrin is one of the first to swear allegiance to the impostor Pugachev, and when this is revealed and he appears in court, he perjures himself against Grinev in order to at least take revenge on him for all his failures.

Everything was embodied in the image of Pyotr Grinev best features noble class. He is honest, brave, courageous, fair, knows how to keep his word, loves his fatherland and is devoted to his duty. Most of all, the young man is liked by his sincerity and straightforwardness. He is alien to arrogance and sycophancy. Having managed to win the love of Marya Ivanovna, Grinev reveals himself not only as a gentle and devoted admirer. Above all, he puts her honor, her name, and is ready not only to defend them with a sword in hand, but also to go into exile for Masha’s sake.

with their own positive qualities Grinev's character even conquered the robber Pugachev, who helped him free Masha from the hands of Shvabrin and wanted to be imprisoned by his father at their wedding.

I am sure that in our time many would like to be like Pyotr Grinev, while they would never want to meet Shvabrin.

Source: www.ukrlib.com

Alexey Ivanovich Shvabrin is not only a negative character, but also the opposite of Pyotr Andreevich Grinev, the narrator on whose behalf the narration in “The Captain's Daughter” is told.

Grinev and Shvabrin are not the only characters in the story who are in one way or another compared to each other: similar “pairs” form almost all the main characters works: Empress Catherine - false emperor Pugachev, Masha Mironova - her mother Vasilisa Egorovna - which allows us to talk about the comparison as one of the most important compositional techniques, used by the author in the story.

It is interesting, however, that not all of the named heroes are absolutely opposed to each other. Thus, Masha Mironova, rather, is compared with her mother and displays as much devotion to her chosen one and courage in the fight for him as captain Mironova, who was not afraid of the villains and accepted death with her husband. The contrast between the “couple” Ekaterina and Pugachev is not as clear as it seems at first glance.

These hostile and warring characters have many similar traits and similar actions. Both are capable of cruelty and of showing mercy and justice. In the name of Catherine, supporters of Pugachev (a mutilated Bashkir with his tongue cut out) are brutally persecuted and brutally tortured, and Pugachev commits atrocities and executions together with his comrades. On the other hand, both Pugachev and Ekaterina show mercy towards Grinev, saving him and Marya Ivanovna from trouble and ultimately arranging their happiness.

And only between Grinev and Shvabrin nothing but antagonism is revealed. It is already indicated in the names with which the author calls his heroes. Grinev bears the name Peter, he is the namesake of the great emperor, for whom Pushkin, of course, had the most enthusiastic feelings. Shvabrin is given the name of the traitor to his father's cause - Tsarevich Alexei. This, of course, does not mean that every character Pushkin's work, bearing one of these names, must be correlated in the reader’s mind with the named historical figures. But in the context of the story, where the problem of honor and dishonor, devotion and betrayal is so important, such a coincidence seems no coincidence.

It is known how seriously Pushkin took the concept of family noble honor, what is commonly called roots. It is no coincidence, of course, that this is why the story tells in such detail and detail about the childhood of Petrusha Grinev, about his family, in which the traditions of centuries-old noble upbringing are sacredly preserved. And even though these “habits of dear old times” are described not without irony, it is obvious that the author’s irony is full of warmth and understanding. And in the end, it was the thought of the impossibility of disgracing the honor of the clan and family that did not allow Grinev to commit betrayal against his beloved girl and violate the officer’s oath.

Shvabrin is a man without a family, without a tribe. We know nothing about his origin, about his parents. Nothing is said about his childhood or upbringing. Behind him, it seems, there is no spiritual and moral baggage that supports Grinev. Apparently, no one gave Shvabrin the simple and wise instruction: “Take care of your honor from a young age.” And therefore he easily neglects her to save own life and just for personal well-being. At the same time, we note that Shvabrin is an avid duelist: it is known that he was transferred to the Belogorsk fortress for some kind of “villainy,” probably for a duel. He challenges Grinev to a duel, and in a situation where he himself is entirely to blame: he insulted Maria Ivanovna, vilely slandering her in front of the lover Pyotr Andreevich.

