A sad love story forms the basis of the story “The Garnet Bracelet”. Real, selfless, true love- it's deep and sincere feeling the main theme of the story of the great writer.
The history of the creation of the story “Garnet Bracelet”
Mine new story, which famous writer Kuprin conceived it as a story, Alexander Ivanovich began writing in the autumn of 1910 in the Ukrainian city of Odessa. He thought that he could write it in a few days, and even reports this in one of his letters to a friend, literary critic Klestov. He wrote to him that very soon he would send his new manuscript to a familiar book publisher. But the writer was wrong.
The story went beyond the required plot, and therefore took the writer not several days, as he planned, but several months. It is also known that the work is based on a story that actually happened. Alexander Ivanovich reports this in a letter to the philologist and friend Fyodor Batyushkov, when, describing to him how the work on the manuscript is going, they remind him of the history itself, which formed the basis of the work:
“This - remember? - the sad story of a small telegraph official P.P. Zheltikov, who was so hopelessly, touchingly and selflessly in love with Lyubimov’s wife (D.N. is now the governor in Vilna).”
He admitted in a letter to his friend Batyushkov, dated November 21, 1910, that work on a new work was going hard. He wrote:
“Now I’m writing “Bracelet,” but it’s not going well. Main reason- my ignorance of music... And the secular tone!
It is known that in December the manuscript was not yet ready, but work was intensively going on on it, and in one of the letters Kuprin himself gives an assessment of his manuscript, saying that the result is a rather “cute” thing that you don’t even want to crumple up .
The manuscript was published in 1911, when it was published in the magazine “Earth”. At that time, it also contained a dedication to Kuprin’s friend, the writer Klestov, who hosted live participation in its creation. The story “The Garnet Bracelet” also had an epigraph - the first line of music from one of Beethoven’s sonnets.
Plot of the story
The composition of the story consists of thirteen chapters. At the beginning of the story it is told how difficult it was for Princess Vera Nikolaevna Shein. After all, at the beginning of autumn she was still living at the dacha, when all the neighbors had long since moved to the city due to bad weather. The young woman could not do this, since her city house was being renovated. But soon the weather calmed down, and the sun even came out. With the warmth, my mood also improved main character.
In the second chapter, the reader learns that the princess’s birthday had to be celebrated with pomp, because this was required by her husband’s position. A celebration was scheduled for September 17, which was clearly beyond the family’s means. The thing is that her husband had been bankrupt for a long time, but still did not show it to others, although this affected the family: Vera Nikolaevna not only could not afford anything extra, she even saved on everything. On this day, her sister, with whom the princess was in good relations. Anna Nikolaevna Friesse was not at all like her sister, but her relatives were very attached to each other.
In the third chapter, the writer talks about the meeting of the sisters and about a walk by the sea, where Anna gave her valuable gift to her sister - notebook, which had a vintage cover. The fourth chapter takes the reader to that evening when guests began to arrive for the celebration. Among the other invitees was General Anosov, who was a friend of the girls’ father and had known the sisters since childhood. The girls called him grandfather, but they did it sweetly and with great respect and love.
The fifth chapter talks about how fun the evening was in the Sheins’ house. Prince Vasily Shein, Vera’s husband, constantly told stories that happened to his relatives and friends, but he did it so cleverly that the guests no longer even understood where the truth was and where it was fiction. Vera Nikolaevna was about to give the order to serve tea, but after counting the guests, she became very frightened. The princess was a superstitious woman, and there were thirteen guests at the table.
Going out to the maid, she learned that the messenger had brought a gift and a note. Vera Nikolaevna started with a note and immediately, from the first lines, realized that it was from her secret admirer. But she felt a little uneasy. The woman also looked at the bracelet, it was beautiful! But in front of the princess he stood important question about whether it is worth showing this gift to your husband.
The sixth chapter is the story of the princess and the telegraph operator. Vera’s husband showed his album with funny pictures and one of them was the story of his wife and a minor official. But it was not finished yet, so Prince Vasily began to simply tell it, not paying attention to the fact that his wife was against it.
