The two most striking personalities in A. S. Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit" are completely opposite Heroes - Chatsky and Famusov. The clash between Chatsky, a fighter for justice, and Famusov, a defender of the old order, was inevitable.
Alexander Andreevich Chatsky is a supporter of freedom and justice. Famusov, in contrast, is a zealous defender of old ways of life.
He views service as a source of personal gain and income. Chatsky wants to serve the cause, not individuals. Therefore, he breaks all ties and leaves the service. “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served,” he says. He defends the right to serve science, education and not to servile in front of his superiors. The main goal of the service is the defense of the Motherland, and supporters of the Famus society set the main goal of obtaining a high rank, and by any means. For Famusov, enlightenment is a danger that threatens the collapse of the usual foundations of life. He exclaims with hatred:
Learning is the plague, learning is the reason,
Who is better now than ever?
There have been crazy people, deeds, and opinions...
For supporters of Famusov’s views, connections and the opinion of the world are important: “What will Princess Marya Alekseevna say!” In a person, he first considers his rank, status and position in society, and not his inner dignity. And Chatsky values a person’s intelligence, education, and moral and spiritual qualities. Chatsky's ideal is an independent, free person who alienates servility. The ideal person for Famusov can be called Uncle Maxim Petrovich: he, without intelligence and insight, was able to achieve the favor of Empress Catherine II. Famusov advises taking an example from him. It turns out without applying special effort Simply by amusing the empress, Maxim Petrovich receives honor and a high rank. The main goal has been achieved, but Famusov’s supporters do not care about the ways to achieve it. The result is important to him, he strives to achieve it as quickly as possible. In addition, Famusov considers honoring rank to be wisdom, because this is how everyone lived in his time. And those who refused to be served were considered potentially dangerous people. He also calls Chatsky that way.
But even having received a high rank, Famusov will treat his service irresponsibly. You can give an example of Famusov’s schedule:
On a sheet of paper, scribble on what is written down,
Against next week...
It would seem that Famusov is important and busy man, but, on the other hand, he does not have a single serious matter. All day long he wastes time on empty conversations, receptions, meetings and brags about it. Most likely, he will also take service and government affairs lightly.
Disagreements between Chatsky and Famusov are manifested in relation to the way of life and advanced people. If Famusov is a defender of the old century, the times of serfdom, then Chatsky is a liberal-minded person. He believes that it is necessary to eradicate all remnants of the past. In his monologue “Who are the judges?” he criticizes the progressive people who were at the top of noble society:
Aren't these the ones who are rich in robbery?
They found protection from the court in friends, in relatives...
A. S. Griboyedov, in the image of Alexander Chatsky, exposes officials of dishonesty, bribery and arrogance. Famusov's views on this matter are quite conservative. He doesn’t want any changes, and considers Chatsky a rebel. The ideal groom for Famusov is Colonel Sergei Sergeevich Skalozub. He is the embodiment of all the hopes and desires of Pavel Afanasyevich; a promising personality, has achieved a respectful position in society:
Famous person, respectable,
And he picked up signs of darkness;
Beyond his years and enviable rank,
Not today, tomorrow General.
However, Sophia does not want to marry Skalozub. He seems stupid and tongue-tied to her. She also doesn’t need Chatsky, prying out the secret of her love. Probably any girl would not like this, and she would try to get rid of the curious one. This happened to Chatsky. As a result, Sofia made him look crazy and forced him to leave the city.
In the comedy "Woe from Wit" Famusov society sharply contrasted with representatives of the “present century”. The essence of these conflicts lies in in different ways to the way of life, service and leading people of his time.
In the comedy "Woe from Wit" there are two storylines. The first is related to the development of relationships in love triangle Chatsky-Sofya-Molchalin. The second, deeper one – socio-political – lies in the clash of morals and orders of the “present century” and the “past century”.
Thus, the personification of the “present century” in the comedy is almost single-handedly represented by Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, who returned to Moscow. But Chatsky’s loneliness in Famus society is only apparent. Besides him, there are a number of off-stage heroes: Princess Tugoukhovskaya’s nephew Fyodor, who studies chemistry and biology, Skalozub’s cousin, who left the service and went to the village to read books, as well as Chatsky’s friends, whom he mentions in passing. But the play really abounds with representatives of the “past century”. Literary scholars, as a rule, unite them under common name"Famus society". These are characters with “talking” names and surnames - first of all, Famusov himself, as well as Sofia, Molchalin, Skalozub, Khlestova, Zagoretsky, Repetilov, the Tugoukhovsky family, the Gorichis, the Khryumins. They are dependent on the opinions of others and suffer from gallomania - admiration for everything French and foreign in general. Representatives of the views of the “past century” do not see any benefit in enlightenment, but they chase ranks and know how to achieve them.
Like a tornado, Chatsky bursts into the monotonous life of Famusov’s house. The hero immediately notices that while he received new knowledge and impressions during his journey, life in sleepy Moscow continued as before:
What new will Moscow show me?
Yesterday there was a ball, and tomorrow there will be two.
He made a match - he managed, but he missed,
All the same sense, and the same poems in the albums.
Chatsky’s monologues in the comedy “Woe from Wit” are characterized by a large degree of journalisticism: they express the opinion of a certain group of progressively thinking people, and also contain many rhetorical questions and exclamations, and often contain archaisms. “He speaks as he writes,” notes Famusov. Chatsky resolutely opposes everything that should already become obsolete, forgotten, sink into oblivion - against those vices of Famus society that prevent the new generation from starting their life, a life without serfdom, illiteracy, hypocrisy, and sycophancy.
Famusov, as the main antipode of the protagonist in the comedy, does not want to understand and accept progressive views on life. Therefore, the principle “I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening” sounds wild to Famus society. The truth “the houses are new, but the prejudices are old” is perceived as vile lie, “persecution of Moscow.” At the end of the work we see that neither Famusov nor his entourage understood moral lessons Chatsky.
Unfortunately for him, Chatsky realizes too late that this “crowd of tormentors” cannot be convinced. According to Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, main character is not at all that smart, since he does not recognize unworthy people in his interlocutors, but continues to throw pearls “in front of Repetilov and the like.” However, during the four acts of the comedy, he still manages to instill in the reader with his bold phrases a complete disgust for the vices of the “past century.” Chatsky’s conflict with Famus society nevertheless brought its educational fruits.
Interesting? Save it on your wall!Griboedov's comedy “Woe from Wit” is an invaluable masterpiece in Russian literature. This work describes the noble society of the 19th century. The main character of this comedy is Alexander Andreevich Chatsky - an intelligent, free-thinking young man. The author in the work contrasts Famus’s society with him, thereby showing us the contradictions between the “Century of the Present” and the “Century of the Past.”
The most prominent representative of the Famusov society is Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov. This is a person who does not like service and works only for rewards. Famus society included people who lived according to established customs. The main task in their life was to achieve a high rank and high position in society, “to win awards and have fun.” These people are ardent serf owners, capable of killing and robbing people and controlling their fate. Chatsky furiously unleashes his anger on these people. He does not accept their beliefs and does not believe in the laws of old Moscow. Chatsky responds to Famusov’s story about his late uncle Maxim Petrovich with a remark characterizing Catherine’s age as “the age of obedience and fear.” Chatsky advocates the abolition of serfdom. He is very outraged that peasants are not considered people, that they can be exchanged for some things or sold. He indignantly talks about how one landowner sold the serf ballet for debts, and another exchanged his best servants for greyhounds. I am also greatly outraged by the nobles’ imitation of the West. Chatsky noticed that the doors of noble houses are always open to foreign guests. Thus, a Frenchman from Bordeaux, who was going to the country of barbarians, received the warmest welcome in Russia and did not find here “neither the sound of a Russian nor a Russian face.” But Chatsky could not change the people around him, because he was opposed not by individuals, but by the entire noble life.