It is important that none of the honest heroes approve of duels in the story: neither Captain Mironov, who reminded Grinev that “duels are formally prohibited in the military article,” nor Vasilisa Yegorovna, who considered them “murder” and “murder,” nor Savelich. Grinev accepts the challenge, defending the honor of his beloved girl, while Shvabrin - from the fact that he was rightly called a liar and a scoundrel. Thus, in his addiction to duels, Shvabrin turns out to be a defender of superficial, falsely understood honor, a zealot not for the spirit, but for the letter of the law, only for its external observance. This once again proves that ideas about true honor he doesn't have.

For Shvabrin, nothing is sacred at all: no love, no friendship, no duty. Moreover, we understand that neglecting these concepts is commonplace for him. From the words of Vasilisa Yegorovna, we learn that Shvabrin “does not believe in God,” that he was “discharged from the guard for murder.” Not every duel and not every officer was dismissed from the guard. Obviously, some ugly, vile story was connected with that duel. And, therefore, what happened in the Belogorsk fortress and subsequently was not an accident, not a consequence of momentary weakness, not just cowardice, which is ultimately excusable under certain circumstances. Shvabrin came to his final fall naturally.

He lived without faith, without moral ideals. He himself was incapable of love, and neglected the feelings of others. After all, he knew that he was disgusted with Masha, but, despite this, he harassed her, stopping at nothing. The advice he gives to Grinev regarding Marya Ivanovna reveals him as a vulgar (“... if you want Masha Mironova to come to you at dusk, then instead of tender poems, give her a pair of earrings”), Shvabrin is not only mean, but also cunning. After the duel, fearing new troubles, he acts out a scene of sincere repentance in front of Grinev. Further events show that the simple-minded Grinev was in vain to believe the liar. At the first opportunity, Shvabrin takes vile revenge on Grinev by betraying Marya Ivanovna to Pugacheva. And here the villain and criminal, the peasant Pugachev, shows a nobility incomprehensible to Shvabrin: he, to Shvabrin’s indescribable anger, lets Grinev and Masha Mironova go with God, forcing Shvabrin to give them “a pass to all outposts and fortresses under his control. Shvabrin, completely destroyed, stood dumbfounded”...

The last time we see Shvabrin is when he, arrested for his connection with Pugachev, shackled in chains, makes a last attempt to slander and destroy Grinev. He had changed greatly in appearance: “his hair, recently pitch black, had turned completely grey,” but his soul was still black: he uttered his accusations, albeit in a “weak but bold voice” - so great was his anger and hatred of his opponent’s happiness.

Shvabrin will end his life as ingloriously as he lived: loved by no one and loved by no one, serving no one and nothing, but only adapting all his life. He is like a tumbleweed, a plant without a root, a man without a clan, without a tribe, he did not live, but rolled down,
until he fell into the abyss...

Cannot be dishonored
one who is not afraid of death.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Always strive to fulfill
your duty, and
humanity
will justify you even there,
where will you fail
Jefferson