In the seventh chapter, the princess says goodbye to the guests: some of them went home, while others settled on the summer terrace. Taking a moment, the young woman shows the letter from her secret admirer to her husband.
General Anosov, leaving in the eighth chapter, listens to the story of Vera Nikolaevna about the letters that the secret sender has been writing for a long time, and then tells the woman that true love is quite rare, but she was lucky. After all, this “madman” loves her selfless love, which every woman can dream of.
In the ninth chapter, the princess's husband and her brother discuss the bracelet case and come to the conclusion that this story has not only dragged on, but can also negatively affect the family's reputation. Before going to bed, they decide tomorrow to find this secret admirer of Vera Nikolaevna, return the bracelet to him and put an end to this story forever.
In the tenth chapter, Prince Vasily and the girl’s brother Nikolai find Zheltkov and ask to end this story forever. Vera Nikolaevna's husband felt the tragedy of his soul in this man, so he allows him to write a last letter to his wife. After reading this message, the princess immediately realized that this man would definitely do something to himself, for example, kill himself.
In the eleventh chapter, the princess learns about Zheltkov’s death and reads his last letter, where she remembers the following lines: “I tested myself - this is not a disease, not a manic idea - this is love with which God wanted to reward me for something. As I leave, I say in delight: “Hallowed be Thy name.” The princess decides to go to his funeral and look at this man. My husband doesn't mind.
The twelfth and thirteenth chapters are a visit to the deceased Zheltkov, reading his last message and the woman’s disappointment that true love has passed her by.
Characteristics of the characters
There are few characters in the work. But it’s worth dwelling in more detail on the main characters:
Vera Nikolaevna Sheina.
Mr. Zheltkov.
The main character of the story is Vera Nikolaevna Sheina. It comes from ancient noble family. Vera is liked by everyone around her, as she is very beautiful and sweet: a gentle face, an aristocratic figure. She has been married for six years. The husband occupies an important place in secular society, although he has financial problems. At Vera Nikolaevna's good education. She also has a brother Nikolai and a sister Anna. She lives with her husband somewhere on the Black Sea coast. Despite the fact that Vera is a superstitious woman and does not read newspapers at all, gambling she loves.
Another main and important character of the story is Mr. Zheltkov. The thin and tall man with nervous fingers was not a rich man. He looked about thirty-five years old. He serves in the control chamber, but holds a low position - a minor official. Kuprin characterizes him as a modest, well-mannered and noble person. Kuprin copied this image from real person. The prototype of the main character was the petty telegraph official P.P. Zheltikov.
There are other characters in this story:
✔ Anna.
✔ Nikolay
✔ The husband of the main character, Vasily Shein.
✔ General Anosov.
✔ Others.
Each of the characters played a role in the content of the story.
Details in the novel
The story “The Garnet Bracelet” contains many important details that allow us to more deeply reveal the content of the work. But especially among all these details, the garnet bracelet stands out. According to the plot, the main character Vera receives it as a gift from a secret admirer. But first, Zheltkov, who is a secret admirer, puts it in a bright red case.
Kuprin gives a detailed description of the bracelet, making one admire its beauty and sophistication: “It was gold, low-grade, very thick, but inflated and on the outside completely covered with small old, poorly polished garnets.” But special attention attracts further description precious bracelet: “In the middle of the bracelet rose, surrounding a strange little green stone, five beautiful cabochon garnets, each the size of a pea.”
The writer also talks about the history of this bracelet, thus emphasizing how important it was for the petty official Zheltkov. The writer writes that this expensive jewelry belonged to the great-grandmother of the protagonist, and the last person to wear it was his late mother, whom he loved very much and kept the warmest memories of her. The green garnet in the middle of the bracelet, according to the minor official, had its own old legend, which was passed down in the Zheltkov family from generation to generation. According to this legend, a person is freed from heavy thoughts, a woman also receives the gift of providence as a reward, and a man will be protected from any violent death.
