Essay on the topic: The execution of Pugachev in Pushkin’s novel The Captain’s Daughter. Relations between Grinev and Pugachev Some incidental and mentioned persons

01.07.2020

Execution of Pugachev

Emelyan Pugachev was a famous figure in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Taking advantage of rumors that Peter III was alive, he identified himself as him and laid claim to the throne. In those days there were dozens of such impostors, but Pugachev became the most famous of them and headed historical event- Cossack revolt. It was this event that became the central action of the story by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin “ Captain's daughter" All other actions took place against the backdrop of the riot, before and after it.

Thus, the story contains two plots at the same time.

lines that intertwine with each other. This and love story Petra Grinev with Masha, and the popular uprising. The main reason The rebellion was caused by the authorities’ ignorance and unwillingness to know the needs of an ordinary citizen of the people. In fact, in his work Pushkin contrasted the people and the authorities. It was not without reason that ordinary Cossacks were ready to give their lives for E. Pugachev. He was their representative, military leader and simply the people's chosen one. The author had the opportunity to live and create during this difficult period for Russia.

In the words of Grinev, he said: “God forbid we see a Russian rebellion, senseless and merciless,” expressing general bitterness.

To emphasize the historical focus of his work, the writer describes several events that took place in reality. For example, the execution of Pugachev and the capture of apostates. Of course, the figure of this hero is not equal to his historical prototype, but simply has similar features. In conversations with Grinev, we learn that he is a fair person, values directness and honesty. For such qualities he can be pardoned, which is what happened with Grinev.

During the capture of the Belogorsk fortress, many were executed for refusing to take the oath before the newly-minted “sovereign,” but Pyotr Andreevich survived. One might even say that Pushkin bestowed a heroic aura on Emelyan Pugachev. This rebel spared Grinev, saved Masha, and punished Shvabrin. But from time to time the traits of a roguish man appear in him. So, for example, he tells Grinev Kalmyk fairy tale which he is very proud of. Its meaning is that “it is better to drink living blood once than to feed on carrion for three hundred years.” Despite the success of his company in the Belogorsk fortress, Pugachev is still executed. His fate is tragic and he knows it.

At the end of Grinev’s memoirs, we learn that he was present at the public execution of Pugachev and that he, recognizing him in the crowd, winked in a friendly manner before his death. This is already a fiction of A.S. Pushkin. But in general, he described the situation in the country quite plausibly, which is why many writers still call “The Captain’s Daughter” a historical novel.

The main characters of the novel:

Petr Andreevich Grinev

Petr Andreevich Grinev- a sixteen-year-old youth, the son of retired Prime Major Grinev, whom his father sent for military service to the Orenburg Fortress. By the will of fate I found myself in Belgorod fortress, where he fell in love with the daughter of captain Ivan Kuzmich Mironov, Maria Ivanovna. Pyotr Andreevich is a decent man, intolerant of meanness and betrayal, selfless, striving at all costs to protect his bride at a time when she falls into the hands of the traitor Shvabrin, an evil and terrible man. To do this, he risks his life and gets involved with the rebel Emelyan Pugachev, although he does not even allow the thought of betrayal and, like Shvabrin, to go over to the side of the enemy and swear allegiance to the impostor. Distinctive feature Grineva - the ability to be grateful for goodness. At the moment of obvious danger threatening from Pugachev, he shows wisdom and wins over the robber.

Emelyan Pugachev

Emelyan Pugachev - the controversial image of the ataman of a gang of robbers who rebelled against the nobles, will not leave any of the readers indifferent. It is known from history that this real personality, Don Cossack, leader of the peasant war, the most famous of the impostors who posed as Peter III. During Grinev’s first meeting with Pugachev, he sees that the rebel’s appearance is not remarkable: a forty-year-old man, broad-shouldered, thin, with darting eyes, and a pleasant, albeit roguish, expression.

Cruel and stern, dealing without mercy with generals and those who do not want to swear allegiance to him, Pugachev, however, during the third meeting with Grinev reveals himself as a man who wants to give mercy to whomever he wants (of course, it is clear that he has played too much at the sovereign ). Emelyan is even dependent on the opinions of his entourage, although, contrary to the advice of those close to him, he does not want to execute Peter and acts for his own reasons. He understands that his game is dangerous, but it is too late to repent. After the rebel was caught, he was subjected to a well-deserved death penalty.

Maria Ivanovna Mironova

Maria Ivanovna Mironova is the daughter of the captain of the Belogorod fortress, Ivan Kuzmich Mironov, a kind, pretty, meek and modest girl, capable of loving passionately. Her image is the personification of high morality and purity. Thanks to the dedication of Masha, who wanted at all costs to save her beloved from lifelong shame due to imaginary betrayal, her beloved Peter returned home completely justified. And this is not surprising, because the kind girl sincerely told Catherine the Second the real truth.

Alexey Shvabrin

Alexey Shvabrin is the complete opposite of Pyotr Grinev in actions and character. A cunning, mocking and evil person who knows how to adapt to circumstances, he achieves his goal through deception and slander. A stab in the back during a duel with Grinev, going over to the side of the rebel Pugachev after the capture of the Belogorodskaya fortress, mockery of poor orphan Masha, who never wanted to become his wife, reveal true face Shvabrina is a very low and vile person.

Minor characters

Andrey Petrovich Grinev- Peter's father. Strict with his son. Not wanting to look for easy ways for him, at the age of sixteen he sends the young man to serve in the army, and by the will of fate he ends up in the Belogorodskaya fortress.

Ivan Kuzmich Mironov- captain of the Belogorodskaya fortress, where the events of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin’s story “The Captain’s Daughter” unfold. Kind, honest and faithful, devoted to the Fatherland, who wished better to die than to break the oath.

Vasilisa Egorovna- the wife of Captain Mironov, kind and thrifty, who was always aware of all events in the fortress. She died from the saber of a young Cossack on the threshold of her house.

Savelich- a serf of the Grinevs, assigned to Petrusha since childhood, a devoted servant, an honest and decent person, ready to always help and protect the young man in everything. Thanks to Savelich, who stood up in time for young master, Pugachev did not execute Peter.

Ivan Ivanovich Zuev- the captain who beat Petrusha in Simbirsk and demanded a debt of one hundred rubles. Having met Pyotr Andreevich for the second time, he persuaded the officer to serve in his detachment.

broadsword- Serf of the Mironovs. The girl is lively and brave. Fearlessly strives to help his owner, Maria Ivanovna.

Chapter first. Sergeant of the Guard

In the first chapter, Pyotr Grinev talks about his childhood. His father, Andrei Petrovich Grinev, was a prime major, and since he retired, he settled in a Siberian village and married Avdotya Vasilyevna Yu, the daughter of a poor nobleman, who gave birth to nine children. Many of them did not survive, and Peter himself, from his mother’s womb, was “enlisted in the Semenovsky regiment as a sergeant, by the grace of the Major of the Guard, Prince B...”.

Grinev’s childhood was at first unremarkable: until the age of twelve, Petya was under the supervision of Savelich, learning to read and write in Russian; then the father hired the French hairdresser Beaupre for the boy, but the lessons with him did not last long. For drunkenness and indecent behavior, the priest kicked out the Frenchman, and from then on the child was partially left to his own devices. However, from the age of sixteen, the fate of Pyotr Grinev changed dramatically.

“It’s time for him to serve,” his father once said. And then, writing a letter to Andrei Karlovich R., his old comrade, and gathering his son, he sent him to Orenburg (instead of St. Petersburg, where the young man was supposed to go serve in the guard). Petya didn’t like such a drastic change in circumstances, but there was nothing he could do: he had to come to terms with it. The servant Savelich was ordered to look after him. On the way, stopping at a tavern where there was a billiard room, Peter met Ivan Ivanovich Zurin, captain of the hussar regiment. At first, it would seem, their friendship began to grow stronger, but due to his inexperience, the young man succumbed to the persuasion of his new acquaintance and lost a hundred rubles to him, and besides, he also drank a lot of punch, which greatly upset the servant. The money had to be given back, much to Savelich’s displeasure.

Chapter two. Counselor

Peter felt guilty and was looking for an opportunity to make peace with Savelich. After talking with the servant and relieving his soul, the young man promised to behave smarter in the future, but still it was a pity for the money thrown away.

A storm was approaching, as was foreshadowed by a small cloud. The coachman offered to return back to avoid severe bad weather, but Peter did not agree and ordered to go faster. The consequence of such recklessness on the part of young man it appeared that they were overtaken by a blizzard. Suddenly, in the distance, the travelers saw a man, and, having caught up with him, they asked how to get onto the road. Having sat down in the wagon, the traveler began to assure that there was a village nearby, because there was a whiff of smoke. Heeding the stranger’s advice, the coachman, Savelich and Peter went where he said. Grinev dozed off and suddenly saw an unusual dream, which he later considered prophetic.

Peter dreamed that he returned to his estate, and his sad mother reported that his father was seriously ill. She brought her son to the sick bed so that dad would bless him before his death, but instead the young man saw a man with a black beard. “This is your imprisoned father; kiss his hand, and may he bless you...” Mom insisted, but since Peter never wanted to agree, the black-bearded man suddenly jumped up and began swinging the ax left and right.

Many people died, dead bodies were lying everywhere, and the terrible man kept calling the young man to come under his blessing. Peter was very frightened, but suddenly he heard Savelich’s voice: “We’ve arrived!” They found themselves at an inn and entered a clean, bright room. While the owner was fussing about the tea, the future soldier asked where their counselor was. “Here,” suddenly answered a voice from the floor. But when the owner started an allegorical conversation with him (as it turned out, telling jokes about the affairs of the Yaitsky army), Peter listened to him with interest. Finally, everyone fell asleep.

The next morning the storm subsided, and the travelers began to get ready for the road again. The young man wanted to thank the counselor by giving him a hare sheepskin coat, but Savelich objected. However, Peter showed persistence, and the tramp soon became the happy owner of a good-quality, warm thing from the master's shoulder.

Arriving in Orenburg, Pyotr Andreevich Grinev appeared before the general, who knew his father well and therefore treated the young man favorably. Deciding that there was nothing for him to do in Orenburg, he decided to transfer him as an officer to the *** regiment and send him to the Belogorod fortress, to Captain Mironov, an honest and good man. This upset the young soldier, because he was going to learn discipline in an even greater wilderness.

We bring to your attention where strong and extraordinary personalities are described, within each of which a conflict is brewing, which inevitably leads to tragic consequences.

Chapter three. Fortress

The Belogorsk fortress, located forty miles from Orenburg, contrary to Peter’s expectations, was an ordinary village. The commandant's office turned out to be a wooden house. The young man entered the hallway, then into the house, and saw an old woman in a headscarf sitting by the window. She introduced herself as the hostess. Having learned the reason why Peter came to them, the grandmother consoled him: “And you, father, do not be sad that you were sent to our outback... If you endure it, you will fall in love...”

Thus began for a sixteen-year-old boy new life. The next morning he met Shvabrin, a young man exiled to Belogorsk fortress for the fight. He turned out to be witty and far from stupid.

When Vasilisa Yegorovna invited Pyotr Andreevich to dinner, the new comrade followed him. During the meal the conversation flowed peacefully, the hostess asked many questions. We touched on different topics. It turned out that Masha, the captain's daughter, is very timid, unlike her brave mother. Grinev had conflicting feelings about her, because at first Shvabrin described the girl as stupid.