In his work, Griboyedov managed to create the image of a hero who fights for people's rights. Although the author describes only Moscow and Famusov’s house, the readers get a picture of the whole of Russia first half of the 19th century century. And I am very sorry that at that time there were few people like Chatsky.
There are many in the world different people: some, like Chatsky, are educated and interesting, others, like the Famus society, are mean, envious, thinking only about wealth and nobility. Such people were compared in his comedy “Woe from Wit” by A.S. Griboyedov. The whole conflict takes place in the house of the nobleman Famusov.
Famusov is one of the main characters of the work. He is a rich uneducated man. Famusov does not care at all about the future of his country, his people. He hates books: “I would like to take all the books and burn them.” Famusov has created a society around himself in which people spread gossip against each other, doing it behind their backs. Famusov says about Chatsky: “ Dangerous man", "He wants to preach freedom." Sofia about Chatsky: “I’m ready to pour bile on everyone.” Chatsky about Molchalin: “Why not a husband? There’s just not enough intelligence in him.” Platon Mikhailovich about Zagoretsky: “An out-and-out swindler, a rogue.” Khlestova considers Zagoretsky “a liar, a gambler and a thief.” Famus society scolds everything new and advanced, but no one looks at themselves from the outside, “not noticing about themselves.” All these people live in the world only for intrigues that look like madness. Chatsky, the main character of the comedy, opposes their views. He is a preacher of a new life, a defender of advanced ideas. Alexander Andreevich is an intelligent, sincere, noble person. He is also very courageous and determined. This is confirmed by Chatsky’s monologue “Who are the judges?..”. Remember how he criticized high society with its old views on life, talked about the injustice that reigns between rich and poor, how he wanted to serve the Fatherland, but “it’s sickening to be served”? Witty, eloquent, Chatsky angrily ridicules the vile vices of Famus society: servility to superiors, servility and servility. His mind, rich and figurative language find abundant material for this:
Judgments are drawn from forgotten newspapers
The times of the Ochakovskys and the conquest of Crimea...
Chatsky despises braggarts who receive their “liras” not by serving the Motherland, but by flattering some individual person. Griboyedov wanted to show how
It is difficult for a person whose thoughts and behavior differ from the opinions of the majority.
It is likely that Famus society will exist all the time, because there will always be people who will be commanded by the upper classes. The comedy “Woe from Wit” made a huge contribution to the development of Russian literature and became an immortal treasure of people. We can say that Russian drama was born with this work.
Very often in life we come across people who can be compared to Famus society. They are vile, stupid and untalented. What is the mind for them? And what does it really mean? These questions are resolved in the great work of Russian literature by A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”.
This grief was for the main character of the comedy, Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, an intelligent, noble, honest and brave man. He hates and despises Famus society, in which main theme in life there is ceremonial worship. He can be compared to a lone hero who fights an entire regiment. But his superiority was that he was unusually intelligent. Chatsky wanted to honestly serve his Motherland, but he did not want to serve higher ranks: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.” These words of his indicate that before us is a proud, witty and eloquent man. In this work A.S. Griboedov shows the conflict between two opposing sides - Chatsky and Famusov society. Alexander Andreevich is a victim of his wit.
The people with whom he was surrounded did not understand him and did not even strive to do so. They are accustomed to living in eternal “slavery”; the concept of freedom is alien to them. It seems to me that Chatsky is not the only one goodie in this comedy, there are characters that Griboyedov only mentions in his work. This is Skalozub’s cousin, who left the service and went to the village, the nephew of Princess Tugoukhovskaya, Prince Fyodor, a chemist and botanist. They can be considered Chatsky's allies. It is simply unbearable for the main character to be in the company of people like Famusov, Skalozub, Molchalin. They considered themselves very smart, having earned their position by sycophancy. So Famusov confirms this in his own words: “Whether he’s honest or not, it’s all right for us, dinner is ready for everyone.” And also, talking about his late uncle, who knew when to help himself, he was proud that it was his relative who was so “smart.” People from Famus society did not notice how stupid their morals were. These people lived a fictitious life, without reflecting on the main thing - its meaning. Chatsky loved Sofia very much and admitted this to her at their first meeting after a long separation, and she answered him: “Why do I need you?” The main character begins to think that she has become the same as her father and those around him. Chatsky leaves Moscow, realizing that he has no place there. But Famus society cannot be considered a winner, since Chatsky did not lose this battle, he did not become like these people, he did not sink to their level. It seems to me that this man was born a little earlier than the time in which it would have been easier for him to live. I believe that the comedy of A.S. Griboyedov’s “Woe from Wit” is a great work of Russian literature that is immortal.
I read the magnificent comedy by A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”. It was created by the author over eight years. “Woe from Wit” is a comedy about how a crowd of fools do not understand one sane person. The events of the comedy develop in one Moscow aristocratic house over the course of one day. The main characters of this work are Chatsky, Famusov, his daughter Sofia and Famusov's secretary Molchalin.
In the comedy there is a Famus society that opposes Chatsky. It lives with the opposite worldview, honoring and defending veneration and hypocrisy. Chatsky himself appears in Famus’s world like a cleansing thunderstorm. He is in every way the opposite of typical representatives of Famus society. If Molchalin, Famusov, Skalozub see the meaning of life in their well-being, then Chatsky dreams of selflessly serving his homeland, of bringing benefit to the people, whom he respects and considers “smart and cheerful.” So, in a conversation with Famusov, Skalozub utters the following phrase:
..Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels.
These people are deeply indifferent to the fate of their homeland and people. Their cultural and moral level can be judged by the following remarks from Famusov: “They should take all the books and burn them,” because “learning is the reason” that “there are crazy people, both in their deeds and in their opinions.” Chatsky has a different opinion - a man of extraordinary intelligence, brave, honest, sincere. He values people who are ready to “put their minds hungry for knowledge into science.” This is the only character that reflects many important personality traits of the author. Chatsky is a person to whom the author trusts his thoughts and views. Griboedov's hero has a lot of strength, he is eager to take action and is ready to prove his point. So, in a conversation with Famusov, Chatsky says:
Chatsky is a representative of that part of the noble youth who rebels against the society of the Famusovs, the rock-toothed, silent ones. There are still a few such people, they are not yet able to fight the existing system, but they are appearing. That is why Chatsky can rightfully be called a hero of his time. It was they who had to carry out the first stage of the revolutionary liberation movement, shake up the country, and bring closer the time when the people would free themselves from the chains of slavery.
If I were asked why I liked the comedy “Woe from Wit,” I would answer this way: “An interesting plot, bright characters, unique thoughts and statements had an emotional impact on me.” This work is one of those that, once you read it, you leave in your memory for a long time. The comedy “Woe from Wit” cannot be imagined without the author himself. Griboyedov and “Woe from Wit” - this is something without which neither one nor the other could exist alone.
The very name of the comedy “Woe from Wit” suggests that the main character was not understood by the people around him. This hero, to whom the author paid more attention, is Chatsky. He is an intelligent, smart, honest, kind, sincere, brave, selfless, cheerful, progressive person. He is not afraid to express his point of view. He soberly assesses the situation and position of Famus society, not being afraid to express his opinion. Boldly entering into a conversation, he expresses his thoughts to the faces of his interlocutors. For example, the quote “The houses are new, but the prejudices are old” speaks of this person’s modern view of life in Russia. Chatsky's subtle and insightful mind does not accept Famus society, which he criticizes. The main character is disgusted to humiliate himself in front of people who are higher in the service and, perhaps, undeservedly occupy military posts, for example, Colonel Skalozub.