Criticism of the story “The Garnet Bracelet”
Writers highly appreciated Kuprin's skill.
The first review of the work was given by Maxim Gorky in one of his letters in 1911. He was delighted with this story and constantly repeated that it was written wonderfully and that it was finally beginning good literature. Reading “The Garnet Bracelet” for the famous revolutionary writer Maxim Gorky became a real holiday. He wrote:
“And what an excellent thing “Garnet Bracelet” by Kuprin... Wonderful!”
Introduction
“The Garnet Bracelet” is one of the most famous stories by Russian prose writer Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin. It was published in 1910, but for the domestic reader it still remains a symbol of unselfish, sincere love, the kind that girls dream about, and the one that we so often miss. We previously published this wonderful work. In this same publication we will tell you about the main characters, analyze the work and talk about its problems.
The events of the story begin to unfold on the birthday of Princess Vera Nikolaevna Sheina. They celebrate at the dacha with their closest people. At the height of the fun, the hero of the occasion receives a gift - a garnet bracelet. The sender decided to remain unrecognized and signed the short note only with the initials of the HSG. However, everyone immediately guesses that this is Vera’s long-time admirer, a certain petty official who has been screwing her over for many years love letters. The princess's husband and brother quickly figure out the identity of the annoying suitor and the next day they go to his home.
In a wretched apartment they are met by a timid official named Zheltkov, he meekly agrees to take the gift and promises never to appear in front of the respectable family again, provided that he makes a final farewell call to Vera and makes sure that she does not want to know him. Vera Nikolaevna, of course, asks Zheltkov to leave her. The next morning the newspapers will write that a certain official took his own life. In his farewell note, he wrote that he had squandered government property.
Main characters: characteristics of key images
Kuprin is a master of portraiture, and through appearance he draws the character of the characters. The author pays a lot of attention to each character, devoting a good half of the story to portrait characteristics and memories, which also reveal characters. The main characters of the story are:
- – princess, central female image;
- - her husband, the prince, the provincial leader of the nobility;
- - a minor official of the control chamber, passionately in love with Vera Nikolaevna;
- Anna Nikolaevna Friesse– Vera’s younger sister;
- Nikolai Nikolaevich Mirza-Bulat-Tuganovsky– brother of Vera and Anna;
- Yakov Mikhailovich Anosov- general, military comrade of Vera’s father, close friend of the family.
Vera is the ideal representative high society both in appearance, and in manners, and in character.
“Vera took after her mother, a beautiful Englishwoman, with her tall, flexible figure, gentle but cold and proud face, beautiful, albeit rather large hands and that charming sloping shoulders that can be seen in ancient miniatures.”
Princess Vera was married to Vasily Nikolaevich Shein. Their love had long ceased to be passionate and moved into that calm stage of mutual respect and tender friendship. Their union was happy. The couple did not have children, although Vera Nikolaevna passionately wanted a baby, and therefore gave all her unspent feelings to the children of her younger sister.
Vera was royally calm, coldly kind to everyone, but at the same time very funny, open and sincere with close people. She was not characterized by such feminine tricks as affectation and coquetry. Despite her high status, Vera was very prudent, and knowing how poorly things were going for her husband, she sometimes tried to deprive herself so as not to put him in an uncomfortable position.
Vera Nikolaevna’s husband is a talented, pleasant, gallant, noble man. He has an amazing sense of humor and is a brilliant storyteller. Shein keeps a home journal, which contains true stories with pictures about the life of the family and those close to them.
Vasily Lvovich loves his wife, perhaps not as passionately as in the first years of marriage, but who knows how long passion actually lasts? The husband deeply respects her opinion, feelings, and personality. He is compassionate and merciful to others, even those who are much lower in status than him (this is evidenced by his meeting with Zheltkov). Shein is noble and endowed with the courage to admit mistakes and his own wrongness.