Chapter Four. Duel

Days passed, and the new life in the Belogorodskaya fortress seemed to Peter, to some extent, even pleasant. Every time he dined with the commandant, he became better acquainted with Maria Ivanovna, but Shvabrin’s caustic remarks about this or that person ceased to be perceived with the same cheerfulness.

One day Pyotr Andreevich shared his new poem about Masha with his friend (in the fortress he sometimes did creative work), but unexpectedly he heard a lot of criticism. Shvabrin literally ridiculed every line written by Grinev, and it is not surprising that a serious quarrel arose between them, threatening to develop into a duel. The desire for a duel nevertheless took hold in the hearts of the former comrades, but, fortunately, the dangerous plan was prevented by Ivan Ignatievich, who arrived in time to the place of the appointed duel.

However, the first attempt was followed by another, especially since Grinev already knew the reason why Shvabrin treated Masha so badly: it turns out that last year he wooed her, but the girl refused. Fueled by a feeling of extreme hostility towards Alexei Ivanovich, Peter agreed to a duel. This time everything ended worse: Grinev was wounded in the back.

We bring to your attention the poem by A.S. Pushkin, which combines the story of the fate of an ordinary resident of St. Petersburg, who suffered during the flood, Eugene and historical and philosophical reflections on the state...

Chapter Five. Love

The young man lay unconscious for five days, and when he woke up, he saw an alarmed Savelich and Maria Ivanovna in front of him. Suddenly, Grinev was so overcome by love for the girl that he felt extraordinary joy, all the more convinced that Masha harbored reciprocal feelings. The young people dreamed of linking their destinies, but Peter was afraid not to receive his father’s blessing, although he tried to write him a convincing letter.

Youth took its toll, and Peter began to recover quickly. Positive role The joyful mood that the hero of the novel now experienced every day also played a role. Being not vindictive by nature, he made peace with Shvabrin.

But suddenly the happiness was darkened by news from the father, who not only did not consent to the marriage, but scolded his son for unreasonable behavior and threatened to petition to be transferred away from the Belogorodsk fortress.

In addition, the mother, having learned about the injury of her only son, went to bed, which upset Peter even more. But who reported him? How did the father know about the duel with Shvabrin? These thoughts haunted Grinev, and he began to blame Savelich for everything, but he, in his defense, showed a letter in which Peter’s father showered him with rude expressions for concealing the truth.

Maria Ivanovna, having learned about her father’s categorical unwillingness to bless them, resigned herself to fate, but began to shun Grinev. But he completely lost heart: he stopped going to the commandant, holed up in the house, and even lost the desire to read and talk of any kind. But then new events occurred that influenced the entire future life of Pyotr Andreevich.

Chapter six. Pugachevshchina

In this chapter, Pyotr Andreevich Grinev describes the situation in the Orenburg province at the end of 1773. During that turbulent time, disturbances broke out in various places, and the government took strict measures to suppress riots on the part of the wild peoples inhabiting the province. Trouble also reached the Belogorodskaya fortress. That day, all the officers were urgently summoned to the commandant, who told them important news about the threat of an attack on the fortress by the rebel Emelyan Pugachev and his gang. Ivan Kuzmich sent his wife and daughter to visit the priest in advance, and locked his maid Palashka in a closet during a secret conversation. When Vasilisa Yegorovna returned, at first she could not find out from her husband what really happened. However, seeing how Ivan Ignatievich was preparing the cannon for battle, she guessed that someone might attack the fortress and cunningly found out information about Pugachev from him.

Then harbingers of trouble began to appear: a Bashkir, captured with outrageous letters, who at first they wanted to flog in order to obtain information, but, as it turned out later, not only his ears and nose were cut off, but also his tongue; An alarming message from Vasilisa Yegorovna that the Nizheozernaya fortress had been taken, the commandant and all the officers had been hanged, and the soldiers were in captivity.

Peter was very worried about Maria Ivanovna and her mother, who were in danger, and therefore offered to hide them for a while in the Orenburg fortress, but Vasilisa Egorovna was categorically against leaving home. Masha, whose heart was aching from the sudden separation from her beloved, was hastily prepared for the journey. The girl, sobbing, said goodbye to Peter.

Chapter seven. Attack

Unfortunately, the alarming forecasts came true - and now Pugachev and his gang began to attack the fortress. All roads to Orenburg were cut off, so Masha did not have time to evacuate. Ivan Kuzmich, anticipating his imminent death, blessed his daughter and said goodbye to his wife. The fierce rebels rushed into the fortress and captured the officers and commandant. Ivan Kuzmich, as well as lieutenant Ivan Ignatievich, who did not want to swear allegiance to Pugachev, who was posing as a sovereign, were hanged on the gallows, but Grinev was saved from death thanks to the kind and faithful Savelich. The old man begged the “father” for mercy, suggesting that it would be better to hang him, but to let the master’s child go. Peter was released. Ordinary soldiers swore allegiance to Pugachev. Vasilisa Yegorovna, who was dragged naked from the commandant’s house, began to cry out for her husband, cursing the escaped convict, and died from the saber of a young Cossack.

Chapter eight. Uninvited guest

Alarmed by the unknown about Masha’s fate, Pyotr Andreevich entered the commandant’s destroyed house, but saw only a frightened Broadsword, who reported that Maria Ivanovna was hidden with the priest, Akulina Pamfilovna.

This news excited Grinev even more, because Pugachev was there. He rushed headlong to the priest's house and, entering the vestibule, saw the Pugachevites feasting. Quietly asking Pasha to call Akulina Pamfilovna, he asked the priest about Masha’s condition.

Lying, my dear, on my bed...” she answered and said that Pugachev, when he heard Masha’s moan, began to wonder who was behind the partition. Akulina Pamfilovna had to come up with a story on the fly about her niece, who had been sick for two weeks. Pugachev wanted to look at her, but no amount of persuasion helped. But, fortunately, everything worked out. Even Shvabrin, who had gone over to the side of the rebels and was now feasting with Pugachev, did not betray Maria.

A little reassured, Grinev came home, and there Savelich surprised him by informing him that Pugachev was none other than a tramp they met on the way to Orenburg, to whom Pyotr Andreevich gave a hare sheepskin coat.

Suddenly one of the Cossacks came running and said that the ataman demanded Grinev to come to him. I had to obey, and Peter went to the commandant’s house, where Pugachev was. The conversation with the impostor evoked conflicting feelings in the young man’s soul: on the one hand, he understood that he would never swear allegiance to the newly-minted ataman, on the other hand, he could not expose himself to the risk of death by calling himself a deceiver to his face. Meanwhile, Emelyan was waiting for an answer. "Listen; I’ll tell you the whole truth,” the young officer spoke. - Think about it, can I recognize you as a sovereign? You are a smart man: you would see for yourself that I am deceitful.”

Who am I, in your opinion?
- God knows you; but whoever you are, you are telling a dangerous joke..."

In the end, Pugachev gave in to Peter's request and agreed to let him go.

Chapter Nine. Parting

Pugachev generously released Grinev to Orenburg, ordering him to inform him that he would be there in a week, and appointed Shvabrin as the new commander. Suddenly Savelich handed the ataman a piece of paper and asked him to read what was written there. It turns out that they were talking about the property of the commandant’s house plundered by the Cossacks and about compensation for damage, which angered Pugachev. However, this time he pardoned Savelich. And before leaving, Grinev decided to visit Maria again and, entering the priest’s house, he saw that the girl was unconscious, suffering from a severe fever. Anxious thoughts haunted Peter: how to leave a defenseless orphan in the midst of evil rebels. It was especially depressing that Shvabrin, who could cause harm to Masha, became the new commander of the impostors. With pain in his heart, tormented by strong emotions, the young man said goodbye to the one whom in his soul he already considered his wife.

On the way to Orenburg, a traitorous constable overtook him and Savelich, informing him that “his father favors a horse and a fur coat from his shoulder,” and even half a sum of money (which he lost along the way). And although the sheepskin coat was not worth even half of what was plundered by the villains, Peter still accepted such a gift.

Chapter ten. Siege of the city

So, Grinev and Savelich arrived in Orenburg. The sergeant, having learned that those who had arrived were from the Belogorodskaya fortress, led them to the house of the general, who turned out to be a good-natured old man. From a conversation with Peter, he learned about the terrible death of Captain Mironov, about the death of Vasilisa Yegorovna and that Masha remained with the priest.

A few hours later, a military council began, at which Grinev was present. When they began to discuss how to act in relation to criminals - defensively or offensively, only Peter expressed a firm opinion that it was necessary to decisively confront the villains. The rest were inclined to a defensive position.

The siege of the city began, as a result of which hunger and misfortune raged. Grinev was worried about the unknown about the fate of his beloved girl. And here in Once again Having gone to the enemy’s camp, Peter unexpectedly encountered the constable Maksimych, who gave him a letter from Maria Ivanovna. The news where the poor orphan asked to protect her from Shvabrin, who was forcibly forcing her to marry him, infuriated Peter. He rushed headlong into the general's house, asking for soldiers to quickly clear the Belogorodskaya fortress, but finding no support, he decided to act on his own.

Chapter Eleven. Rebel settlement

Peter and Savelich rush to the Belogorodskaya fortress, but on the way they are surrounded by rebels and taken to their chieftain. Pugachev is again favorable to Grinev. After listening to Pyotr Andreevich’s request to free Masha from Shvabrin’s hands, he decides to go to the fortress. On the way they have a conversation. Grinev persuades Pugachev to surrender to the mercy of the empress, but he objects: it’s too late to repent...

Chapter twelve. Orphan

Contrary to Shvabrin’s assurances that Maria Ivanovna was ill, Pugachev ordered him to be taken to her room. The girl was in a terrible state: she was sitting on the floor, in a torn dress, with disheveled hair, pale, thin. Nearby stood a jug of water and a loaf of bread. Emelyan began to be indignant at Shvabrin for deceiving him by calling Masha his wife, and then the traitor revealed a secret: the girl was not the niece of the priest, but the daughter of the deceased Mironov. This angered Pugachev, but not for long. Grinev managed to justify himself here, too, because, having learned the truth, the impostor’s people would have killed the defenseless orphan. In the end, to great joy Peter, Emelyan allowed him to take the bride. We decided to go to the village to visit our parents, because it was impossible to either stay here or go to Orenburg.

Chapter thirteen. Arrest

In anticipation of long happiness, Pyotr Andreevich set off on the road with his beloved. Suddenly a crowd of hussars surrounded them with terrible abuse, confusing them with Pugachev’s traitors. The travelers were arrested. Having learned about the impending danger of the prison, where the major ordered him to be imprisoned and the girl personally brought to him, Grinev rushed to the porch of the hut and boldly entered the room, where, to his surprise, he saw Ivan Ivanovich Zuev. When the situation became clearer, and everyone realized that Maria was not Pugachev’s gossip at all, but the daughter of the late Mironov, Zuev came out and apologized to her.

After some persuasion on the part of Ivan Ivanovich, Grinev decided to stay in his detachment, and send Maria with Savelich to her parents in the village, handing over a covering letter.

So Pyotr Andreevich began to serve in Zuev’s detachment. The pockets of uprising that broke out in places were soon suppressed, but Pugachev was not caught immediately. More time passed before the impostor was neutralized. The war ended, but, alas, Grinev’s dreams of seeing his family did not come true. Suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, a secret order came to arrest him.