Comparing Chatsky with the colonel, we can say that he is higher in mental development, thinking, courage, which Skalozub does not have. I think that Skalozub, who holds such a position in the state, is not worthy to manage and command the regiments that were under his command. He would not be able to cope with his duty to the Fatherland, because he does not have the same merits as Chatsky.
The person completely opposite to Chatsky is Molchalin. I have a special opinion about him. Even his last name speaks of meanness and flattery. He always takes advantage of the situation for himself. Molchalin is capable of betraying, deceiving, setting up, but at what cost?! Just to get new position! Chatsky exposes Molchalin’s character and expresses his opinion: “But by the way, he will reach the well-known levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.”
Speaking about the main representative of the Famusov society, Famusov himself, we can say that this man has a very high opinion of himself: “He is known for his monastic behavior.” In fact, he is an egoist; there is nothing interesting about him as a person. Even contrasting Chatsky with Famusov is impossible. Chatsky stands much higher and much more worthy than him.
Chatsky is the winner, despite the fact that he was mistaken for a madman. He was forced to leave Moscow: “Get out of Moscow! I don’t go here anymore.” As a result, he was never able to achieve Famusov’s recognition and Sofia’s reciprocal love.
Chatsky is an exponent of new ideas, and therefore society could not correctly understand him and accept him for who he is. His image in literature will live until the mind of mankind understands what ideas need to be fought for and defended.
I read a wonderful comedy by A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”. This comedy makes fun of a stupid, stupid and vile society. It was written in 1824. In the comedy, the author depicts a true picture of the life of the Moscow nobility, which was in need of renewal. I would like to begin my essay with a quote characterizing the lifestyle of these nobles:
In the love of traitors, in the tireless enmity,
Indomitable storytellers,
Clumsy smart people, crafty simpletons,
Sinister old women, old men,
Decrepit over inventions, nonsense...
Griboedov describes the Moscow nobility, consisting of the Famusovs, Zagoretskys, and Skalozubs. They don't belong to high society. These are people who have never served at court. These are various talkers and swindlers like Zagoretsky, who are ready to humiliate themselves before the rich in order to get into their favor. This is Famus society. Wealth and nobility are the main requirement in it. The representative of this society is Famusov, who already has an adult daughter. Famusov’s ideal is his uncle:
He fell painfully, but got up healthy.
And he says this about his attitude to the matter:
...Signed, off your shoulders.
Molchalin does not dare to object to his boss. He is quiet, timid, deceitful. Molchalin does not love Sofia, who does not know this. He cares because she likes it. Molchalin has no opinion. He pleases those on whom he depends.
Skalozub is Famusov’s friend:
And a golden bag, and aims to become a general.
He seeks awards, waits for the moment when someone retires or is killed in the war.
In the third act we get to know Famusov's other friends. This is Zagoretsky - a liar and a saint, Khlestova - an ignorant and grumpy old woman, the all-knowing Repetilov, Prince Tugoukhovsky, who is looking for rich and famous men. The circle of concern of these people is lunches, dinners, searches for connections that will help them advance in their careers. For them, promotion can be obtained without any special merit:
..Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels...
For the sake of rewards, they are ready to humiliate themselves and be buffoons. Relationships in the Famusov world are based on fear and submission to superiors. It doesn't matter to them whether someone is smart or stupid:
Honor between father and son.
The subject of conversation is gossip. Main task For parents, it’s like it’s more convenient to marry off their children. And in this insignificant society the noble, honest, educated, brave and witty Chatsky appears. Chatsky is the only positive hero in this comedy. He once lived in Famusov’s house and was friends with Sofia. Gradually his friendship grew into love, but then he left to wander. Now, three years later, he returns, full of hope. But Sofia no longer loves Chatsky and gives him a cold shoulder. She became completely different. She is cold and arrogant. Chatsky, trying to find out who Sofia’s chosen one is, comes into conflict with the entire Famus society. This society is afraid of Chatsky because he brings with him new views on life, new orders. But the Moscow nobility does not want to change anything and declares Chatsky crazy. Famusov is also afraid of Chatsky, because the main character is smart and sharp. He is distinguished by his independence of judgment and boldness of statements. He accuses Famus society of lies, slander, helpfulness, pretense, hypocrisy, stupidity, ignorance, for which society rejects him. At the end, Chatsky leaves. But who is he - the defeated or the winner? Chatsky is a winner because he is not alone! Somewhere there are others like him, and there are more of them every day.
I really liked Griboyedov’s comedy, because the author, speaking in the role of Chatsky, is not afraid to accuse the Moscow nobility of lies and slander. I would like there to be no “woe from mind” in our society.
Who is Chatsky and what kind of Famus society is this? The author compares and contrasts two categories of people who, even in our time, meet and conflict with each other.
Griboedov's comedy, like the globe, has two poles. On one of them is Chatsky - an intelligent, brave, determined man. The author values intelligence in people and wants to show his main character as a person of the highest moral principles. Arriving in Moscow after a long absence, Alexander Andreevich is disappointed. He hopes to meet Sofia, whom he has loved since childhood. But when he comes to her house, he realizes that he is not welcome here. It is in this house that Chatsky encounters Famusov’s society: Famusov himself, Skalozub, Molchalin and other equally stupid, mediocre and insignificant people. Their main goal was to “earn” a high rank and have a place in high society. I'm not saying that Chatsky did not belong to high society, but he did not stoop to the level of Famusov and others like him. Alexander Andreevich remained a man of honor, he did not lose his dignity. Chatsky is trying to understand why he is worse than Molchalin, because he is a deceitful and vile person. Why did Sofia choose Molchalin over him? What did this vile man do to deserve her attention? The main character is afraid to even think that Sofia has become the same as her father. The entire Famus society is trying to destroy a person who is smarter than them. They spread gossip about Chatsky's madness. By this act, the entire Famus society showed its stupidity. Not a single person has refuted this claim. Chatsky understands very well that there is no place for him in Moscow, and he leaves. But this does not indicate that Famus’s society managed to break his pride and honor. On the contrary, Chatsky still remained superior to Famusov and his entourage.
It seems to me that Chatsky is the most a shining example for readers, that is, you and me. By reading the comedy, we absorb into ourselves what the author wanted to teach, namely: honor, intelligence and human dignity.
In the comedy “Woe from Wit” all the characters are divided into positive ones - Chatsky - and negative ones - Famusov and Famusov’s society. Griboyedov called Chatsky advanced person, that is, a person whose image will live forever, and Famus society will be the face of all the nobles of that century (“the century of the past”). In the comedy, Famus society opposes Chatsky. After all, in this society, education and science cause special hatred. Griboyedov not only ridicules this society, but mercilessly condemns it. Famusov as chief representative of this society is an undeveloped person. Consequently, ignorance reigns in his house. Chatsky is the absolute opposite of Famusov. He is a thinking and feeling person. His actions speak about this. Chatsky, it seems to me, is very trusting of people. When he returns to Moscow, he, without going home, runs to his beloved. But he was late. Sofia, Famusov’s daughter, has changed, she doesn’t have that old love - that’s how Famusov’s upbringing worked. By this, Griboyedov shows Famusov’s selfishness. But as soon as Chatsky arrives, Famusov cordially welcomes him as a person of his own circle. He says:
Well, you threw it away!
I haven’t written two words for three years!
And it suddenly burst out as if from the clouds.