We first meet Official Zheltkov towards the end of the story. Until this moment, he is present in the work invisibly in the grotesque image of a klutz, an eccentric, a fool in love. When long-awaited meeting finally it happens, we see before us a meek and shy person, such people are usually not noticed and called “little”:
“He was tall, thin, with long, fluffy, soft hair.”
His speeches, however, are devoid of the chaotic whims of a madman. He is fully aware of his words and actions. Despite his apparent cowardice, this man is very courageous; he boldly tells the prince, Vera Nikolaevna’s legal husband, that he is in love with her and cannot do anything about it. Zheltkov does not fawn over the rank and position in society of his guests. He submits, but not to fate, but only to his beloved. And he also knows how to love – selflessly and sincerely.
“It so happened that I am not interested in anything in life: neither politics, nor science, nor philosophy, nor concern for the future happiness of people - for me life lies only in you. I now feel that I have crashed into your life like some kind of uncomfortable wedge. If you can, forgive me for this.”
Analysis of the work
Kuprin got the idea for his story from real life. In reality, the story was more of an anecdotal nature. A certain poor telegraph operator named Zheltikov was in love with the wife of one of the Russian generals. One day this eccentric was so brave that he sent his beloved a simple gold chain with a pendant in the form easter egg. It's hilarious and that's it! Everyone laughed at the stupid telegraph operator, but the inquisitive writer’s mind decided to look beyond the anecdote, because behind the apparent curiosity there can always be a real drama hidden.
Also in “The Pomegranate Bracelet,” the Sheins and their guests first make fun of Zheltkov. Vasily Lvovich even has a funny story about this in his home magazine called “Princess Vera and the telegraph operator in love.” People tend not to think about other people's feelings. The Sheins were not bad, callous, soulless (this is proven by the metamorphosis in them after meeting Zheltkov), they just did not believe that the love that the official admitted could exist..
There are many symbolic elements in the work. For example, a garnet bracelet. Garnet is a stone of love, anger and blood. If a feverish person picks it up (a parallel with the expression “love fever”), the stone will take on a more saturated hue. According to Zheltkov himself, this special kind pomegranate (green garnet) gives women the gift of foresight, and protects men from violent death. Zheltkov, having parted with his amulet bracelet, dies, and Vera unexpectedly predicts his death.
Another symbolic stone - pearls - also appears in the work. Vera receives pearl earrings as a gift from her husband on the morning of her name day. Pearls, despite their beauty and nobility, are an omen of bad news.
The weather also tried to predict something bad. On the eve of the fateful day, a terrible storm broke out, but on the birthday everything calmed down, the sun came out and the weather was calm, like a calm before a deafening clap of thunder and an even stronger storm.
Problems of the story
The key problem of the work is the question “What is true love?” In order for the “experiment” to be pure, the author provides different types“love.” This is the tender love-friendship of the Sheins, and the calculating, convenient love of Anna Friesse for her indecently rich old man-husband, who blindly adores her soul mate, and the long-forgotten ancient love General Amosov, and Zheltkov’s all-consuming love and worship for Vera.
The main character herself cannot understand for a long time whether it is love or madness, but looking into his face, albeit hidden by the mask of death, she is convinced that it was love. Vasily Lvovich draws the same conclusions after meeting his wife’s admirer. And if at first he was somewhat belligerent, then later he could not be angry with the unfortunate man, because, it seems, a secret was revealed to him that neither he, nor Vera, nor their friends could comprehend.
People are selfish by nature and even in love, they first of all think about their feelings, masking their own egocentrism from their other half and even themselves. True love, which occurs between a man and a woman once every hundred years, puts the beloved first. So Zheltkov calmly lets Vera go, because that’s the only way she will be happy. The only problem is that he doesn’t need life without her. In his world, suicide is a completely natural step.
Princess Sheina understands this. She sincerely mourns Zheltkov, a man whom she practically did not know, but, oh my God, perhaps true love, which occurs once every hundred years, passed her by.