Chapter fourteen. Court

Although Grinev, who, according to Shvabrin’s denunciation, was considered a traitor, could easily justify himself to the commission, he did not want to involve Maria Ivanovna in this situation, and therefore kept silent about the real reason sudden departure from the Orenburg fortress and meeting with Pugachev.

Maria, meanwhile, was warmly received by Peter's parents and sincerely explained why their son had been arrested, refuting any idea of treason. However, a few weeks later the priest received a letter saying that Pyotr Grinev was sentenced to exile and would be sent to eternal settlement. This news was a big blow for the family. And then Maria decided to go to St. Petersburg and personally explain the situation, meeting with the Empress, Catherine the Second. Fortunately, the girl’s plan was a success, and providence contributed to this. On an autumn morning, already in St. Petersburg, she got into conversation with a lady of about forty and told her about the reason for her arrival, not even suspecting that the Empress herself was in front of her. Sincere words In defense of the one who risked his life for the sake of his beloved, the empress was touched, and she, convinced of Grinev’s innocence, gave the order to release him. The happy lovers soon reunited their destinies. Pugachev was overtaken by a well-deserved execution. Standing on the scaffold, he nodded his head to Pyotr Grinev. A minute later it flew off his shoulders.

History of creation. Subjects

In the 1830s, Pushkin's interest in Russian history intensified. The writer was especially interested question of popular uprising. This was greatly facilitated by the events contemporary to Pushkin - peasant “cholera” riots, soldier uprisings. In the light of these events, they received acute political meaning and historical lessons Pugachev's revolt.

Throughout the 1830s, Pushkin was intensively engaged in historical research. Work in the archives, meetings with surviving witnesses of the Pugachev uprising allowed the writer to prepare a lot of material and draw important conclusions. The writer became convinced that the social interests of landowners and peasants, the nobility and the people were largely opposed. Hence Pushkin’s conclusions about the historical conditionality of the uprising of the oppressed against their oppressors.

IN 1833 year Pushkin writes the novel “ Dubrovsky" Its theme is peasant revolt. The novel remained unfinished. Pushkin was not satisfied with Dubrovsky's image. The leader of the popular uprising, according to Pushkin, should have been not a romantic hero - a noble robber, but a man from the people, depicted from a realistic position.

At the same time, in 1833, Pushkin was working on a historical essay - “ The history of the Pugachev rebellion" This work eventually became the documentary basis of The Captain's Daughter.

Pushkin's also dates back to 1833. outline of a novel about Shvanvich- an officer who went over to Pugachev’s side. Subsequently, however, the writer abandoned the plan to make Shvanvich the main character of the new novel. In The Captain's Daughter, Shvabrin appears instead of Shvanvich - negative character. According to Pushkin, a traitor could not be the central character of the work, as well as the narrator. Only an honest, worthy person could act as a narrator - a “confidant” of the author himself. This is how the image of Grinev appears.

As a result, Pushkin managed to write something fundamentally new in both content and form. piece of art – "The Captain's Daughter" (1836). The main theme of Pushkin’s creation was Pugachev uprising. At the same time, the writer draws here broad pictures of the life of the nobility and people in the 1770s.

Main problems

In “The Captain's Daughter” we can roughly distinguish two circles problems: socio-historical and moral.

We classify as socio-historical people's problem and related problem of Russian national character. Moral issues include the problem of cruelty and mercy, the problem of honor and duty and other problems.

Pushkin comprehends the problem of the people through the relationship between the images of Pugachev and Savelich, through the depiction of the characters of the inhabitants of the Belogorsk fortress - captain Mironov and his wife Vasilisa Egorovna, father Gerasim and priest Akulina Pamfilovna, constable Maksimych, serf maid Palashka, and other characters - representatives of the people or people from them.

The writer’s understanding of the problem of the Russian national character is also connected with these same characters; What is also important here is the relationship between the images of Pugachev and the Orenburg general, the German Andrei Karlovich, Savelich and Monsieur Beaupré.

To study the problem of cruelty and mercy, the image of Pugachev, the images of his associates - Khlopushi and Beloborodov, as well as the image of Empress Catherine II are especially important.

The problem of honor and duty is revealed mainly through the contrast of such characters as Grinev and Shvabrin. The figure of Father Grinev is also important here. Besides, different faces This problem is comprehended using the example of Captain Mironov, Vasilisa Egorovna, Masha Mironova, Ivan Zurin, and other characters.

Ideological orientation

In the ideological orientation of the novel, two sides can be distinguished. Let's consider, firstly, Pushkin's attitude to the popular uprisingand to his leader; Secondly, Pushkin’s attitude towards Grinev and other characters.

On the one hand, Pushkin could not have a positive attitude towards the destructive power of the rebellion, its cruelty. “God forbid we see a Russian revolt, senseless and merciless!”- exclaims Grinev. The narrator's position here reflects the author's position.

At the same time, Pushkin, unlike Grinev, understood that a popular uprising expresses the ineradicable love of freedom of the people.

Pushkin’s attitude towards Pugachev is ambiguous- a cruel rebel and at the same time a man of a broad soul, full of daring, courage, and not devoid of a sense of mercy. Pugachev in his portrayal of Pushkin evokes not only rejection, but also sympathy.

Depicting Grinev and Masha and contrasting Grinev with Shvabrina, the writer asserts the following moral values, How honor and loyalty to duty. At the same time, the writer is aware the historical limitations of Grinev’s worldview, the hero's lack of understanding of the people's love of freedom.

Portraying Catherine II, Pushkin claims ideals of mercy. It is no coincidence that Ekaterina’s forgiveness of Grinev was seen as a hidden appeal from the writer to the Tsar with a request to have mercy on his Decembrist friends. Thus, in Pushkin’s portrayal, both the cruel robber and the imperious empress are capable of mercy.

In addition, in the images of Grinev and Masha, Pushkin sought to capture the ideal of selfless love and service to one's neighbor: first Grinev helps Masha out of trouble, then Masha saves her fiancé from the royal wrath.

Meaning of the title

The title of the work draws the reader's attention to the character of the main character. Undoubtedly, the spiritual appearance of Masha Mironova influenced the author’s choice of title for the novel. A simple girl from the people, a second-generation noblewoman, Masha combined in herself the best features of the Russian national character - a living faith in God, the ability for deep, sincere love, courage, and selflessness. Like Tatyana Larina from Eugene Onegin, Masha Mironova is a bright, memorable Pushkin image, "sweet ideal" of the author.

Thanks to Masha, the characters of other characters in the novel are revealed: driven by sincere love for Masha, Grinev defends noble honor and human dignity in the harsh trials of life; in relation to the main character, the meanness and baseness of Shvabrin’s soul are fully revealed; Risking their own lives, Father Gerasim and Akulina Pamfilovna save Masha from both Pugachev and Shvabrin; Helping an orphan, the cruel impostor and the imperious Empress Catherine II show mercy. Masha, thus it turns out at the center of the most important events and moral conflicts of the novel.

Creative method

"Captain's daughter" - realistic work with some features of romanticism.

Pushkin's novel is distinguished by its deep historicism, which manifests itself primarily in the fact that the writer showed objective meaning depicted by him historical events. In particular, Pushkin showed that the reasons for the uprising are of an objective historical nature. The writer claims that popular indignation was not caused by the personal qualities of the tyrant ruler, as was often depicted in the works of romantics. It is no coincidence that Catherine II in Pushkin’s depiction does not look like a tyrant-tyrant; she is shown as a powerful, but at the same time merciful ruler.

Pushkin sought to convey to the reader the idea that the cause of the riot was cruelty of the authorities in relation to peasants, Cossacks, non-Russian peoples inhabiting Russia, the whole system of oppression of the people. Pushkin writes about this, for example, in a historical excursus placed at the beginning of the chapter “Pugachevshchina”, where the writer mentions "strict measures" from the government in relation to the Yaik Cossacks. This is also evidenced by the terrifying the sight of a mutilated Bashkir, who was interrogated by Captain Mironov. One more example - view of convicts with “faces disfigured by the executioner’s tongs”, at the beginning of the chapter "Siege of the City".

The objectivity of the reasons for the uprising is confirmed by the fact that ordinary people invariably supported Pugachev.

Leader of the uprising in "The Captain's Daughter" not a romantic “noble robber”, A man of the people endowed with bright character traits, but by no means not idealized. Pushkin does not hide Pugachev's rudeness, his ignorance. At the same time, Pushkin notes such character traits of the leader of the uprising as lively mind, folk ingenuity, sense of justice, ability to show mercy.

The realism of “The Captain’s Daughter” was also evident in Pushkin’s depiction typical characters in typical circumstances. The writer created wonderful types of ancient nobles(Grinev’s parents), types of ordinary Russian people(Captain Mironov, his wife Vasilisa Egorovna, serf servant Savelich, many others).

Researchers note in "The Captain's Daughter" and some features of romanticism. This is, in particular, entertaining story, which includes extraordinary situations, incredible events (Grinev’s miraculous deliverance from death, his “intimate” conversations with Pugachev, the transfer of a letter from Masha to Grinev through the constable Maksimych, the rescue of Masha from the hands of Shvabrin with the help of Pugachev, the second meeting of Grinev with Zurin, fateful meeting Masha with the Empress in the garden; other episodes); romantic features in the appearance of Pugachev.

Genre originality

The genre of "The Captain's Daughter" can be defined as historical novel in memoir form.

An important feature of The Captain's Daughter as a historical novel is documentary. The accuracy of historical descriptions brings “The Captain’s Daughter” closer to works of scientific-historical prose, in particular to “The History of the Pugachev Rebellion” by Pushkin himself. Indeed, in The Captain's Daughter the writer sought to recreate real events Pugachev uprising- unrest of the Cossacks on the Yaik River, the seizure of fortresses by the rebels, the siege of Orenburg.

In "The Captain's Daughter" we meet a number of real historical figures. These are Catherine II, Pugachev, his associates Khlopusha and Beloborodov.

At the same time, “The Captain’s Daughter,” unlike “The History of the Pugachev Rebellion,” not a historical work, but a novel. Historical events in the work are refracted through the prism personal destinies of fictional characters, connected not only with historical events, but also love affair.

In addition, Pushkin's novel was created in memoir form. The story is told on behalf of the fifty-year-old father of the family, Pyotr Andreevich Grinev. He writes his memoirs during the “meek reign of Emperor Alexander.” The memoirist talks about his youth, which coincided with the era of the reign of Catherine II, with the events of the Pugachev rebellion.

The writer’s choice of memoir form is not accidental. First of all, it was important for Pushkin show events Pugachev revolt from the perspective of an eyewitness. The writer needed a witness who could truthfully tell about the participants in the uprising, about Pugachev and his associates.

Besides, writing memoirs is a characteristic feature of the spiritual life of educated people of the 18th century. The memoir form gave Pushkin’s work a special color of the era.

Finally, it was also important Pushkin's desire to avoid censorship difficulties. The memoirs had to be written by a convinced opponent of the uprising, but at the same time an objective, impartial witness to its events.

Characters

Grinev - hero and narrator

So, the role of witness to the Pugachev rebellion was supposed to be a nobleman who did not share the position of the rebels, but at the same time maintained objectivity in covering their actions.