Story by A.S. Pushkin's "The Captain's Daughter" tells about historical events of the late 18th century. Russia is engulfed by the Pugachev uprising. But the main thing for the author is not just to tell about this event, but also to show how people who find themselves in difficult situation. It is no coincidence that Pushkin chooses the famous proverb as the epigraph of the story: “Take care of your honor from a young age.” Some of the heroes of the story follow these words all their lives and choose death instead of betrayal, while others are ready to sacrifice ideals and principles to save their own lives. The main characters around whom the plot of the story is built are Grinev and Shvabrin. By following their destinies, we will be able to understand what an officer’s honor and human dignity are.
The story was written on behalf of Petrusha Grinev. From the first chapter we learn about his life before arriving at the Belogorsk fortress. Petrusha's upbringing was entrusted to the French tutor and serf Savelich. “I lived as a teenager, chasing pigeons and playing leapfrog with the yard boys,” this is how it tells about his childhood. Grinev leads the life of a young rake, without thinking at all about tomorrow. But the tragic events that happened to him in the Belogorsk fortress forced him to rethink his way of life and find new values ​​for himself.
In the fortress, Grinev meets Alexei Shvabrin. The reader only learns about his life that the hero was exiled to the fortress because of a duel. Shvabrin is smart, perhaps he got a good education, and has the same obstinate, unbalanced character as Grinev. In a word, both heroes are underage rakes who have just fluttered out of their parents’ nest. However, for some reason, the image of Shvabrin immediately evokes reader antipathy. It is no coincidence that the hero’s surname is Shvabrin; it very clearly reveals his character, his ability to be a hypocrite, to betray his principles and ideals.
Grinev is a sweet romantic, he is passionately in love with Masha Mironova and writes poetry for her in an album. The realistic and calculating Shvabrin laughs and sneers at his friend. However, he is also in love with the same girl. A duel takes place between the heroes, during which Shvabrin almost killed his “friend”. But this is just the beginning of the plot.
The tragic events associated with the Pugachev uprising help to truly understand the character of each of the heroes. This is the culmination of the story, and everyone must make a moral choice: what is more important to him - honor or dishonor.
Before the eyes of Petrusha Grinev, the execution of good ordinary officers takes place: Captain Mironov, the commandant of the fortress Ivan Kuzmich. They refuse to swear allegiance to Pugachev, considering him a thief and an impostor, so they choose death. Such an act is worthy of a real officer.
Shvabrin, fearing for his life, went to serve in Pugachev’s army. He thinks only about saving his own life, forgetting that he swore allegiance to the fatherland, to the empress. Such an act is not worthy of justification, although the instinct of self-preservation is the strongest in any living creature.
Of course, Petrusha Grinev was very scared. But he had to make a choice: swear allegiance to Pugachev, kiss his hand, or go to the gallows after Captain Mironov. Grinev chooses the second: “But I would prefer the most brutal execution to such humiliation.” He cannot break the commandment: “Take care of your honor from a young age”; he cannot, like Shvabrin, betray his Motherland, become a traitor. Grinev is characterized by such qualities as loyalty, nobility, and devotion to his empress. And fate saves him from terrible death. Pugachev remembered the gift - a hare sheepskin coat - and decided to have mercy on Grinev.
In another episode, when Pugachev invites Petrusha to his feast, he again invites him to serve in his army. But even here, Grinev worthily defends his ideals, his officer’s honor and is ready to prefer death to betrayal. And then the impostor robber begins to understand Petrusha and even sympathizes with him: “But he’s right! He is a man of honor. And it doesn’t matter that he’s still young, and most importantly, he doesn’t evaluate life like a child!”
Shvabrin's baseness is manifested not only in the episode where he went over to serve on the side of the rebels. He is ready to take possession of Masha Mironova by any means, trying to force her to marry him. But for a girl raised by a real Russian officer, such a marriage is tantamount to death. With the help of Pugachev, Grinev frees Masha from captivity, and such an act characterizes him as a noble nobleman.
After the defeat of the Pugachev uprising, both Grinev and Shvabrin end up in prison. But here again there was a denunciation. The resourceful Alexey, saving his life, slanderes his “friend”. During the trial they find themselves face to face. But even in this episode, Grinev remained true to his principles and did not compromise the honor and dignity of a real officer.
Pushkin's story has a happy ending. Nobility and honesty overcome baseness and betrayal. Grinev was released from prison, and in the finale he marries Masha. Pushkin does not write about the fate of Shvabrin, but, apparently, he was executed for participating in the Pugachev rebellion. This is a fair punishment for such an insignificant person. By comparing these heroes, we can judge what a real officer should be like. He will never lose his good name, will not betray his Motherland. This is exactly what noble people have done at all times.

The story “The Captain's Daughter” can be considered one of the pinnacle works of A. S. Pushkin, written in prose. More than once even the author himself of this work said that it was historical, since it was based on peasant uprisings led by Pugachev. The author managed to recreate the atmosphere that was characteristic of those times. He portrayed the characters of the main characters amazingly and ordinary people who lived during that difficult time.