“I am eternally grateful to you just for the fact that you exist. I checked myself - this is not a disease, not a manic idea - this is love with which God was pleased to reward me for something... Leaving, I say in delight: “Hallowed be Thy name.”
Place in literature: Literature of the 20th century → Russian literature of the 20th century → Works of Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin → The story “Garnet Bracelet” (1910)
Russian writer, translator.
Date and place of birth: September 7, 1870, Narovchatsky district, Penza province, Russian Empire.
First literary experience Kuprin had poems that remained unpublished. The first published work was the story “The Last Debut” (1889).
In 1910, Kuprin wrote the story “The Garnet Bracelet.” which was based on real events.
"Garnet Bracelet"
Heroes
Prince Vasily Lvovich Shein
He is one of the main characters, the husband of Vera Nikolaevna Sheina, and the brother of Lyudmila Lvovna Durasova; prince and provincial leader of the nobility. Vasily Lvovich is highly respected in society. He has a well-established life and an outwardly prosperous family in all respects. In fact, his wife feels nothing but friendly feelings and respect for him. The prince's financial situation also leaves much to be desired. Princess Vera tried with all her might to help Vasily Lvovich avoid complete ruin.
Vera Nikolaevna Sheina
Georgy Stepanovich Zheltkov
Anna Nikolaevna Friesse
Nikolai Nikolaevich Mirza-Bulat-Tuganovsky
General Yakov Mikhailovich Anosov
Lyudmila Lvovna Durasova
Gustav Ivanovich Friesse
Ponamarev
Bakhtinsky
“Garnet Bracelet” summary
Source – I
In September, a small festive dinner was being prepared at the dacha in honor of the hostess’s name day. Vera Nikolaevna Sheina received earrings as a gift from her husband this morning. She was glad that the holiday was to be held at the dacha, since her husband’s financial affairs were not going well. in the best possible way. Sister Anna came to help Vera Nikolaevna prepare dinner. Guests were arriving. The weather turned out to be good, and the evening passed with warm, sincere conversations. The guests sat down to play poker. At this time the messenger brought a package. It contained a gold bracelet with garnets and a small green stone in the middle. There was a note attached to the gift. It said that the bracelet is family heirloom donor, and the green stone is a rare garnet that has the properties of a talisman.
The holiday was in full swing. The guests played cards, sang, joked, and looked at an album with satirical pictures and stories made by the owner. Among the stories was a story about a telegraph operator in love with Princess Vera, who pursued his beloved, despite her refusal. An unrequited feeling drove him to a madhouse.
Almost all the guests have left. Those who remained talked with General Anosov, whom the sisters called grandfather, about his military life and love adventures. Walking through the garden, the general tells Vera about the story of his unsuccessful marriage. The conversation turns to understanding true love. Anosov tells stories about men who valued love more than own life. He asks Vera about the story about the telegraph operator. It turned out that the princess had never seen him and did not know who he really was.
When Vera returned, she found her husband and brother Nikolai having an unpleasant conversation. All together they decided that these letters and gifts discredit the name of the princess and her husband, so this story must be put to an end. Not knowing anything about the princess’s admirer, Nikolai and Vasily Lvovich Shein found him. Vera’s brother attacked this pitiable man with threats. Vasily Lvovich showed generosity and listened to him. Zheltkov admitted that he loved Vera Nikolaevna hopelessly, but too much to be able to overcome this feeling. In addition, he said that he would no longer bother the princess, since he had squandered government money and was forced to leave. The next day, a newspaper article revealed the official's suicide. The postman brought a letter, from which Vera learned that love for her was Zheltkov’s greatest joy and grace. Standing at the coffin, Vera Nikolaevna understands that the wonderful deep feeling that Anosov spoke about has passed her by.
Source – II
en.wikipedia.org
On her name day, Princess Vera Nikolaevna Sheina received from her longtime anonymous admirer as a gift a gold bracelet, with five large deep red cabochon garnets surrounding green stone- a rare variety of pomegranate. Being married woman, she considered herself not entitled to receive any gifts from strangers.