Famusov seems to want to show his friendship, which remains. However, this is not true. Chatsky immediately runs to Sofia, but she is no longer the same. Despite this, Chatsky still loves her and immediately talks about her beauty. But in the end he finds out everything about her. For Griboedov, knowledge is above all, and ignorance is below everything. And it is not for nothing that Griboedov shows the role of Chatsky and compares his intelligence with the ignorance of Famus society. There is a lot of negative things in Famusov, and his ignorance is confirmed by the words in a conversation with Lisa about reading Sophia:
Tell me that it’s not good to spoil her eyes,
And reading is not of much use...
The Famus society calls Chatsky bad and says that he has gone crazy. But what struck Chatsky? This is what it was Sofia who started the gossip about Chatsky’s madness, and the whole society picked up:
And you'll really go crazy from these, from some
From boarding houses, schools, lyceums...
And Chatsky needs to leave Famusov’s house. He is defeated, since Famus society turned out to be stronger than Chatsky. But in turn, he gave a good rebuff to the “past century.”
The significance of the comedy “Woe from Wit” lies in the fact that the comedy vividly reflected the time when the struggle of the Decembrists against the oppressive landowners was intensifying.
“Woe from Wit” is a realistic comedy. Griboedov gave in it a true picture of Russian life. The comedy contains topical social problems those times: about enlightenment, contempt for everything popular, worship of foreign things, education, service, ignorance of society.
The main character of the comedy is Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. Witty, eloquent, he angrily ridicules the vices of the society that surrounds him. He differs sharply from those around him in his intelligence, abilities, and independence of judgment. The image of Chatsky is something new, bringing change. This hero is an exponent of the progressive ideas of his time. Famus society is traditional. His life positions are such that “you must learn by looking at your elders,” destroy free-thinking thoughts, serve with obedience to those who are one step higher, and be sure to be rich. Famusov's only passion is the passion for rank and money.
The beliefs of Chatsky and Famus society are different. Chatsky condemns serfdom, imitation of foreign goods, and people’s lack of desire for education and their own opinion. The dialogues between Chatsky and Famusov are a struggle. At the beginning of the comedy it is not so acute. Famusov is even ready to give up Sofia’s hand, but sets conditions:
I would say, firstly: don’t be a whim,
Brother, don’t mismanage your property,
And, most importantly, go ahead and serve.
To which Chatsky replies:
I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
But gradually the struggle turns into a battle. Chatsky argues with Famusov about the way and path of life. But the main character is alone in the fight against the views of Moscow society, in which he has no place.
Molchalin and Skalozub are not the last representatives of Famus society. They are rivals and opponents of Chatsky. Molchalin is helpful and silent. He wants to please with his humility, accuracy, and flattery. Skalozub shows himself to be someone very important, businesslike, significant. But under his uniform he hides “weakness, poverty of mind.” His thoughts are connected only with obtaining a higher rank, money, power:
Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels;
I judge them as a true philosopher:
I just wish I could become a general.
Chatsky does not tolerate lies and falsehood. This man's tongue is as sharp as a knife. Each of his characteristics is sharp and caustic:
Molchalin was so stupid before!..
Most pathetic creature!
Has he really grown wiser?.. And he -
Khripun, strangled, bassoon,
A constellation of maneuvers and mazurkas!
Chatsky’s monologue “Who are the judges?..” mercilessly condemns Famus society. Each new face that appears during the development of the plot takes Famusov’s side. Gossip grows like a snowball. And Chatsky can’t stand it. He can no longer remain in the company of low, mean, arrogant and stupid people. They condemned him for his intelligence, for freedom of speech and thought, for honesty.
Before leaving, Chatsky throws out to the entire Famus society:
You are right: he will come out of the fire unharmed,
Who will have time to spend a day with you,
Will breathe air alone,
And his sanity will survive.
Chatsky is taller than them; the best and rarest qualities are manifested in him. Those who cannot see and appreciate this are, at the very least, simply fools. Chatsky is immortal, and now this hero is relevant.
The comedy “Woe from Wit” made a huge contribution to the development of Russian literature. Griboedov's play was, is and will be modern work until veneration for rank, thirst for profit, and gossip disappear from our lives.
The comedy was written on the eve of the Decembrist uprising in 1825. In the comedy “Woe from Wit” Griboyedov gave a true picture of Russian life after Patriotic War 1812. In a small work, Griboyedov depicted only one day in Famusov’s house.
In comedy we meet people who are of equal origin. These are nobles, but everyone has their own views on life. Their opinions contradict each other. A certain conflict arises between them, which is hidden from prying eyes. But in the comedy “Woe from Wit” this conflict is clearly visible and not hidden - the clash of the “Current Century”, of which Chatsky was a representative, with the “past century”, which is represented by Famusov and his entourage.
One of the most prominent figures in comedy is Famusov. Famusov is an influential person occupying significant place. In addition, he is a rich landowner. An important government position and a large estate create a strong position for Famusov among the Moscow nobility. He does not bother himself with work and spends his time in idleness:
...Magnificent chambers built,
Where they indulge in feasts and extravagance...
He looks at public service as a path to achieving wealth and rank. He uses his official position for personal purposes. Famusov looks at enlightenment and new progressive views as a source of “depravity.” Learning considers evil:
Learning is the plague, learning is the reason,
What is worse now than then,
There were crazy people, deeds, and opinions.
However, he gives his daughter good upbringing.
Hospitality for Famusov is a means of maintaining connections with useful people.
Famusov is one of the most prominent representatives of the Moscow nobility. Other people are also represented: Colonel Skalozub, princes Tugoukhovsky, countesses Khryumin.
Griboedov satirically draws Famus’s society. The characters are funny and disgusting, but not because the author made them that way, but because they are that way in reality.
Skalozub is a man of age and money. Service for him is not the defense of the fatherland, but the achievement of nobility and money.
Famusov's world consists not only of serf owners, but also of their servants. Molchalin is an official dependent on Famus society. Molchalin was taught to please influential people. For his diligence he received three awards. Molchalin is scary because he can take on any form: both a patriot and a lover. Despite individual differences, all members of Famus society are one social group.
Chatsky appears in this society, a man of advanced ideas, fiery feelings and high morality. He belongs to a noble society, but in terms of his way of thinking he does not find like-minded people. In this society, Chatsky feels lonely. His views provoke resistance from others. Chatsky’s most acute denunciations are directed against serfdom. It is serfdom that makes it possible for the people of Famus society to live by robbery.
Public service Chatsky left because they demanded sycophancy from him:
I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
He stands for true enlightenment, art, science. Chatsky is against the education that is given to children in noble families. He fought for freedom of thought, freedom of action. It seems to me that this is the main difference between Chatsky and Famus society, which did not recognize such morals.
I think that such a great work will delight and surprise more than one generation.
Chatsky and Famusov’s society in A. S. Griboedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit”
A. S. Griboyedov wrote his comedy at a time when in Russian society the confrontation between adherents of the old principles of life and representatives of the progressive nobility, advocating the immediate restructuring of society, was most pronounced. This confrontation is reflected in the comedy through the example of the clash between the “present century” and the “past century,” embodied in the person of Famusov and his guests. The comedy, due to its relevance, immediately won great success among its contemporaries; it is no less relevant now, since the vices ridiculed by Griboyedov find their place in our time, and they are unlikely to disappear in the future.
The work begins as an ordinary love comedy, and it is difficult to imagine that along with the love conflict there will also be a place for social conflict.
The beginning of the social conflict, expressed in the confrontation between the “present century” and the “past century,” was laid by Famusov’s monologue (“That’s it, you are all proud!”). This monologue is Famusov’s answer to Chatsky’s phrase: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.” The old master talks about his uncle Maxim Petrovich, a nobleman in the case, who, in order to move up the career ladder, was ready to play the role of a jester. This example causes Chatsky to be indignant. He wants to serve “the cause, not the individuals.” From this moment the confrontation between two eras of Russian life begins to develop.