An honest and decent person could become such a storyteller. It is for this reason that Pushkin did not want to make the narrator a nobleman who betrayed his duty and went over to Pugachev’s side: Shvanvich (the prototype of Shvabrin), originally intended by Pushkin for the role of a memoirist, eventually took the place of the negative hero - the antagonist of Grinev, but not the narrator. As a result, he became a storyteller Petr Andreevich Grinev.

Grinev the hero, who is also the narrator, appears before us in young age And in adulthood And – respectively - in two roles.

Peter Grinev, acting as hero and participant in the events described, - This young officer, representative of the ancient nobility. He grew up in a family that highly valued honor and dignity of a person.

Pushkin's hero is distinguished by such traits of worldview and character as sincere faith in God, in His good providence, fidelity to duty, self-esteem, courage and courage in life's trials, kindness, spiritual generosity, the ability to sincerely feel, fidelity in love and at the same time frivolity,inexperience, sometimes hot temper.

Concerning Grinev the narrator, then this is no longer an ardent young man, but wise with life experience fifty year old man,father numerous families.

Grinev the narrator is distinguished by undoubted literary abilities, appeared already in youth, sense of humor, gift of irony, penchant for philosophical generalizations.

The most important means of disclosure Grinev's character is character system and plot. In addition, it is extremely important epigraphs to individual chapters, conveying the author’s position in relation to the hero.

IN character system and in the plot of the work, Shvabrin is opposed to Grinev. Grinev is a representative of the ancient patriarchal nobility, connected with the people by moral ties. Shvabrin comes from St. Petersburg secular circles, an adventurer, an egoist, an atheist, who has nothing sacred in his soul. In this regard, Shvabrin’s betrayal, and then his denunciation of Grinev, is natural. Shvabrin's meanness and moral uncleanliness are contrasted with Grinev's high moral qualities, which are most fully revealed in the story of his love for Masha Mironova.

In ideological terms, Pugachev is also opposed to Grinev. On the one hand, Grinev and Pugachev are brought together by the ability to appreciate goodness, a feeling of gratitude for good deeds. On the other hand, Grinev is unable to understand Pugachev’s love of freedom. In Grinev’s view, popular revolt is associated only with robbery, disasters and destruction. This position of Grinev is evidenced by his perception of the Kalmyk fairy tale about the eagle and the raven, told by Pugachev. “To live by murder and robbery means, for me, to peck at carrion,” declares the narrator.

Grinev’s character is also revealed in plot works. The hero passes test of love.

At the same time, the story of love is closely intertwined in “The Captain's Daughter” with the story of a popular uprising. Grinev passes tested not only by love, but also by the tragic events of the Pugachev rebellion.

Other characters

Andrey Petrovich Grinev- father of the main character and narrator Pyotr Grinev.

Grinev-father – representative ancient nobility, Human honor and duty. The hero’s high moral principles are manifested in the following situations.

In the first chapter (“Sergeant of the Guard”), Andrei Grinev gives his son a blessing to serve faithfully, valuing noble honor and loyalty to the oath above all else. This is most clearly expressed by the proverb that the father said as parting words to his son: “Take care of your dress again, but take care of your honor from a young age.” Grinev the father is against his son serving in the guards regiment in St. Petersburg, where he can only learn to “wind and hang around.” Andrei Petrovich sends his son to the army so that he can “smell gunpowder” and become a real defender of the fatherland.

Compassion, kindness and hospitality Grinev the father shows in relation to the orphan Masha Mironova, his son’s fiancée.

At the same time, the novel reveals such qualities of the hero as hot temper and tyranny landowner-serf. This is evidenced first of all by Grinev’s father’s insulting letter to Savelich (chapter “Love”), where he calls the faithful servant an old dog and threatens to send him to herd pigs because he could not prevent Petrusha’s duel with Shvabrin and did not report this incident to the old master.

Avdotya Vasilievna- mother of Petrusha Grinev, a woman extremely good, endlessly loving her son. Avdotya Vasilievna, like her husband Andrei Petrovich Grinev, personifies patriarchal world of the ancient nobility with his high moral principles, cordiality, hospitality.

Savelich(Arkhip Savelyev) is a serf man of the Grinevs, eager, an expert in hunting dogs and at the same time a caring uncle (serf educator) of Petrusha Grinev, the narrator’s constant companion in all his adventures. It is significant that it was Savelich who was Petrusha’s mentor and taught him Russian literacy.

Savelich, a man of the people, personifies such character traits as dedication, devotion to duty. At the same time it is distinguished thrift, even stinginess.

Savelich, unlike Pugachev the rebel, to whom he is contrasted in the novel, does not think about freedom. For him bebeing a slave to his masters is the natural state. He cannot even imagine his life without his owners. At the same time the hero not devoid of human dignity. This is especially clearly manifested at the moment when Savelich adequately responds to the angry, insulting letter from Grinev the father addressed to him (chapter “Love”).

Pushkin depicts Savelich with irony, noting some of the funny aspects of his character and behavior.

Let us note the most striking episodes with Savelich’s participation. In the first chapter (“Sergeant of the Guard”), the hero acts as a zealous mentor of Petrusha, speaking with indignation about the French tutor Monsieur Beaupré, a drunkard and libertine. The expulsion of Monsieur Beaupre from the house causes Savelich “indescribable joy.” In the Simbirsk episode, when Petrusha lost one hundred rubles to Zurin, the godfather's servant manifests himself as a selfless defender of the lord's money and property. We see Savelich in the same way in the chapter “Counselor”: the old servant refuses to give Pugachev money for vodka and reluctantly gives him a hare sheepskin coat on the owner’s orders. At the moment of the duel (chapter “Duel”) Savelich tries with all his might to stop the fight, and his cry becomes the involuntary cause of the master’s injury; then the faithful servant selflessly cares for the wounded (chapter “Love”). Having received an insulting letter from Grinev’s father, the faithful servant writes the master an answer full of human dignity.

Savelich shows bravery and courage, standing up for the master at the time of execution of the defenders of the fortress (chapter “Attack”). Meanwhile, the faithful servant’s selfless care for the lord’s property looks comical in the episode of reading in the presence of Pugachev Savelich’s register of Grinev’s belongings looted by the rebels (chapter “Separation”). Savelich refuses to remain alone in Orenburg and accompanies Peter on a dangerous trip to the Belogorsk fortress (chapter “Rebel Settlement”).

Thus, in the character of a servant dedication And courage connect with slavish loyalty to the masters, and also with some stinginess.

Monsieur Beaupre- Petrusha's teacher - type of foreigner adventurer. The hero came to Russia in search of a prosperous life. “Teachers” of this kind literally flooded the country, satisfying the huge demand from Russian landowners who, as Griboyedov put it, were trying to recruit “regiments of teachers, more in number, at a cheaper price” for their children.

An adventurer who was a hairdresser “in his own country” and then a soldier in Prussia, Beaupre even vaguely understood the meaning of the word “teacher.” Pushkin's hero personifies drunkenness And debauchery.Beaupré contrasted in the novel Savelich, a man of strict rules.

However, it later turns out that the fencing lessons Petrusha received from Beaupre were useful to him in the fight with Shvabrin. In addition, it turns out that Petrusha could still read French: he read French books in the fortress, borrowed from Shvabrin.

Ivan Ivanovich Zurin– typical army officer, connecting in itself a passion for wine, gambling with good nature and a sense of camaraderie. The character's character is revealed mainly in two episodes.

In the Simbirsk episode (chapter “Sergeant of the Guard”), Zurin gave Grinev some wine and won a hundred rubles from him at billiards, taking advantage of his inexperience. However, in the episodes described in the chapter “Arrest”, Zurin acts nobly, assisting his friend in a difficult situation for him.

General Andrei Karlovich R., a former colleague and old comrade of Grinev’s father, Peter’s boss, is type of pedantic, limited and stingy German, located in Russian military service. The general is characterized by outdated ideas about the world around him: he is entirely in the previous era.

The portrait of Andrei Karlovich was drawn by the writer in contrast with the description of Pugachev’s appearance. The appearance of the general, dressed in an “old faded uniform” that “resembled a warrior from the time of Anna Ioannovna,” indicates an ironic attitude towards him on the part of the narrator.

Two episodes most fully characterize the general. The first (so-called Orenburg) episode, which concludes the second chapter, occurs during Peter’s acquaintance with the new boss, at the moment the general reads a letter from Grinev’s father. The general's speech is conveyed in a comic manner. Andrei Karlovich's German accent emphasizes the narrator's irony regarding the mediocre Orenburg boss. Particularly comical is the episode with the interpretation of the Russian expression “keep a tight rein”, which the German does not immediately understand.

No less comical are other episodes associated with the general, described in the tenth chapter entitled “The Siege of the City.”

In the character system, the German general is contrasted with Pugachev. The general's limitations sets off extraordinary personality traits of the leader of the uprising.

Captain Ivan Kuzmich Mironov- Commandant of the Belogorsk fortress. This is a bright folk character.

Ivan Kuzmich is not of noble birth: he came from the children of soldiers and was promoted to officer and received hereditary nobility for the courage and bravery shown in military campaigns.

Captain Mironov is a man honest and kind, modest, devoid of ambition. In everyday life, described in the chapter “Fortress,” Ivan Kuzmich manifests himself as an eccentric who is entirely “under the thumb” of his wife. Pushkin describes with humor the useless activities of Ivan Kuzmich with the “soldiers”.

However, at the moment of danger, Ivan Kuzmich shows courage, heroism, loyalty to the oath(chapter “Attack”). Ivan Kuzmich is distinguished by living faith in God. He blesses Masha, asks for forgiveness from his wife, anticipating imminent death. He boldly leads the small garrison of the fortress, protecting it from a large crowd of rebels, and decides to undertake a daring foray. Being captured, he does not agree to swear allegiance to the impostor, boldly denounces him, faces death courageously.

The story about the tragic fate of Captain Mironov in the chapter “Attack” is preceded by an epigraph from folk song“My head, little head...”, emphasizing the connection of the hero’s character with deep national roots.

Crooked Lieutenant Ivan Ignatyich, seemingly the same simple-minded and limited person as Ivan Kuzmich, in a moment of danger also shows courage and courage, refuses to serve Pugachev and accepts death.

Vasilisa Egorovna, wife of Ivan Kuzmich, is wonderful type of Russian woman. This is power-hungry, but at the same time hospitable mother commander, who took control of not only the household, but also the entire garrison of the fortress. “Vasilisa Egorovna looked at the affairs of the service as if they were her master’s and ruled the fortress as accurately as she ruled her house,” notes the narrator.

Vasilisa Egorovna is distinguished warmth, cordiality, hospitality, which is especially clearly manifested in her attitude towards Grinev.

The story about the traditional way of life of the Mironov family in the chapter “Fortress” is preceded by an epigraph from Fonvizin: “Old people, my father.” The words of the epigraph emphasize patriarchal foundations the life of Vasilisa Egorovna and her entire family.

In a moment of danger, Vasilisa Egorovna shows courage, bravery, deep faith in God, in His providence.“God is free in the stomach and in death,” declares Vasilisa Egorovna at the moment of farewell to her husband before the battle. After the execution of the defenders of the fortress, Vasilisa Egorovna, mourning her husband, boldly denounces Pugachev and fearlessly faces death.