The work is a kind of narrative, which is told on behalf of the main character - P. Grinev. He became a witness and participant in all the events described by the author. But the work would be incomplete if there were no place in it for a hero who is the complete opposite of Grinev. We are, of course, talking about Shvabrin. With its help, the author managed to make the plot of the story more vivid and exciting. This is probably why the image of Shvabrin and Grinev are considered only together. But in this review we should take a closer look at the main anti-hero of the story.

What is hidden in the image of Shvabrin?

The image of Shvabrin demonstrated how petty, selfish and cowardly people can be in their desires. Shvabrina has only one thing in common with Grinev in the story “The Captain's Daughter” - strong feelings for M. Mironova. Underneath the image of the anti-hero is an aristocrat who once served in the guard. He got into it due to his not very easy character. Namely, after the moment when the lieutenant was killed by him in the next duel.

The author of the story indicated that there was a moment when Shvabrin was already wooing Masha. But the answer, naturally, was negative. That is why one could often hear insults against her from him. These unpleasant expressions became the reason for the duel between him and Grinev. But the image of Shvabrin in the story “The Captain's Daughter” is not endowed with such a quality as honesty. At that moment, when Grinev turned away at the servant’s shout, Shvabrin managed to seriously wound him.

Among the shortcomings that the antihero of the story was endowed with, the absence of such concepts as honor and official duty stands out especially well. At that moment, when the fortress fell under the onslaught of Pugachev, Shvabrin, without thinking twice, went over to his side, receiving the position of one of the commanders. The reason for switching to the rebellious side was hatred of Grinev and the desire for Masha to become his wife.

The author’s attitude to the image that was revealed in the person of Shvabrin

Alexey Ivanovich Shvabrin, devoid of any moral principles, is shown in the story as a guards officer corrupted by intrigues and conspiracies, court morals. He despised domestic reality quite strongly and even spoke exclusively in French. But Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin did not deprive the image of Shvabrin in the story “The Captain's Daughter” of positive qualities. The author endowed him with a sharp mind, resourcefulness and good education.

From the author's side to this hero a negative attitude appears. If you look at his assessment, you can say with great accuracy that it is quite negative. This can be seen at least in the fact that in the story he is mentioned only by his last name. Also, in some places in the work only the initials of this antihero are indicated.

What did Shvabrin’s meanness ultimately lead to?

And what happens in the end? Pugachev, to whom Grinev told that Shvabrin was holding Masha by force, became angry. The image of Shvabrin in the story “The Captain's Daughter” became an excellent demonstration of what can happen to a person if he forgets about honor, courage and bravery. But it’s impossible to say that this teaches something. When Shvabrin joined the government forces, he singled out Peter among the traitors. He did this primarily in order to remove suspicion from himself. Naturally, Grinev was able to get out of difficult situation without losing his honor and officer's courage.

The fate of Shvabrin remained a mystery, since A.S. Pushkin did not write anything definite about this. But most likely, he was simply executed. And such punishment cannot be called unfair.

What was A. S. Pushkin trying to show readers with the help of the image of Shvabrin?

Probably, the author was trying to show that people should not be condemned for their actions, using for these purposes the image of Shvabrin in the story “The Captain's Daughter.” It is better to feel sorry for them and sympathize with them. Shvabrina can be classified as one of those people who cannot get rid of their fears. He sees nothing except what is directly related to him. It was not even his aristocratic origin that made him this way, but the absence of any spiritual qualities.

Unfortunately, there are quite a lot of people like Shvabrin around. They harm other people who in some way resemble characters like Grinev and Masha. But, as in the story by A.S. Pushkin, all their atrocities always act against their masters. This is precisely the problem with such people. Thus, fear can only give rise to hypocrisy and lies, which, in turn, lead to failure.

What is hidden in the image of Shvabrin?

But the image of Shvabrin was created for a reason. With its help, the author showed that meanness can only lead to failure and failure. Almost every action we take leads to a certain result. So it is necessary to draw the following conclusion: once you forget about your honor, you can doom yourself to further failures.