The representative of the “present century” in comedy is Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. He comes to Famusov’s house to ask for the hand of his daughter Sophia. Having received a refusal and the advice “go ahead and serve,” Chatsky begins to denounce the foundations and orders of Moscow society. He despises veneration for rank, admiration for rank, wealth, and everything foreign. He considers the Russian people “smart and cheerful” and openly expresses his rejection of serfdom, denouncing the cruelty of the serf owners in the monologue “Who are the judges?..”
The main representative of the “past century” is Famusov. He is a typical “head of a government place” for that time. He is not at all interested in the business he is involved in. He has his own approach to things: “It’s signed, off your shoulders.” This phrase emphasizes the official’s negligent attitude towards his duties. He values only rank and wealth in people, which is why he is looking for a rich groom for his daughter. He has Skalozub in mind: “And a golden bag, and aims to become a general.” And Famusov is not at all bothered by the fact that he is hopelessly stupid and “has never uttered a smart word.” Famusov does not recognize books and the need for education, since he considers them sources of freethinking.
Chatsky and Famusov have different views on serfdom. Famusov, his ardent defender, believes that everything should remain the same. He treats his servants with contempt and rudeness, calling them Parsley, Filka, Fomka. Chatsky, on the contrary, in his angry monologue “Who are the judges?..” denounces serfdom and cites horrific facts about the treatment of serf owners with their servants. This is “Nestor of the noble scoundrels,” and the landowner-balletomane, and the theater lover, who “he himself is fat, his artists are skinny.”
The culmination of the social conflict occurs at a dance evening in Famusov’s house, where all the brightest representatives of the “past century” gather. They came to have fun, make useful contacts, and find a profitable match for their daughters. And then Chatsky interfered with them with his accusatory speeches. Conservative society cannot accept the ideas of a progressive nobleman and uses a weapon against him - gossip, declaring him crazy.
Chatsky is the only one stage character“of the “present” century, but he is not alone, his like-minded people are off-stage characters - cousin Skalozub, nephew of Princess Tugoukhovskaya, professors at the Pedagogical Institute, “practicing in schisms and lack of faith.”
The resolution of the social conflict is outside the scope of the play. Contrary to the author’s sympathies, Famus society won, but Chatsky was not broken, he won a moral victory over the world of the patriarchal nobility, frozen in its development. The peaceful, calm life of Famus society is over. This may serve as the first sign that the “past century” is being replaced by the “present century.”
Griboedov's comedy “Woe from Wit” is an invaluable masterpiece in Russian literature. This work describes the noble society of the 19th century. The main character of this comedy is Alexander Andreevich Chatsky - an intelligent, free-thinking young man. The author in the work contrasts him with Famus society,
The most prominent representative of the Famusov society is Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov. This is a person who does not like service and works only for rewards. Famus society included people who lived according to established customs. The main task in their life was to gain a high rank and high position in society in order to “win awards and live a fun life.” These people are ardent serf owners, capable of killing and robbing people and controlling their fate. Chatsky furiously unleashes his anger on these people. He does not accept their beliefs and does not believe in the laws of old Moscow. Chatsky responds to Famusov’s story about his late uncle Maxim Petrovich with a remark characterizing Catherine’s age as “the age of obedience and fear.” Chatsky advocates the abolition of serfdom. He is very outraged that peasants are not considered people, that they can be exchanged for some things or sold. He indignantly talks about how one landowner sold the serf ballet for debts, and another exchanged his best servants for greyhounds. I am also greatly outraged by the nobles’ imitation of the West. Chatsky noticed that the doors of noble houses are always open to foreign guests. Thus, a Frenchman from Bordeaux, who was going to the country of barbarians, received the warmest welcome in Russia and did not find here “neither the sound of a Russian nor a Russian face.” But Chatsky could not change the people around him, because he was opposed not by individuals, but by the entire noble life.
In his work, Griboyedov managed to create the image of a hero who fights for people's rights. Although the author describes only Moscow and Famusov’s house, the readers are presented with a picture of all of Russia in the first half of the 19th century. And I am very sorry that at that time there were few people like Chatsky.
There are many different people in the world: some, like Chatsky, are educated and interesting, others, like the Famus society, are mean, envious, thinking only about wealth and nobility. Such people were compared in his comedy “Woe from Wit” by A.S. Griboyedov. The whole conflict takes place in the house of the nobleman Famusov.
Famusov is one of the main characters of the work. He is a rich uneducated man. Famusov does not care at all about the future of his country, his people. He hates books: “I would like to take all the books and burn them.” Famusov has created a society around himself in which people spread gossip against each other, doing it behind their backs. Famusov says about Chatsky: “A dangerous man,” “He wants to preach freedom.” Sofia about Chatsky: “I’m ready to pour bile on everyone.” Chatsky about Molchalin: “Why not a husband? There’s just not enough intelligence in him.” Platon Mikhailovich about Zagoretsky: “An out-and-out swindler, a rogue.” Khlestova considers Zagoretsky “a liar, a gambler and a thief.” Famus society scolds everything new and advanced, but no one looks at themselves from the outside, “not noticing about themselves.” All these people live in the world only for intrigues that look like madness. Chatsky, the main character of the comedy, opposes their views. He is a preacher of a new life, a defender of advanced ideas. Alexander Andreevich is an intelligent, sincere, noble person. He is also very courageous and determined. This is confirmed by Chatsky’s monologue “Who are the judges?..”. Remember how he criticized high society with its old views on life, talked about the injustice that reigns between rich and poor, how he wanted to serve the Fatherland, but “it’s sickening to be served”? Witty, eloquent, Chatsky angrily ridicules the vile vices of Famus society: servility to superiors, servility and servility. His mind, rich and figurative language find abundant material for this:
Judgments are drawn from forgotten newspapers
The times of the Ochakovskys and the conquest of Crimea...
Chatsky despises braggarts who receive their “liras” not by serving the Motherland, but by flattering some individual person. Griboyedov wanted to show how
It is difficult for a person whose thoughts and behavior differ from the opinions of the majority.
It is likely that Famus society will exist all the time, because there will always be people who will be commanded by the upper classes. The comedy “Woe from Wit” made a huge contribution to the development of Russian literature and became an immortal treasure of people. We can say that Russian drama was born with this work.
Very often in life we come across people who can be compared to Famus society. They are vile, stupid and untalented. What is the mind for them? And what does it really mean? These questions are resolved in the great work of Russian literature by A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”.
This grief was for the main character of the comedy, Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, an intelligent, noble, honest and brave man. He hates and despises Famus society, in which the main theme in life is servility. He can be compared to a lone hero who fights an entire regiment. But his superiority was that he was unusually intelligent. Chatsky wanted to honestly serve his Motherland, but he did not want to serve higher ranks: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.” These words of his indicate that before us is a proud, witty and eloquent man. In this work A.S. Griboedov shows the conflict between two opposing sides - Chatsky and Famusov society. Alexander Andreevich is a victim of his wit.