Masha Mironova–bright female character, comparable in its significance in Pushkin’s work to the character of Tatyana Larina from the novel “Eugene Onegin”.

Unlike Tatyana, Masha is a simple girl, a second-generation noblewoman.

Like Tatyana, she is distinguished by such qualities as sincere faith in God, selflessness, fidelity in love and at the same time modesty, deepest humility.

We find an exposition of Masha’s image in the third chapter entitled “Fortress”. The narrator draws a portrait of Masha, emphasizing her simplicity and naturalness. She was “a girl of about eighteen, chubby, ruddy, with light brown hair, combed smoothly behind her ears, which were on fire.”

Let's consider the most significant episodes associated with Masha Mironova. Masha selflessly takes care of the wounded Grinev (chapter “Love”). Although the heroine likes Petrusha and has mutual feelings for him, she does not agree to marry him without the blessing of his parents. Here Masha shows the deepest humility before the will of God, as well as strength of character. The heroine behaves courageously and steadfastly, remaining in the Belogorsk fortress under the rule of Shvabrin. Masha categorically refuses to marry Shvabrin, despite the fact that he kept her in captivity in a half-starved state.

Masha's character is most clearly revealed in her noble deed at the end of the novel. Masha goes to Empress Catherine II to intercede for her fiancé. The heroine amazes the queen with her modesty, sincerity, and loyalty to the groom. Masha asks Catherine not for justice, but for mercy (although Grinev was not a traitor, he nevertheless left Orenburg without permission and used the help of Pugachev, for which he should have been punished). Masha’s sincere intercession contributed to the fact that her fiancé was released from custody and pardoned; In addition, the queen granted Masha a dowry.

Family happiness and many children Masha and Grineva, as we learn from the words of the publisher at the end of the work, become a reward for the heroic feat of selfless service to each other.

Play a big role in creating Masha’s image epigraphs to the chapters “Love” and “Orphan” (“Oh, you, girl, red girl!..”, “If you find me better, you will forget...”, “Like our apple tree...”). Borrowed by Pushkin from folk songs , they emphasize live the connection between Masha’s character and the folk poetic element.

Broadsword–faithful servant Mironov, agile and smart, who did not leave Masha in trouble in difficult times.

Father Gerasim- a priest who showed courage and was not afraid to shelter Masha at a time of mortal danger. As well as his wife Akulina Pamfilovna, “the first newswoman in the entire region,” Father Gerasim is distinguished by his cordiality, hospitality, and sincere compassion for his neighbor.

Cossack constable Maksimych- folk character, type of roguish Cossack. On the eve of the capture of the Belogorsk fortress by the rebels, Maksimych went over to Pugachev’s side and began to serve him. The hero showed his trickery at the moment when he gave Grinev a fur coat and a horse from Pugachev, appropriating “half of the money”, allegedly losing it along the way... Grinev forgave him this half, and Maksimych subsequently repaid good for good: exposing himself to danger, he gave Grinev a letter from Masha.

Alexey Ivanovich Shvabrin- comes from St. Petersburg social circles. He was dismissed from the guard and sent to the Belogorsk fortress for “murder” in a duel.

It was not by chance that Pushkin decided to contrast Grinev with Shvabrina. Grinev is a representative of the ancient patriarchal nobility, close to the people with their spiritual values. Shvabrin – a secular adventurer, an egoist, an atheist, who has nothing sacred in his soul. In this regard, Shvabrin’s betrayal, and then his denunciation of Grinev, is natural.

Shvabrin's meanness and moral uncleanliness are manifested in all episodes associated with him. When he first meets Grinev, Shvabrin allows himself to speak disrespectfully about the family of Captain Mironov, Vasilisa Egorovna and Masha, while taking advantage of their hospitality.

Shvabrin mocks Grinev’s poems, while allowing himself to make insulting remarks about Masha. Having provoked Grinev into a duel, he vilely strikes his opponent at the moment when Petrusha turns around at Savelich’s cry.

Apparently, it was Shvabrin who reported the duel to old Grinev, hoping that Petrusha, at the request of his father, would be transferred from the Belogorsk fortress to another place.

Shvabrin acts like a traitor, going over to Pugachev’s side at the moment of capturing the fortress. Having been appointed commandant of the fortress by Pugachev, Shvabrin forcibly restrains Masha, keeps her captive, trying to force her to marry him.

He tries to deceive Pugachev at the moment when he and Grinev arrive at the fortress to free Masha.

Finally, having been arrested for serving Pugachev, Shvabrin slanderes Grinev, and his slander becomes the main reason for Petrusha’s arrest.

Some cameo and mentioned persons

In Pushkin's novel there are a large number of episodic and simply mentioned persons. Let's name some of them.

Prince B., a major of the guard, a St. Petersburg relative and patron of the Grinevs, personifies Petrusha’s dreams of serving in the capital. It should be noted that Prince B. is not only ready to provide protection to Petrusha upon entering service in the Semenovsky regiment (as we know, Grinev the father refused this protection), but also shows concern for the Grinevs at a difficult moment for them: he informs his parents of information about Petrusha when he is under arrest.

Master of the skill(a small inn), a Yaik Cossack “about sixty years old, still fresh and vigorous,” who sheltered Grinev and Savelich during a snowstorm, Pugachev’s interlocutor in allegorical conversations, represents a bright folk character.

Mutilated Bashkir, whom Captain Mironov was going to torture (chapter “Pugachevshchina”), reminds the reader of the cruelty of the authorities towards the people. It is no coincidence that this particular character becomes the executioner at the moment of execution of the defenders of the fortress in the chapter “Attack”.

On the contrary, baptized KalmykYulay, personifying loyalty to duty, turned out to be a victim of the rebels.

Anna Vlasevna, the wife of the stationmaster, an unusually kind woman who sincerely strives to help Masha at the time of her arrival in Tsarskoe Selo, turns out to be at the same time a carrier of all kinds of gossip and gossip, an expert in “all the mysteries of court life.”

Historical figures

Historical figures also act and are mentioned in the novel. Let's give a few examples.

Catherine II- Russian empress. Pushkin paints her as majestic, powerful, but at the same time simple, merciful and warm-hearted. The image of Catherine is correlated with the image of Pugachev. Despite all the differences in the appearances of these two historical figures, they are united in the author’s view by one thing: common feature- ability to be merciful.

Afanasy Sokolov (Khlopusha) and corporal Beloborodov- associates of Pugachev. Each of Pugachev’s comrades in his own way highlights the character of the leader of the uprising. Beloborodov personifies the cruelty, uncompromisingness, and mercilessness of the rebels towards their enemies; Khlopusha - generosity and folk wisdom.

Count Minich- a military man and statesman who served at the court of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna and, in particular, commanded the army in the Russian-Turkish war of 1735–1739. In 1742, he was exiled by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna to Siberia. The mention of Count Minich in the first chapter allows us to judge that Grinev the father was already in mature years: He was at least fifty years old.

Sumarokov And Trediakovsky- authors of the 18th century, mentioned by Grinev and Shvabrin. The names of these writers, as well as the authors of the epigraphs introduced to individual chapters ( Knyazhnin,Kheraskov,Fonvizin), help Pushkin recreate the flavor of the era.

Prince Golitsyn And Ivan Ivanovich Mikhelson- military leaders who took part in the suppression of the Pugachev rebellion.

Pugachev

Leader of the popular uprising Emelyan Pugachev- the most striking image in “The Captain's Daughter”. Pugachev – one of the central persons in the work (along with Grinev and Masha).

Pugachev is a real historical figure who appears before the reader in an artistic interpretation of Pushkin. The writer interprets his personality in his own way, showing the hero in fictional situations, in clashes with fictional characters. This is the uniqueness of revealing the character of the hero within the genre framework of a historical novel.

It is also significant that it is not Pushkin himself who talks about Pugachev, but a fictional character and at the same time the narrator Pyotr Andreevich Grinev. The memoir form, thus, helps Pushkin show Pugachev from the perspective of an eyewitness to the events of the popular uprising.

A distinctive personality trait of Pugachev is inconsistency, contrast of mental qualities.

The hero is distinguished by a number of opposing character traits. This capacity for mercy, feeling of gratitude and extreme cruelty, indomitable love of freedom and at the same time ruthlessness to everyone who stands in his way, cunning and at the same time spiritual simplicity,military talent And impotence in relation to his own associates, love of life and awareness of his own doom.

Pugachev's character is revealed in comparison with other characters, in numerous episodes works, in the narrator's judgment, as well as in chapter titles, V epigraphs to individual chapters and in works of folk art, used by Pushkin not only in epigraphs, but also in the main text of the work. This is, in particular, song“Don’t make noise, mother green oak tree...”, as well as Kalmyk fairy tale about the eagle and the raven. In addition, the narrator draws portrait Pugacheva, characterizes him speech. The novel also uses other means of revealing the character of the leader of the uprising. This is, for example, scenery– description of the snowstorm, dream Grineva.

Let's look at a few proverbs, used by the writer when creating the image of Pugachev. They emphasize the alertness of the hero’s mind, his ingenuity, and the people’s view of the world. For example, releasing Grinev on all four sides (chapter “Uninvited Guest”), Pugachev says: “To execute is to execute, to have mercy is to have mercy.” The proverb emphasizes the breadth of Pugachev’s soul and at the same time the polarity of his character, the combination of cruelty and mercy in his nature. It is significant that in the chapter “Orphan” the hero again utters a similar proverb: “Execute like that, execute like that, favor like that.” It turns out that Pugachev is capable of not only pardoning Grinev and Masha, but also helping them from the bottom of his heart.

Pugachev's ability to be grateful for good is also noted by the proverb. “A debt is worth paying,” Pugachev says to Grinev in the chapter “Rebel Settlement,” apparently recalling the hare’s sheepskin coat.

Plot and compositional features. Brief analysis of the work by chapters

In "The Captain's Daughter" fourteen chapters.

The novel as a whole and each individual chapter are preceded by epigraphs. Total in the work seventeen epigraphs. Sixteen precede the fourteen chapters of the novel, one precedes the entire work.

Pushkin borrowed the texts of epigraphs from two sources:from the works of Russian writers of the 18th century and from works of folk art. The writer thereby sought, firstly, to recreate flavor of the era, secondly, to convey the element of people's life, worldview of the people.

Sometimes the writer resorted to hoaxes: Thus, the epigraph to the chapter “Rebel Settlement” was invented by Pushkin, and not taken from Sumarokov, as indicated in the text. The epigraph to the chapter “Orphan” was also written by the poet himself, based on a folk song.

Before analyzing the novel chapter by chapter, let us pay attention to epigraph to the entire work: “Take care of your honor from a young age.” This epigraph (part of a proverb) focuses the reader’s attention on the most important moral problem of the novel - the problem of human honor and dignity.

Based on the plot works – love story of Petrusha Grinev and Masha Mironova.

First chapter entitled "Sergeant of the Guard" can be considered as exposition of the image of Grinev.

Self chapter title contains irony: the reader soon learns that Petrusha received the rank of sergeant while still in the womb. The chapter is preceded by epigraph from Knyazhnin. This epigraph, just like the title, sets the narrative about Grinev’s adolescence ironic tone:

“If only he were a guard captain tomorrow.”

- That’s not necessary; Let him serve in the army.

- Well said! Let him push...

.......................................

Who's his father?