Her brother, Nikolai Nikolaevich, assistant prosecutor, together with her husband, Prince Vasily Lvovich, found the sender. He turned out to be a modest official Georgy Zheltkov. Many years ago he accidentally circus performance I saw Princess Vera in the box and fell in love with her with pure and unrequited love. Several times a year, on major holidays, he allowed himself to write letters to her.
When brother Nikolai Nikolaevich, having appeared at Zheltkov’s home with his husband, returned his garnet bracelet and in a conversation mentioned the possibility of turning to the authorities to stop the persecution, according to him, of Princess Vera Nikolaevna, Zheltkov asked permission from the princess’s husband and brother to call her. She told him that if he were not there, she would be calmer. Zheltkov asked to listen to Beethoven’s Sonata No. 2. Then he took the bracelet returned to him to the landlady with a request to hang the decoration on the icon. Mother of God(according to Catholic custom), locked himself in his room and shot himself so that Princess Vera could live in peace. He did all this out of love for Vera and for her good. Zheltkov left suicide note, in which he explained that he shot himself because of embezzlement of government money.
Vera Nikolaevna, having learned about Zheltkov’s death, asked her husband’s permission and went to the suicide’s apartment to look at least once at the man who had unrequitedly loved her for so many years. Returning home, she asked Jenny Reiter to play something, without doubting that she would play exactly the part of the sonata that Zheltkov wrote about. Sitting in a flower garden to the sounds of beautiful music, Vera Nikolaevna pressed herself against the trunk of an acacia tree and cried. She realized that the love that General Anosov spoke about, which every woman dreams of, passed her by. When the pianist finished playing and came out to the princess, she began to kiss her and said: “No, no,” he has forgiven me now. Everything is fine".
Source – III
The messenger handed over a package with a small jewelry case addressed to Princess Vera Nikolaevna Sheina through the maid. The princess reprimanded her, but Dasha said that the messenger immediately ran away, and she did not dare to tear the birthday girl away from the guests.
Inside the case was a gold, low-grade blown bracelet covered with garnets, among which was a small green stone. The letter enclosed in the case contained congratulations on Angel's Day and a request to accept the bracelet that belonged to his great-grandmother. The green stone is a very rare green garnet that imparts the gift of providence and protects men from violent death. The letter ended with the words: “Your humble servant G.S.Zh. before death and after death.”
Vera took the bracelet in her hands - alarming, thick red living lights lit up inside the stones. “Definitely blood!” - she thought and returned to the living room.
Prince Vasily Lvovich was demonstrating at that moment his humorous home album, which had just been opened on the “story” “Princess Vera and the Telegraph Operator in Love.” “It’s better not to,” she asked. But the husband had already begun a commentary on his own drawings, full of brilliant humor. Here is a girl named Vera, receiving a letter with kissing doves, signed by telegraph operator P.P.Zh. Here is young Vasya Shein returning to Vera wedding ring: “I do not dare to interfere with your happiness, and yet it is my duty to warn you: telegraph operators are seductive, but insidious.” But Vera marries the handsome Vasya Shein, but the telegraph operator continues to persecute him. Here he is, disguised as a chimney sweep, entering Princess Vera’s boudoir. So, having changed clothes, he enters their kitchen as a dishwasher. Finally, he is in a madhouse, etc.
“Gentlemen, who wants some tea?” - Vera asked. After tea the guests began to leave. Old General Anosov, whom Vera and her sister Anna called grandfather, asked the princess to explain what was true in the prince’s story.
G.S.Zh. (and not P.P.Zh.) began to pursue her with letters two years before her marriage. Obviously, he constantly watched her, knew where she went at the evenings, how she was dressed. When Vera, also in writing, asked not to bother her with his persecutions, he fell silent about love and limited himself to congratulations on holidays, like today, on her name day.
The old man was silent. “Maybe this is a maniac? Or maybe, Verochka, yours life path crossed precisely the kind of love that women dream of and that men are no longer capable of.”