The people with whom he was surrounded did not understand him and did not even strive to do so. They are accustomed to living in eternal “slavery”; the concept of freedom is alien to them. It seems to me that Chatsky is not the only positive hero in this comedy; there are characters that Griboyedov only mentions in his work. This is Skalozub’s cousin, who left the service and went to the village, the nephew of Princess Tugoukhovskaya, Prince Fyodor, a chemist and botanist. They can be considered Chatsky's allies. It is simply unbearable for the main character to be in the company of people like Famusov, Skalozub, Molchalin. They considered themselves very smart, having earned their position by sycophancy. So Famusov confirms this in his own words: “Whether he’s honest or not, it’s all right for us, dinner is ready for everyone.” And also, talking about his late uncle, who knew when to help himself, he was proud that it was his relative who was so “smart.” People from Famus society did not notice how stupid their morals were. These people lived a fictitious life, without reflecting on the main thing - its meaning. Chatsky loved Sofia very much and admitted this to her at their first meeting after a long separation, and she answered him: “Why do I need you?” The main character begins to think that she has become the same as her father and those around him. Chatsky leaves Moscow, realizing that he has no place there. But Famus society cannot be considered a winner, since Chatsky did not lose this battle, he did not become like these people, he did not sink to their level. It seems to me that this man was born a little earlier than the time in which it would have been easier for him to live. I believe that the comedy of A.S. Griboyedov’s “Woe from Wit” is a great work of Russian literature that is immortal.
I read the magnificent comedy by A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”. It was created by the author over eight years. “Woe from Wit” is a comedy about how a crowd of fools do not understand one sane person. The events of the comedy develop in one Moscow aristocratic house over the course of one day. The main characters of this work are Chatsky, Famusov, his daughter Sofia and Famusov's secretary Molchalin.
In the comedy there is a Famus society that opposes Chatsky. It lives with the opposite worldview, honoring and defending veneration and hypocrisy. Chatsky himself appears in Famus’s world like a cleansing thunderstorm. He is in every way the opposite of typical representatives of Famus society. If Molchalin, Famusov, Skalozub see the meaning of life in their well-being, then Chatsky dreams of selflessly serving his homeland, of bringing benefit to the people, whom he respects and considers “smart and cheerful.” So, in a conversation with Famusov, Skalozub utters the following phrase:
Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels.
These people are deeply indifferent to the fate of their homeland and people. Their cultural and moral level can be judged by the following remarks from Famusov: “They should take all the books and burn them,” because “learning is the reason” that “there are crazy people, both in their deeds and in their opinions.” Chatsky has a different opinion - a man of extraordinary intelligence, brave, honest, sincere. He values people who are ready to “put their minds hungry for knowledge into science.” This is the only character that reflects many important personality traits of the author. Chatsky is a person to whom the author trusts his thoughts and views. Griboedov's hero has a lot of strength, he is eager to take action and is ready to prove his point. So, in a conversation with Famusov, Chatsky says:
Chatsky is a representative of that part of the noble youth who rebels against the society of the Famusovs, the rock-toothed, silent ones. There are still a few such people, they are not yet able to fight the existing system, but they are appearing. That is why Chatsky can rightfully be called a hero of his time. It was they who had to carry out the first stage of the revolutionary liberation movement, shake up the country, and bring closer the time when the people would free themselves from the chains of slavery.
If I were asked why I liked the comedy “Woe from Wit,” I would answer this way: “An interesting plot, bright characters, unique thoughts and statements had an emotional impact on me.” This work is one of those that, once you read it, you leave in your memory for a long time. The comedy “Woe from Wit” cannot be imagined without the author himself. Griboyedov and “Woe from Wit” - this is something without which neither one nor the other could exist alone.
The very name of the comedy “Woe from Wit” suggests that the main character was not understood by the people around him. This hero, to whom the author paid more attention, is Chatsky. He is an intelligent, smart, honest, kind, sincere, brave, selfless, cheerful, progressive person. He is not afraid to express his point of view. He soberly assesses the situation and position of Famus society, not being afraid to express his opinion. Boldly entering into a conversation, he expresses his thoughts to the faces of his interlocutors. For example, the quote “The houses are new, but the prejudices are old” speaks of this person’s modern view of life in Russia. Chatsky's subtle and insightful mind does not accept Famus society, which he criticizes. The main character is disgusted to humiliate himself in front of people who are higher in the service and, perhaps, undeservedly occupy military posts, for example, Colonel Skalozub.
Comparing Chatsky with the colonel, we can say that he is superior in mental development, thinking, and courage, which Skalozub does not have. I think that Skalozub, who holds such a position in the state, is not worthy to manage and command the regiments that were under his command. He would not be able to cope with his duty to the Fatherland, because he does not have the same merits as Chatsky.
The person completely opposite to Chatsky is Molchalin. I have a special opinion about him. Even his last name speaks of meanness and flattery. He always takes advantage of the situation for himself. Molchalin is capable of betraying, deceiving, setting up, but at what cost?! Just to get a new position! Chatsky exposes Molchalin’s character and expresses his opinion: “But by the way, he will reach the well-known levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.”
Speaking about the main representative of the Famusov society, Famusov himself, we can say that this man has a very high opinion of himself: “He is known for his monastic behavior.” In fact, he is an egoist; there is nothing interesting about him as a person. Even contrasting Chatsky with Famusov is impossible. Chatsky stands much higher and much more worthy than him.
Chatsky is the winner, despite the fact that he was mistaken for a madman. He was forced to leave Moscow: “Get out of Moscow! I don’t go here anymore.” As a result, he was never able to achieve Famusov’s recognition and Sofia’s reciprocal love.
Chatsky is an exponent of new ideas, and therefore society could not correctly understand him and accept him for who he is. His image in literature will live until the mind of mankind understands what ideas need to be fought for and defended.
I read a wonderful comedy by A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”. This comedy makes fun of a stupid, stupid and vile society. It was written in 1824. In the comedy, the author depicts a true picture of the life of the Moscow nobility, which was in need of renewal. I would like to begin my essay with a quote characterizing the lifestyle of these nobles:
In the love of traitors, in the tireless enmity,
Indomitable storytellers,
Clumsy smart people, crafty simpletons,
Sinister old women, old men,
Decrepit over inventions, nonsense...
Griboedov describes the Moscow nobility, consisting of the Famusovs, Zagoretskys, and Skalozubs. They do not belong to high society. These are people who have never served at court. These are various talkers and swindlers like Zagoretsky, who are ready to humiliate themselves before the rich in order to get into their favor. This is Famus society. Wealth and nobility are the main requirement in it. The representative of this society is Famusov, who already has an adult daughter. Famusov’s ideal is his uncle:
He fell painfully, but got up healthy.
And he says this about his attitude to the matter:
Signed, off your shoulders.
Molchalin does not dare to object to his boss. He is quiet, timid, deceitful. Molchalin does not love Sofia, who does not know this. He cares because she likes it. Molchalin has no opinion. He pleases those on whom he depends.
Skalozub is Famusov’s friend:
And a golden bag, and aims to become a general.
He seeks awards, waits for the moment when someone retires or is killed in the war.
In the third act we get to know Famusov's other friends. This is Zagoretsky - a liar and a pleaser, Khlestova - an ignorant and grumpy old woman, the all-knowing Repetilov, Prince Tugoukhovsky, who is looking for rich and famous husbands for his daughters. The circle of concern of these people is lunches, dinners, searches for connections that will help them advance in their careers. For them, promotion can be obtained without any special merit:
Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels...
For the sake of rewards, they are ready to humiliate themselves and be buffoons. Relationships in the Famusov world are based on fear and submission to superiors. It doesn't matter to them whether someone is smart or stupid:
Honor between father and son.