In the first chapter, Pushkin gives a laconic, but very bright a picture of provincial landowner life, picture education of a noble youth. Unlike Onegin, Grinev was almost not affected by his upbringing in the French style. The French tutor, Monsieur Beaupré, turned out to be a drunkard and red tape, for which he was expelled from the house by Grinev’s father. Monsieur Beaupré is contrasted with Savelich, Grinev’s serf uncle, a man of firm moral rules.

Despite all the irony of the first chapter, the author emphasizes a very serious fact: Grinev comes from an old noble family. His family highly appreciates honor,noble dignity. From this point of view, the decision of Grinev’s father to send his son to serve not in the guard, but in the army, is important. Symbolically parting words from Grinev Sr.: “Take care of your dress again, and take care of your honor from a young age.” This proverb in a truncated form became the epigraph to the entire novel.

The first chapter ends Simbirsk episode. For the first time Grinev had to defend noble honor in a very comical situation. Grinev demands money from Savelich’s servant to pay his billiards loss to Zurin.

Chapter two called " Counselor" This word is used by Pushkin in an outdated meaning: “a guide showing the way.” However, the word “counselor” also has another meaning, symbolic meaning: in the counselor the reader guesses the future leader of the popular uprising.

To the chapter “Counselor” epigraph taken from an old recruiting song; Pushkin made minor changes to its text. Let's quote it in full:

Is it my side, my side,

Unfamiliar side!

Was it not I who came upon you?

Wasn’t it a good horse that brought me:

She brought me, good fellow,

Agility, good cheerfulness

And the tavern's hop drink.

It is difficult to say for sure which of the characters the words of the folk song refer to. Ironically, partly to Grinev. After a drinking session with Zurin, a loss at billiards, a quarrel with Savelich and an “inglorious” departure from Simbirsk, the hero ended up in a “side” that was truly unfamiliar to him. For Pugachev, this “side” was not unfamiliar. This becomes obvious from Grinev’s conversation with the “counselor” during a snowstorm. “The side is familiar to me,” answered the traveler, “thank God, it’s well-trodden and traveled far and wide.” The epigraph also contrasts with the title of this chapter – “Counselor”. After all, the “counselor” can only be on the “outside”, familiar to him.

And yet, in the second chapter, which is an exposition of the image of Pugachev, the content of the epigraph is connected primarily with the character of the future leader of the uprising. The epigraph predicts the most important traits of Pugachev: breadth of nature, brave prowess, blood connection with the people.

Next, consider the known description of the snowstorm, preceding Grinev’s meeting with the counselor, Pugachev: “Meanwhile, the wind became stronger hour by hour. The cloud turned into a white cloud, which rose heavily, grew and gradually covered the sky. It began to snow lightly and suddenly began to fall in flakes. The wind howled; there was a snowstorm. In an instant, the dark sky merged with the snowy sea. Everything has disappeared."

It is important to emphasize symbolic meaning images of a snowstorm. Buran personifies popular anger, popular indignation, the element of rebellion, the participants and witnesses of which will be the heroes of the novel. It's no coincidence from the snowstorm for the first time before the reader the figure of Pugachev looms, still shrouded in a mysterious veil.

The central compositional element of the second chapter is Grinev’s dream. As you know, the role of sleep in the composition of a work is twofold.

Firstly, it contains “something prophetic", as the narrator puts it. Indeed: in this dream they predict major events in the life of Grinev, his bride, and also Pugachev; the inextricable connection between the destinies of these heroes is revealed. Let us note that the technique of “prophetic” sleep is used by Pushkin more than once (remember Tatyana’s dream in “Eugene Onegin”).

Secondly, in a dream the most significant, and polar facets of Pugachev’s character: cruelty and mercy.

The paradox of the situation recreated in Grinev’s dream is that the hero’s mother asks her son to receive a blessing from a man with a black beard, who strongly reminds us of a counselor; The man himself in Grinev’s dream acts as a “planted father,” that is, a person who plays the role of the parent of the bride or groom at a wedding. As we learn from the further narration, it is Pugachev who will play decisive role in rescuing Masha from captivity and “blessing” Grinev and his bride for marriage.

An important compositional element of the second chapter is the description of appearance, portrait of Pugachev. Details such as “hair cut into a circle”, “armyak”, “harem pants” emphasize that Pugachev looks here like a poor Cossack, even a “tramp”. The main thing in his appearance is not his clothes, but his facial expression, his eyes: “...his big, lively eyes just ran around. His face had a rather pleasant, but roguish expression.” Analysis of Pugachev’s portrait helps us identify originality his personality.

Analysis of the next episode (the counselor’s conversation with the owner of the skill) allows us to get acquainted with this form of allegory used by Pushkin in his work, such as conversation using proverbs and sayings(“They began to ring for vespers, but the priest did not say: the priest is visiting, the devils are in the graveyard”; “There will be rain, there will be fungi; and there will be fungi, there will be a body”).

Next important episode second chapter - scene with a hare sheepskin coat. Grinev's generosity, as it turned out later, it served him well. The significance of this episode is not only that it characterizes Grinev as a person in whose soul a feeling of gratitude is alive. Subsequently, we will see that Pugachev also knows how to value goodness. " Strange" friendship between Pugachev and Grinev, thanks to which Grinev’s life was saved at the tragic moment of the capture of the fortress by the rebels and thanks to which he was able to free his bride, it began precisely with the “rabbit sheepskin coat.”

Ends the chapter Orenburg episode- Grinev’s meeting with the general. The appearance of Andrei Karlovich is depicted by the writer in contrast with the appearance of Pugachev. The general's description indicates ironic attitude towards him on the part of the narrator.

The insignificance of the general sets off Pugachev’s natural intelligence, ingenuity, and breadth of nature.

So, we see how compositional elements that are different in nature (the title of the chapter, the epigraph to it, the description of the snowstorm, Grinev’s dream, the portrait of the “counselor”, the “thief’s” conversation, the episode with the hare sheepskin coat, the Orenburg episode) are subordinated to the main goal - to identify significant features of the leader of the popular uprising Pugachev.

Chapter three novel called "Kr e post" can also be considered as expositional.

The chapter is prefaced two epigraphs. The first is taken from a soldier's song:

We live in a fort

We eat bread and drink water...

It sets the reader up to perceive the garrison life of a “fortress” lost in the steppes.

The second epigraph is taken from D.I. Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor”: “Old people, my father.” The epigraph prepares us for a meeting with the family of Captain Mironov.

In the third chapter, Pushkin introduces a number of new characters into the narrative. This is Ivan Kuzmich Mironov, the commandant of the fortress, his wife Vasilisa Egorovna, their daughter Masha, the Mironovs’ serf maid Palashka. In addition, this is the crooked lieutenant Ivan Ignatich, the Cossack constable Maksimych, the priest Father Gerasim, the priest Akulina Pamfilovna, who appears in subsequent chapters, and other characters.

Highly appreciating "The Captain's Daughter", N.V.Gogol claimed that in the novel “for the first time, truly Russian characters appeared: a simple commandant of the fortress, a captain’s wife, a lieutenant... the simple greatness of ordinary people."

In the third chapter we meet a negative character - Shvabrin.

The third chapter also contains exposition of a love affair, in which they will participate three characters: Grinev, Masha and Shvabrin. The honest and simple-minded Grinev is contrasted with the two-faced, hypocritical, selfish Shvabrin.

Chapters four and five contains development of love affair before the events of the Pugachev rebellion began. The fourth chapter, entitled “ Duel"contains an important episode in the development of a love affair - duel scene.Epigraph from Knyazhnin, preceding the fourth chapter, executed irony:

- If you please, get into position.

Look, I'll pierce your figure!

Although the chapter as a whole is written in an ironic vein, for the first time Pushkin’s hero has to truly follow his father’s commandment: in a duel with Shvabrin, he defends the girl’s good name. Being wounded, Grinev gains moral victory over your opponent.

Chapter Five entitled "Love" precede two epigraphs. Both taken from folk songs. Let's quote the first epigraph:

Oh you girl, you red girl!

Don’t go, girl, you’re young to get married;

You ask, girl, father, mother,

Father, mother, tribe;

Save up your mind, girl,

Mind-blowing, dowry.

The second epigraph reads as follows:

If you find me better, you will forget me,

If you find me worse, you will remember.

These epigraphs were not used by Pushkin by chance. They emphasize connection between the image of Masha Mironova and the folk poetic element.The motive of the love of Masha and Peter sounds in a folk-poetic vein. The author of the novel seeks to emphasize that the character of the heroine, most fully revealed in her selfless feelings for Grinev, is closely connected with folk roots.

Play a large role in the novel letters. In particular, in the fifth chapter we get acquainted with the letter of the old man Grinev to his son, his letter to Savelich and Savelich’s answer to the master.

The fifth chapter reveals another facet of Masha Mironova’s personality - her sincere faith in God and the deepest humility before His will. Masha refuses to marry Grinev against the wishes of his parents.

As a result, in the fifth chapter the love story reaches a dead end. It is at this critical moment historical events invade the personal destinies of the heroes and change everything. This is what Grinev writes about this in his memoirs: “Unexpected events that had important influences on my whole life suddenly gave my soul a strong and beneficial shock.” It is here, at this moment, that it becomes obvious that the plot, limited to the relationships of a narrow circle of people, is interrupted. Begins to develop main, “main” storyline, into which historical events are woven.

Thus, personal and general, man and history end up at Pushkin's bound by inextricable bonds.

The story about the events of the popular uprising opens chapter six novel called " Pugachevshchina" The chapter is preceded by epigraph from a folk song:

You young guys, listen up

What will we old men say?

The epigraph sets the reader in a serious, solemn mood. It feels a tragic reflection of the events of the Pugachev rebellion.

Central episode chapters - scene of the interrogation of a mutilated Bashkir. Pushkin notes the unconscious cruelty of Captain Mironov, who without hesitation gives the order to torture the Bashkir (we note, however, that it did not come to torture).

Significant judgment of Grinev the narrator on this matter, reflecting the author’s position: “Young man! If my notes fall into your hands, remember that the best and most lasting changes are those that come from improving morals, without any violent upheaval.”

Central episodes chapters “Attack” - heroic death of the fortress defenders And Grinev's miraculous escape from execution.

The chapter “Attack” is preceded by epigraph from a folk song “My head, my little head...” In the epigraph the tragic death of Captain Mironov is predicted- a man from the people who laid down his life in public service. Having shown courage and heroism in the defense of the fortress, Captain Mironov dies, preferring death to the oath to Pugachev. Lieutenant Ivan Ignatievich also repeats the feat of his commander.

In compositional terms, it is important that execution of the fortress defenders is happening after described in the previous chapter interrogation of a mutilated Bashkir and that it is the Bashkir who takes an active part in the execution. The author seeks to emphasize what is hidden from the gaze of Grinev the narrator: the cruelty of the people is a response to the cruelty of the authorities.

In the chapter “Attack” Pugachev appears as talented leader rebels, who stormed the fortress with almost no losses, and as a capable politician who managed to quickly win over not only the Cossacks, but also other inhabitants of the fortress - representatives of the common people.

In addition, in this chapter, Pugachev first appears before the reader in the role of “ king" There is a significant contrast between Pugachev the tramp in the chapter “Counselor” and Pugachev the “sovereign” in the chapter “Attack”. Let us note that this role, the role of the impostor king, is revealed in “The Captain’s Daughter” not only in a tragic, but also in a comic way, which becomes apparent in subsequent chapters.