After the guests left, Vera’s husband and her brother Nikolai decided to find the admirer and return the bracelet. The next day they already knew the address of G.S.Zh. It turned out to be a man of about thirty to thirty-five. He did not deny anything and admitted the indecency of his behavior. Having discovered some understanding and even sympathy in the prince, he explained to him that, alas, he loved his wife and neither deportation nor prison would kill this feeling. Except death. He must admit that he has squandered government money and will be forced to flee the city, so that they will not hear from him again.
The next day, Vera read in the newspaper about the suicide of the control chamber official G.S. Zheltkov, and in the evening the postman brought his letter.
Zheltkov wrote that for him his whole life lies only in her, in Vera Nikolaevna. This is the love with which God rewarded him for something. As he leaves, he repeats in delight: “Hallowed be Thy name.” If she remembers him, then let her play the D major part of Beethoven’s “Appassionata”; he thanks her from the bottom of his heart for being his only joy in life.
Vera could not help but go to say goodbye to this man. Her husband completely understood her impulse.
The face of the man lying in the coffin was serene, as if he had learned a deep secret. Vera raised his head, placed a large red rose under his neck and kissed his forehead. She understood that the love that every woman dreams of passed her by.
Returning home, she found only her institute friend, the famous pianist Jenny Reiter. “Play something for me,” she asked.
And Jenny (lo and behold!) began to play the part of “Appassionata” that Zheltkov indicated in the letter. She listened, and words formed in her mind, like couplets, ending with the prayer: “Hallowed be Thy name.” "What's wrong with you?" - Jenny asked, seeing her tears. “...He has forgiven me now. “Everything is fine,” Vera answered.
Kuprin Alexander Ivanovich – “Garnet Bracelet” summary stories updated: May 31, 2018 by: website
Princess Vera Nikolaevna Sheina, the wife of the leader of the nobility, had already been living with her husband at the dacha for some time, because their city apartment was being renovated. Today was her name day, and therefore guests were supposed to arrive. The first to appear was Vera's sister, Anna Nikolaevna Friesse, who was married to a very rich and very stupid man who did nothing, but was registered with some charitable society and had the rank of chamber cadet. Grandfather, General Anosov, whom the sisters love very much, is due to arrive. The guests began to arrive after five o'clock. Among them is the famous pianist Jenny Reuter, a friend of Princess Vera from the Smolny Institute, Anna’s husband brought with him Professor Speshnikov and the local vice-governor von Seck. His widowed sister Lyudmila Lvovna comes with Prince Vasily Lvovich. Lunch is very fun, everyone has known each other well for a long time.
Vera Nikolaevna suddenly noticed that there were thirteen guests. This scared her a little. Everyone sat down to play poker. Vera did not want to play, and she was heading to the terrace, where tea was being served, when the maid beckoned her from the living room with a somewhat mysterious look. She handed her the package that the messenger had brought half an hour ago.