The subject of conversation is gossip. The main task for parents is to successfully marry off their children. And in this insignificant society the noble, honest, educated, brave and witty Chatsky appears. Chatsky is the only positive hero in this comedy. He once lived in Famusov’s house and was friends with Sofia. Gradually his friendship grew into love, but then he left to wander. Now, three years later, he returns, full of hope. But Sofia no longer loves Chatsky and gives him a cold shoulder. She became completely different. She is cold and arrogant. Chatsky, trying to find out who Sofia’s chosen one is, comes into conflict with the entire Famus society. This society is afraid of Chatsky because he brings with him new views on life, new orders. But the Moscow nobility does not want to change anything and declares Chatsky crazy. Famusov is also afraid of Chatsky, because the main character is smart and sharp. He is distinguished by his independence of judgment and boldness of statements. He accuses Famus society of lies, slander, helpfulness, pretense, hypocrisy, stupidity, ignorance, for which society rejects him. At the end, Chatsky leaves. But who is he - the defeated or the winner? Chatsky is a winner because he is not alone! Somewhere there are others like him, and there are more of them every day.
I really liked Griboyedov’s comedy, because the author, speaking in the role of Chatsky, is not afraid to accuse the Moscow nobility of lies and slander. I would like there to be no “woe from mind” in our society.
Who is Chatsky and what kind of Famus society is this? The author compares and contrasts two categories of people who, even in our time, meet and conflict with each other.
Griboedov's comedy, like the globe, has two poles. On one of them is Chatsky - an intelligent, brave, determined man. The author values intelligence in people and wants to show his main character as a person of the highest moral principles. Arriving in Moscow after a long absence, Alexander Andreevich is disappointed. He hopes to meet Sofia, whom he has loved since childhood. But when he comes to her house, he realizes that he is not welcome here. It is in this house that Chatsky encounters Famusov’s society: Famusov himself, Skalozub, Molchalin and other equally stupid, mediocre and insignificant people. Their main goal was to “earn” a high rank and have a place in high society. I'm not saying that Chatsky did not belong to high society, but he did not stoop to the level of Famusov and others like him. Alexander Andreevich remained a man of honor, he did not lose his dignity. Chatsky is trying to understand why he is worse than Molchalin, because he is a deceitful and vile person. Why did Sofia choose Molchalin over him? What did this vile man do to deserve her attention? The main character is afraid to even think that Sofia has become the same as her father. The entire Famus society is trying to destroy a person who is smarter than them. They spread gossip about Chatsky's madness. By this act, the entire Famus society showed its stupidity. Not a single person has refuted this claim. Chatsky understands very well that there is no place for him in Moscow, and he leaves. But this does not indicate that Famus’s society managed to break his pride and honor. On the contrary, Chatsky still remained superior to Famusov and his entourage.
It seems to me that Chatsky is the most striking example for readers, that is, for you and me. By reading the comedy, we absorb into ourselves what the author wanted to teach, namely: honor, intelligence and human dignity.
In the comedy “Woe from Wit” all the characters are divided into positive ones - Chatsky - and negative ones - Famusov and Famusov’s society. Griboyedov called Chatsky an advanced person, that is, a person whose image will live forever, and Famusov’s society - the face of all the nobles of that century (“the century of the past”). In the comedy, Famus society opposes Chatsky. After all, in this society, education and science cause special hatred. Griboyedov not only ridicules this society, but mercilessly condemns it. Famusov, as the main representative of this society, is an undeveloped person. Consequently, ignorance reigns in his house. Chatsky is the absolute opposite of Famusov. He is a thinking and feeling person. His actions speak about this. Chatsky, it seems to me, is very trusting of people. When he returns to Moscow, he, without going home, runs to his beloved. But he was late. Sofia, Famusov’s daughter, has changed, she doesn’t have that old love - that’s how Famusov’s upbringing worked. By this, Griboyedov shows Famusov’s selfishness. But as soon as Chatsky arrives, Famusov cordially welcomes him as a person of his own circle. He says:
Well, you threw it away!
I haven’t written two words for three years!
And it suddenly burst out as if from the clouds.
Famusov seems to want to show his friendship, which remains. However, this is not true. Chatsky immediately runs to Sofia, but she is no longer the same. Despite this, Chatsky still loves her and immediately talks about her beauty. But in the end he finds out everything about her. For Griboedov, knowledge is above all, and ignorance is below everything. And it is not for nothing that Griboedov shows the role of Chatsky and compares his intelligence with the ignorance of Famus society. There is a lot of negative things in Famusov, and his ignorance is confirmed by the words in a conversation with Lisa about reading Sophia:
Tell me that it’s not good to spoil her eyes,
And reading is not of much use...
The Famus society calls Chatsky bad and says that he has gone crazy. But what struck Chatsky? This is what it was Sofia who started the gossip about Chatsky’s madness, and the whole society picked up:
And you'll really go crazy from these, from some
From boarding houses, schools, lyceums...
And Chatsky needs to leave Famusov’s house. He is defeated, since Famus society turned out to be stronger than Chatsky. But in turn, he gave a good rebuff to the “past century.”
The significance of the comedy “Woe from Wit” lies in the fact that the comedy vividly reflected the time when the struggle of the Decembrists against the oppressive landowners was intensifying.
“Woe from Wit” is a realistic comedy. Griboedov gave in it a true picture of Russian life. The comedy raised the topical social problems of those times: about enlightenment, contempt for everything popular, worship of foreigners, education, service, ignorance of society.
The main character of the comedy is Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. Witty, eloquent, he angrily ridicules the vices of the society that surrounds him. He differs sharply from those around him in his intelligence, abilities, and independence of judgment. The image of Chatsky is something new, bringing change. This hero is an exponent of the progressive ideas of his time. Famus society is traditional. His life positions are such that “one must learn by looking at one’s elders,” one must destroy free-thinking thoughts, serve with obedience to those who are one step higher, one must be rich. Famusov's only passion is the passion for rank and money.
The beliefs of Chatsky and Famus society are different. Chatsky condemns serfdom, imitation of foreign goods, and people’s lack of desire for education and their own opinion. The dialogues between Chatsky and Famusov are a struggle. At the beginning of the comedy it is not so acute. Famusov is even ready to give up Sofia’s hand, but sets conditions:
I would say, firstly: don’t be a whim,
Brother, don’t mismanage your property,
And, most importantly, go ahead and serve.
To which Chatsky replies:
I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
But gradually the struggle turns into a battle. Chatsky argues with Famusov about the way and path of life. But the main character is alone in the fight against the views of Moscow society, in which he has no place.
Molchalin and Skalozub are not the last representatives of Famus society. They are rivals and opponents of Chatsky. Molchalin is helpful and silent. He wants to please with his humility, accuracy, and flattery. Skalozub shows himself to be someone very important, businesslike, significant. But under his uniform he hides “weakness, poverty of mind.” His thoughts are connected only with obtaining a higher rank, money, power:
Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels;
I judge them as a true philosopher:
I just wish I could become a general.
Chatsky does not tolerate lies and falsehood. This man's tongue is as sharp as a knife. Each of his characteristics is sharp and caustic:
Molchalin was so stupid before!..
Most pathetic creature!
Has he really grown wiser?.. And he -
Khripun, strangled, bassoon,
A constellation of maneuvers and mazurkas!
Chatsky’s monologue “Who are the judges?..” mercilessly condemns Famus society. Each new face that appears during the development of the plot takes Famusov’s side. Gossip grows like a snowball. And Chatsky can’t stand it. He can no longer remain in the company of low, mean, arrogant and stupid people. They condemned him for his intelligence, for freedom of speech and thought, for honesty.
Before leaving, Chatsky throws out to the entire Famus society:
You are right: he will come out of the fire unharmed,
Who will have time to spend a day with you,
Breathe the air alone
And his sanity will survive.
Chatsky is taller than them; the best and rarest qualities are manifested in him. Those who cannot see and appreciate this are, at the very least, simply fools. Chatsky is immortal, and now this hero is relevant.