In the chapter “Attack,” Pugachev’s mercy towards Grinev also appears for the first time. Pugachev goes against his own principles (in fact, Grinev refuses to kiss Pugachev’s hand and swear allegiance to him) and has mercy on Grinev.

However mercy coexists with cruelty in Pugachev’s nature. Immediately after the scene of Grinev's pardon comes the scene of the brutal murder of Vasilisa Egorovna.

In the eighth chapter entitled "Uninvited guest" reveals itself to the reader the tragic meaning of a popular uprising. Himself name In the chapter, the author emphasizes that Pugachev brought death and human suffering to the Belogorsk fortress.

Epigraph to the chapter “Uninvited Guest” becomes proverb “An uninvited guest is worse than a Tatar.” Pugachev, finding himself in the fortress as an “uninvited guest,” sows death and destruction here.

The central episode of the chapter is Pugachev’s “military council”. Grinev talks about how the rioters sing barge hauler song “Don’t make noise, mother green oak girl...”. Grinev did not understand the meaning of the “song about the gallows, sung by people doomed to the gallows.” However, both the author and the reader understand that the participants in the uprising are singing about their own doom. Pugachev and his comrades are aware that a brutal execution awaits them. Nevertheless, they are ready to continue the fight. This is the tragic meaning of the song. Thus, in the chapter “Uninvited Guest” it is revealed the tragic meaning of the figure of Pugachev and the entire popular uprising.

The same chapter talks about Pugachev’s mercy towards Grinev. Pugachev releases Grinev on all four sides. “To execute is to execute, to be merciful is to be merciful,” declares Pugachev. The proverb reveals the breadth of Pugachev’s soul and at the same time the “polarity” of his character: cruelty in his soul coexists with mercy.

In the ninth chapter entitled " Parting» love story Grinev and Masha, having moved from the dead point, receive further development. Love for Masha, concern for the orphan and the need to urgently go to Orenburg confront Grinev with a painful choice: Grinev decides to go to Orenburg, obeying his duty and at the same time hoping to achieve the speedy liberation of the Belogorsk fortress and save Masha.

The chapter “Separation” is preceded by epigraph from Kheraskov, reflecting Grinev’s internal state at the moment of separation from Masha:

It was sweet to recognize

Me, beautiful, with you;

It's sad, it's sad to leave,

Sad, as if with a soul.

Grinev's departure to Orenburg is accompanied by two comic episodes. First episode – reading by Savelich compiled by him " registry» Grinev’s belongings plundered by the Pugachevites. Here the figure of Pugachev appears before us in a comic way: he also appears illiteracy"sovereign"(“Our bright eyes cannot make out anything here”), and his craftiness, and a “fit of generosity”: the “tsar” does not punish the “old brat” for his daring act.

Second comic episode meeting of Grinev with Maksimych, who gave Grinev a horse and a fur coat from Pugachev, but “lost half a sum of money along the way.” Grinev reacted complacently to Maksimych’s cunning, and he will subsequently do Grinev a favor by giving him a letter from Masha.

In the tenth chapter entitled "Siege of the City" tells about the events associated with the siege of Orenburg. At the same time, the love affair receives an unexpected continuation. The chapter is prefaced epigraph, taken from Kheraskov, in ironic tones describing Pugachev’s plans:

Having occupied the meadows and mountains,

From the top, like an eagle, he cast his gaze upon the city.

Behind the camp he ordered to build a rampart

And, hiding the Peruns in it, bring them under the hail in the night.

At first tenthchapters Pushkin draws a terrifying picture, confirming the author’s idea that the cruelty of the rebels is a reaction to the cruelty of the authorities. “Approaching Orenburg, we saw a crowd of convicts, with faces disfigured by the executioner’s tongs,” the narrator writes.

Next Pushkin draws "military council" in Orenburg. Compositionally, it is obvious contrast between the general’s advice and Pugachev’s advice(note here the author's use principle of antithesis). The narrator conveys the narrow-mindedness of the general and officials, who are unable to oppose anything to Pugachev’s ingenuity and military skill.

The next episode is extremely important for the development of the plot of the work: Grinev receives letter from Masha. Grinev's unauthorized absence from Orenburg becomes a turning point in the action of the novel.

Letter fromMasha sheds light on the true essence of Pugachev’s nature. The letter mentions a real, and not fictional by Pushkin, episode from the life of the leader of the uprising: it contains an indication of Pugachev’s terrible reprisal against the family of officer Kharlov - the murder of Kharlov himself, the abuse and subsequent massacre of his wife, the murder of her little brother. This fact is described in detail by Pushkin in “The History of the Pugachev Revolt.” Here the author simply reminds the reader of the cruelty of the rebellion and its leader.

Chapter Eleven is climactic in disclosure Pugachev's character and, perhaps, in the author’s understanding the fate of the entire popular revolt. The chapter is preceded by epigraph, which composed by Pushkin himself, although he attributed it to Sumarokov. The epigraph is not without irony:

At that time the lion was well-fed, even though he had always been ferocious.

“Why did you deign to welcome me to my den?” –

He asked kindly.

In the eleventh chapter introduces the reader to associates of Pugachev, Corporal Beloborodov and Afanasy Sokolov, nicknamed Khlopusha. Each of Pugachev’s comrades in his own way highlights the character of the leader of the uprising. Beloborodov personifies the cruelty, uncompromisingness, and mercilessness of the rebels towards their enemies; Khlopusha - generosity and folk wisdom.

Key role in the composition of not only the eleventh chapter, but also the entire work, the story told by Pugachev to Grinev plays Kalmyk fairy tale about an eagle and a raven. The fairy tale reveals the main thing in Pugachev’s character, namely, his ineradicable love of freedom. “Rather than eat carrion for three hundred years, it’s better to drink living blood once, and then what God will give!” - exclaims the hero. These words contain Pugachev’s life principle, denied by the narrator.“To live by murder and robbery means, for me, to peck at carrion,”- Grinev states in response.

If the eleventh chapter is the culmination in revealing the character of Pugachev, then chapter twelve entitled "Orphan" contains the climax in the development of the love plot line. Grinev, with the assistance of Pugachev, frees Masha from the power of Shvabrin. Pugachev releases Grinev and Masha. “Execute like that, execute like that, favor like that,”- says Pugachev. Peter and Masha are going to get married.

The chapter is preceded by epigraph,written ourselves Pushkin based on a folk wedding song“Like our apple tree...” The choice of such an epigraph (as well as the epigraph to the chapter “Love”) is not accidental: as already noted, Pushkin invariably correlates the image of Masha Mironova with folk poetic images and motifs.

Masha's liberation becomes turning point in development plot. Peter and his bride go to his parents' estate; the hero is going to continue his service.

Main Event thirteenth chapter indicated in its title. This Grinev's arrest. However, the content of this chapter is not limited to this episode. In the thirteenth chapter, Pushkin tells the reader about results of the Pugachev uprising.

The chapter "Arrest" is preceded by epigraph from Knyazhnin, preceding the story of Grinev’s arrest:

- Don’t be angry, sir: according to my duty

I must send you to prison right now.

- If you please, I'm ready; but I'm so hopeful

Allow me to explain the matter first.

IN historical excursion at the beginning of the thirteenth chapter the narrator, making a brief overview of the events of the Pugachev rebellion, tells about its gravest consequences- fires, destruction, robberies, general ruin, impoverishment of the people. Grinev completes the story of the events of the Pugachev rebellion with the famous maxim: “God forbid that we see a Russian revolt, senseless and merciless.” The narrator's point of view is apparently shared by Pushkin himself.

Here, in the thirteenth chapter, Pushkin tries, from Grinev’s position, to reveal the ambiguity of Pugachev’s personality. Extremely important here are Grinev’s deeply personal confessions regarding Pugachev: “The thought of him was inseparable in me from the thought of the mercy he gave me in one of the terrible moments of his life, and of the deliverance of my bride from the hands of the vile Shvabrin.” Thus, in Grinev’s mind, Pugachev’s cruelty and mercy turn out to be inextricably linked. It seems that this view of the hero is shared by the author of the work.

Chapter fourteen entitled " Court» contains the final plot of the work is the story of Masha’s meeting with Catherine II, about how the heroine asked the empress to have mercy on her fiancé. Here we also find a peculiar epilogue–publisher's words ending the novel.

The last chapter of the novel, entitled "The Trial", is preceded by epigraph, as which Pushkin used proverb:

Worldly rumor -

Sea wave.

In fact, the rumor about Grinev’s alleged betrayal turns out to be unusually strong, like sea wave. However, a wave will pass and it will be gone. The same can be said about word of mouth.

The chapter “Court” is extremely important for understanding the character of Grinev. Having been arrested due to Shvabrin’s slander, Grinev, however, retains pep,doesn't lose hope. It especially helps him here living faith in God, in His good providence. “I resorted to the consolation of all those who mourned and, for the first time tasting the sweetness of prayer, poured out from a pure but torn heart, I fell asleep calmly, not caring about what would happen to me,” Grinev writes in his memoirs.

During the interrogation, Grinev decides to tell the whole truth, but, not wanting to “involve” Masha’s name “between the vile reports of the villains and bring her to a confrontation with them,” the hero cannot tell everything. Having shown dedication, Grinev is forced to become a victim of false accusations and await severe punishment.

In the center of the fourteenth chapter image of Catherine II. Pushkin draws the Empress majestic, domineering, but at the same time simple, gracious and heartfelt. Her image is correlated with the image of Pugachev. Despite all the differences in the appearances of these two historical figures, they are united in the author’s view by one common feature - the ability to show mercy.

Although Grinev was not a traitor, his actions required punishment. Catherine showed mercy towards Grinev. In Catherine’s merciful gesture, Pushkin’s contemporaries rightly saw the fact of Pushkin’s intercession with Nicholas I on behalf of his Decembrist friends.

The act of Masha Mironova, who fearlessly took care of her fiancé and did not abandon him in his hour of trial, evokes admiration. In the image main character novel, Pushkin continued his own tradition of depicting Russian women, which he began in Eugene Onegin. The image of Masha Mironova reveals the most important facet of Pushkin's the ideal of a selfless Russian woman.

publisher”, behind which it is no longer Grinev who is hiding, but Pushkin himself. The final words of the “publisher” can be seen as a kind of epilogue to the novel.

Here we talk about execution of Pugachev, which was attended by Grinev. Pugachev “recognized him in the crowd and nodded his head to him, which a minute later, dead and bloody, was shown to the people.” This is what happened last meeting Pugacheva with Grinev. The execution of Pugachev is a tragic ending storyline, telling about the popular uprising and its leader.

Next, the “publisher” talks about Grinev’s marriage and his offspring. Family happiness and many children of Masha and Grinev, which we learn from the words of the publisher at the end of the work, become a reward for the heroic feat of selfless service to each other.

So, we see that in the plot structure of the novel, both love affair, so historical events,closely intertwined with each other.

Epigraphs, preceding each chapter of the work, as a rule, focus the reader's attention on the most significant episodes,revealing wherein author's position.

The plot-compositional structure of the work allows Pushkin to most fully reveal the personality of Pugachev, to reveal the tragic meaning of the popular uprising, and also, using the example of Pyotr Grinev, Masha, and other characters, to comprehend such moral problems, like mercy and cruelty, honor and dishonor, to illuminate the most essential aspects of the Russian national character.

On the one side, author"The Captain's Daughter" I largely agree with the memoirist in the assessment of the Pugachev uprising. So, Pushkin could not help but realize the cruelty of the rebels, the destructive power of the uprising. The narrator’s view of the “senseless and merciless” Russian revolt (chapter “Arrest”) apparently coincides with the author’s position, as does Grinev’s point of view that “the best and most lasting changes are those that come from improving morals, without any violent upheavals" (chapter "Pugachevism").

On the other side, Pushkin, unlike Grinev, understands the meaning of the uprising much more deeply. So, the writer shows objective historical reasons for the uprising, its inevitability. He realizes that The cruelty of the rebels is a response to the cruelty of the authorities. Pushkin sees in the uprising not only a destructive force, but also the people's desire for freedom. At the same time, it is clear to the writer the tragic doom of the rebels. Finally, Pushkin reveals to the reader the poetic element that accompanies the people in their freedom-loving aspirations.

The most important means of expressing the author’s position is plot works. Love story of Grinev and Masha, crowned with a happy marriage, confirms the author’s idea that severe trials tempered the souls of heroes and prefaced them prosperous life and many children as a reward for them courage and fidelity in love, manifested in the tragic year of the Pugachev rebellion.

In identifying author's position Pushkin's mastery of composition. Not by chance episodes of government violence precede episodes of rebel violence. So, for example, in the sixth chapter the reader sees for the first time a mutilated Bashkir. Then this same Bashkir becomes one of the main executors of the execution of the defenders of the fortress.

The author expresses his position through character system. So, for example, the writer contrasts the noble Grinev with the vile Shvabrin. The image of Pugachev is shaded by the images of his associates - Khlopushi and Beloborodov.

The author’s position was especially evident in works of folk art, which the writer used in the novel. Thus, the song “Don’t make noise, mother green oak tree...” evokes “pyitic horror” in Grinev. The author sees a deep meaning in this song: it reveals the tragic essence of the uprising.

Grinev rejected main idea Kalmyk fairy tale about an eagle and a raven, told by Pugachev. “To live by murder and robbery means, for me, to peck at carrion,” says Grinev. Meanwhile, it is clear to both the author and the reader that this tale reveals the ineradicable love of freedom of the people.

Proverbs, used by Pugachev (“Execute like this, execute like this, have mercy like this, have mercy”, “Execute like this, execute like this, favor like this”), also indicate the author’s position in relation to Pugachev. These proverbs emphasize the breadth of Pugachev’s soul and at the same time the polarity of his character, the combination of cruelty and mercy in his nature. It turns out that Pugachev is capable of not only pardoning Grinev and Masha, but also helping them with all his heart.

The author's position is also expressed through chapter titles. So, for example, in the title “Guard Sergeant” there is irony. The title of the second chapter - “Counselor” - along with the outdated meaning (“guide”) has another, symbolic meaning: the author hints to the reader that the story will be about the leader of the popular uprising.

As is known, epigraphs for each chapter of the novel selected not a storyteller, but “publisher”, behind whom the author himself is hidden. Thus, the epigraphs also express the author’s position.

At the end last chapter takes the word " publisher”, behind which it is no longer Grinev who is hiding, but Pushkin himself. The final words of the “publisher” can be seen as a kind of author’s epilogue to the novel.

Thus, we see that in "The Captain's Daughter", historical novel written in memoir form, the author was able to express his a position different from that of the narrator. To express his position, the author uses various compositional means, works of folk art, epigraphs, as well as an appeal to the reader at the end of the work on behalf of the “publisher”.

Questions and tasks

1. Why did Pushkin show special interest in the topic of popular revolt in the 1830s? What Pushkin works on this topic prepared the writing of “The Captain’s Daughter”? Briefly describe its topic.

2. What problems did Pushkin raise in “The Captain’s Daughter”? Formulate and comment on them.

3. Describe the ideological orientation of Pushkin’s novel. What is the manifestation of the writer’s ambiguous attitude towards the popular uprising, its leader, and other heroes of the work?

4. Comment on the title of the novel.

5. Why can “The Captain’s Daughter” be called a realistic work? How is the novel's historicism manifested? What specific historical types does Pushkin recreate here? What are the features of romanticism?

6. Describe the genre specifics of “The Captain’s Daughter”. Why can we say that it has the features of a historical novel? What goals did the author pursue by choosing the memoir form of narration?

7. What can you say about Grinev, the central character of “The Captain’s Daughter” and the narrator? How do the two hero roles compare? What artistic means does the author use to create the image of Grinev?

8. Briefly describe the images of Andrei Petrovich and Avdotya Vasilievna Grinev. What traits did Petrusha inherit from his parents?

9. Compare the characters of Savelich and Monsieur Beaupre. What qualities of the serf Petrusha are highlighted through the image of the French teacher? Name the most important episodes of the work that characterize Savelich. How is the image of Savelich correlated with the image of Pugachev?

11. Tell us about the commandant of Orenburg, General Andrei Karlovich R. In what episodes is his character revealed? From what side does the image of the general set off the image of Pugachev?

12. Tell us about the Mironov family and its circle. What features of the Russian national character are revealed in the images of Ivan Kuzmich, Vasilisa Egorovna, Ivan Ignatich, father Gerasim and Akulina Pamfilovna? Why is the image of the constable Maksimych interesting?

13. Describe Masha Mironova as the main female character in the novel. What features of a Russian woman are combined in the spiritual appearance of Masha? What are the similarities between Captain Mironov’s daughter and Tatyana Larina? What distinguishes the two heroines? What is the role of Masha Mironova in the plot of the work? What artistic techniques does the author use to create her image? Also note the character traits of the maid Palasha, Masha’s faithful companion.

13. Consider the image of Shvabrin, the antagonist of Grinev. What qualities of this character make him the opposite of the main character? What, from the author’s point of view, are the reasons for Shvabrin’s spiritual baseness?

14. List the episodic persons you know in the novel and briefly describe them.

15. What real historical figures act or are mentioned in the work? Give them a brief description. Tell us more about Catherine II. What traits does the Empress show towards Masha and Pyotr Grinev? What goal did Pushkin pursue when creating the image of the gracious empress?

16. Consider in detail the image of Pugachev. What contradictions in the character of this hero does Pushkin reveal? What artistic means are used to create the image of the leader of the uprising?

17. Consider the general construction of The Captain's Daughter. How many chapters does it have? How many epigraphs? Where did the epigraphs come from and what is their role in the work? What is the basis of the plot of Pushkin's novel?

18. Name the expositional chapters of the novel and briefly describe them. What do we learn about Petrusha Grinev, his parents and educators from the first chapter? What life principles did Petrusha take away from his parents’ home?

20. How are the characters and morals of the inhabitants of the Belogorsk fortress revealed in the third chapter?

21. Describe the compositional role of the fourth and fifth chapters. How does the duel situation reveal the characters of Grinev, Shvabrin, Savelich, and other characters? What is the role of letters in the chapter “Love” and in the novel as a whole? Why is this chapter a turning point in the development of the plot?

22. Consider the main scenes of the sixth and seventh chapters of the novel, reveal their ideological meaning and compositional role. How does the scene of the interrogation of the Bashkir prepare the reader for the perception of the episode of the execution of the defenders of the fortress? How are the personalities of Captain Mironov, Vasilisa Egorovna, Ivan Ignatievich, Shvabrin, Grinev revealed in the chapter “Attack”? What does Pugachev look like in the seventh chapter?

23. Why is the song “Don’t make noise, mother green oak tree...”, heard in the eighth chapter of the novel, called one of the ideological centers of “The Captain’s Daughter”? What is the attitude of Grinev and the author of the work to this song?

24. Briefly describe the compositional role of the ninth chapter. Which of her episodes can be called comic? Why can we say that “The Captain’s Daughter” is sometimes distinguished by its tragicomic pathos?

25. What plot and compositional role does the chapter “Siege of the City” play? Briefly consider its main episodes.

26. Why is the eleventh chapter usually considered as the climax in the depiction of the popular uprising and in revealing the character of Pugachev? Reveal the ideological meaning of the tale of the eagle and the raven and the attitude of Pugachev, Grinev and the author to it.

27. For what reason is the twelfth chapter considered to be the culmination in the development of a love affair? What turn takes place here in the destinies of the main characters?

28. Comment on the ideological meaning of the final chapters of the novel. How do Grinev, and after him Pushkin, comprehend the results of the Pugachev uprising? What qualities does Peter display while under arrest? What is the role of the episode of Masha’s meeting with Catherine in the novel? What is the meaning of the original epilogue of the work - the words “from the publisher”?

30. Make an outline and prepare an oral report

summary of other presentations

“Pushkin’s novel “The Captain’s Daughter”” - What moral discoveries does Grinev’s upbringing in life bring to him? Why does Shvabrin cause our contempt? Think and answer. Why does Pushkin make Grinev the narrator? Sometimes Pugachev behaves truly like a king. Compare. Similarities with the wives of the Decembrists. Riddles of A.S. Pushkin in the story “The Captain's Daughter”. The mysteries of the novel are the mysteries of life. Check yourself.

“The Tale of A.S. Pushkin “The Captain's Daughter”” - Work on the ideological and artistic features of the story. The embodiment of honor and dignity in the story “The Captain's Daughter”. The motive of deception in literature. Fairy tales. Literary studies. Motive. The story of A. S. Pushkin “The Captain's Daughter”. Take care of your dress again, and take care of your honor from a young age. The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Captain's daughter. The motive of deception in the works of A. S. Pushkin. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.

“Historical basis of the “Captain's Daughter”” - Pugachev E. I. Uprising. Artists are illustrators. Position and status of various territories. Historians about Emelyan Pugachev. Ural Cossacks. Pugachev and his associates were executed. Working on a literary work. Historical background stories. Peasant War. Pugachev's court. Mass public demonstration. Pugachev, chained. Studies of "Pushkinists". Drawings by P. Sokolov. The significance of the historical work of A.S. Pushkin.

“The story “The Captain's Daughter”” - Detail. The role of household items in revealing character literary hero. Events of the story. Pogrebets. Armenian. To pay, or to pay for clothes - to mend, patch, put on, or sew on. Ratin is a woolen fabric for outerwear. I began to read a prayer to myself. Why are there disputes about the genre of The Captain's Daughter? Peter. Calico is a cheap grayish cotton fabric. Uniform - military or civilian uniform.

“The book “The Captain’s Daughter”” - That one should submit to the “will of God.” Shvabrin did not expect to find such a dangerous opponent in me. The attitude of the author and narrator towards people's war. “Our eternal companion” A.T. Tvardovsky. Stage I: Grinev’s life in his parents’ house. Chronicle? Collect material about Pugachev throughout the story. The uprising covered a large area and lasted a year and a half. A.S. Pushkin. Family notes? Independent oral work on the following questions:

“Pushkin’s work “The Captain’s Daughter”” - Novel. Realism. One of latest works A.S. Pushkin. Write in a notebook. "The Captain's Daughter" appears in the Sovremennik magazine. The significance of the historical work of A.S. Pushkin. The figure of the rebellious Pugachev. The story of Pugachev. How Pushkin wrote his Pugachev. Ideological and artistic position. "Captain's daughter".