The comedy “Woe from Wit” made a huge contribution to the development of Russian literature. Griboyedov's play was, is and will be a modern work until veneration for rank, thirst for profit, and gossip disappear from our lives.
The comedy was written on the eve of the Decembrist uprising in 1825. In the comedy “Woe from Wit” Griboedov gave a true picture of Russian life after the Patriotic War of 1812. In a small work, Griboyedov depicted only one day in Famusov’s house.
In comedy we meet people who are of equal origin. These are nobles, but everyone has their own views on life. Their opinions contradict each other. A certain conflict arises between them, which is hidden from prying eyes. But in the comedy “Woe from Wit” this conflict is clearly visible and not hidden - the clash of the “Current Century”, of which Chatsky was a representative, with the “past century”, which is represented by Famusov and his entourage.
One of the most prominent figures in comedy is Famusov. Famusov is an influential person who occupies a significant position. In addition, he is a rich landowner. An important government position and a large estate create a strong position for Famusov among the Moscow nobility. He does not bother himself with work and spends his time in idleness:
Magnificently built chambers,
Where they indulge in feasts and extravagance...
He looks at public service as a path to achieving wealth and rank. He uses his official position for personal purposes. Famusov looks at enlightenment and new progressive views as a source of “depravity.” Learning considers evil:
Learning is the plague, learning is the reason,
What is worse now than then,
There were crazy people, deeds, and opinions.
However, he gives his daughter a good upbringing.
Hospitality for Famusov is a means of maintaining connections with useful people.
Famusov is one of the most prominent representatives of the Moscow nobility. Other people are also represented: Colonel Skalozub, princes Tugoukhovsky, countesses Khryumin.
Griboedov satirically draws Famus’s society. The characters are funny and disgusting, but not because the author made them that way, but because they are that way in reality.
Skalozub is a man of age and money. Service for him is not the defense of the fatherland, but the achievement of nobility and money.
Famusov's world consists not only of serf owners, but also of their servants. Molchalin is an official dependent on Famus society. Molchalin was taught to please influential people. For his diligence he received three awards. Molchalin is scary because he can take on any form: both a patriot and a lover. Despite individual differences, all members of Famus society are a single social group.
Chatsky appears in this society, a man of advanced ideas, fiery feelings and high morality. He belongs to a noble society, but in terms of his way of thinking he does not find like-minded people. In this society, Chatsky feels lonely. His views provoke resistance from others. Chatsky’s most acute denunciations are directed against serfdom. It is serfdom that makes it possible for the people of Famus society to live by robbery.
Chatsky left public service because they demanded sycophancy from him:
I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
He stands for true enlightenment, art, science. Chatsky is against the education that is given to children in noble families. He fought for freedom of thought, freedom of action. It seems to me that this is the main difference between Chatsky and Famus society, which did not recognize such morals.
I think that such a great work will delight and surprise more than one generation.
IDEAL AND COMPOSITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCENE IN ANNA PAVLOVNA SHERER’S SALON IN L. N. TOLSTOY’S NOVEL “WAR AND PEACE”
In significant works, as a rule, the first pages contain the seed of the entire plan. This can be said about * Dead souls”, “Crime and Punishment”, “War and Peace”. About Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” L. Tolstoy himself said that further “what you read in the first chapters is told and repeated...”
In “War and Peace,” it would seem that the scene in Scherer’s salon, which opens the work, is by no means repeated. We just seem to plunge into the thick of things, immediately find ourselves among the heroes of the book, captured by the flow of life. But this is not the only significance of the scene. In it, of course, although not as clearly as in the first episodes of Dostoevsky’s novel, all the main problems of the work are outlined, the very first words that are heard in the salon are discussions about Napoleon, about wars, about the Antichrist. In the future, this will be continued in Pierre’s attempt to kill Napoleon, in his calculations of the numerical value of the name of this “Antichrist”. The whole theme of the book is war and peace, the true greatness of man and false idols, the divine and the devil.
By arrangement characters the scene is reminiscent of the play “Woe from Wit.” Pierre, who had just found himself in the St. Petersburg society, found himself, “like Chatsky from a ship to a ball,” into a society to which he is alien and which he does not understand at all. Like Chatsky, Pierre enters into unnecessary disputes, antagonizes the whole society against himself, risking earning a reputation as a madman. Among the royalist emigrants and Russian courtiers who fled from Napoleon, Pierre proclaims that “the revolution was a great thing.” Like Chatsky, Pierre does not understand in front of whom he is “throwing pearls,” and, in the words of Pushkin, we must admit that Pierre, like Chatsky, “is not at all smart man, but Griboedov is very smart.” Bolkonsky's intervention, fortunately, served to end the dispute and extinguished passions. However, in vain, after a reception with Scherer, Prince Andrei warns Pierre about his future behavior in society. Pierre, alas, is going on a spree to Kuragin's...
Let's return to Anna Pavlovna's salon. The main thing for us is to trace how the main lines of the characters in the book develop in this first scene. Pierre, of course, will become a Decembrist, this is clear from his behavior from the first pages. V. Kuragin is a cunning man, in some ways reminiscent of Famusov, but without his warmth and eloquence, which, however, was depicted by Griboyedov not without sympathy... The St. Petersburg public is still not the Moscow nobility. Vasily Kuragin is a calculating, cold rogue, although he is a prince, and in the future he will look for clever moves “either to the cross or to the town.” Anatole, his son, whom he mentions in a conversation with Scherer, “a restless fool,” will cause a lot of grief to the Rostovs and Bolkonskys. Kuragin's other children - Hippolyte and Helen - are immoral destroyers of other people's destinies. Already in this first scene, Helen is not nearly as harmless as she might seem at first glance. There was not yet a shadow of coquetry in her, but she was fully aware of her beauty, “giving everyone the right to admire”... A significant detail! Her smile is “unchangeable” (the worst thing that can be in a person, according to Tolstoy, is his spiritual immobility), and the expression on Helen’s face completely depends on the expression on Anna Pavlovna’s face - Tolstoy specifically emphasizes this. Three women in the salon, Scherer, Helen and Lisa, play the role of three parks, goddesses of fate. M. Gasparov interestingly compares Scherer’s “spinning workshop” with the work of goddesses spinning the thread of human destiny. Another motif that connects “War and Peace” with antiquity is the ancient beauty of Helen. This same antique beauty makes her look like a soulless statue.
The line Prince Andrey - Lisa awakens memories of Homer's Odyssey. “That’s how it should be,” says Bolkonsky, explaining the reasons for his impending departure to war. Liza Volkonskaya, in contrast to the deadness of Helen, is lively and active, plays the role of Penelope (Prince Andrei, in a conversation with Pierre, emphasizes her loyalty and devotion), but some kind of fate forces Bolkonsky-Odysseus, feeling a deep break with everything around him, to abruptly break with the usual way of life and go towards the unknown and possible death.
In general, of all the characters who appeared in the first scene, Bolkonsky is the most mysterious and evokes the most respect.
The meaning of Anna Pavlovna's scene echoes the epilogue of the book. In the epilogue, debates about peace and war arise again, there is little son Prince Andrei, who was invisibly present in Scherer’s salon then. The key moment of the scene is the discussion of Abbot Morioh's words about eternal peace. Although the abbot no longer appeared on the pages of War and Peace, the main word was spoken, and great book opens and ends with a dispute about the possibility eternal peace. Such a project, of course, is ideally possible; Leo Tolstoy dedicated his creation to the problem of eternal peace. Unsurpassed, of course, since Christ came to earth, a project capable of serving for the benefit of all humanity.