Vera opened the package - under the paper there was a small red plush jewelry case. It contained an oval gold bracelet, and inside it was a carefully folded note. She unfolded it. The handwriting seemed familiar to her. She put the note aside and decided to look at the bracelet first. “It was gold, low-grade, very thick, but blown and on the outside completely covered with small old, poorly polished garnets. But in the middle of the bracelet towered, surrounding some old small green stone, five beautiful cabochon garnets, each the size of a pea. When Vera, with a random movement, successfully turned the bracelet in front of the fire of an electric light bulb, then in them, deep under their smooth egg-shaped surface, lovely, rich red living lights suddenly lit up.” Then she read the lines written in small, superb calligraphic handwriting. It was a congratulation on Angel's Day. The author reported that this bracelet belonged to his great-grandmother, then his late mother wore it. The pebble in the middle is a very rare variety of garnet - green garnet. He further wrote: “According to an ancient legend that has been preserved in our family, it has the ability to impart the gift of foresight to women who wear it and drives away heavy thoughts from them, while it protects men from violent death... I beg you not to be angry with me. I blush at the memory of my insolence seven years ago, when I dared to write stupid and wild letters to you, young lady, and even expect an answer to them. Now all that remains in me is reverence, eternal admiration and slavish devotion...” “Should I show Vasya or not show it? And if shown, when? Now or after the guests? No, it’s better later - now not only this unfortunate man will be funny, but I will be funny too,” Vera thought and could not take her eyes off the five scarlet bloody lights trembling inside the five pomegranates. Meanwhile, the evening went on as usual. Prince Vasily Lvovich showed his sister, Anosov and brother-in-law a homemade humorous album with handwritten drawings. Their laughter attracted everyone else. There was a story: “Princess Vera and the telegraph operator in love.” “It’s better not to,” Vera said, quietly touching her husband’s shoulder. But he either didn’t hear or didn’t pay attention. He humorously recounts old letters from a man in love with Vera. He wrote them when she was not yet married. Prince Vasily calls the author a telegraph operator. The husband keeps talking and saying... “Gentlemen, who wants some tea?” - asked Vera Nikolaevna. General Anosov tells his goddaughters about the love he had in his youth in Bulgaria with a Bulgarian girl. When the time came for the troops to leave, they swore an eternal oath to each other. mutual love and said goodbye forever. “Is that all?” - Lyudmila Lvovna asked disappointedly. Later, when almost all the guests had left, Vera, seeing off her grandfather, quietly said to her husband: “Come and look... there in my table, in a drawer, there is a red case, and there is a letter in it. Read it.” It was so dark that we had to feel our way with our feet. The general led Vera by the arm. “This Lyudmila Lvovna is funny,” he suddenly spoke, as if he was continuing the flow of his thoughts out loud. - And I want to say that people nowadays have forgotten how to love. I don't see true love. And I haven’t seen it in my time!” Marriage, in his opinion, means nothing. “Take Vasya and me for example. Can we call our marriage unhappy?” - Vera asked. Anosov was silent for a long time. Then he said reluctantly: “Well, okay... let’s say it’s an exception.” Why do people get married? As for women, they are afraid to remain as girls, they want to be a mistress, a lady, independent... Men have different motives. Fatigue from single life, from disorder in the house, from tavern dinners... Again, the thought of children... Sometimes there are thoughts about the dowry. Where is the love? Is love unselfish, selfless, not waiting for reward? “Wait, wait, Vera, now you want me again about your Vasya? Really, I love him. He nice guy. Who knows, maybe the future will show his love in the light of great beauty. But you understand what kind of love I'm talking about. Love must be a tragedy. The greatest secret in the world! No life conveniences, calculations or compromises should concern her.” “Have you ever seen such love, grandfather?” “No,” the old man answered decisively. - True, I know of two similar cases... In one regiment of our division... there was the wife of the regimental commander... Bony, red-haired, thin... In addition, a morphine addict. And then one day, in the fall, they send a newly minted ensign to their regiment... fresh from military school. After a month, this old horse completely mastered him. He is a page, he is a servant, he is a slave... By Christmas she was already tired of him. She returned to one of her former... passions. But he couldn't. Follows her like a ghost. He was all exhausted, emaciated, blackened... And then one spring they organized some kind of May Day or picnic for the regiment... They returned back at night on foot along the railroad bed. Suddenly a freight train comes towards them... she suddenly whispers in the ensign’s ear: “You all say that you love me. But if I order you, you probably won’t throw yourself under a train.” And he, without answering a word, ran and ran under the train. He, they say, calculated correctly... so it would have been neatly cut in half. But some idiot decided to hold him back and push him away. Yes, I didn’t master it. The ensign, as he grabbed the rails with his hands, both his hands were chopped off... And the man disappeared... in the most vile way...” The general tells another incident. When the regiment was leaving for war and the train had already started moving, the wife loudly shouted to her husband: “Remember, take care of Volodya.”<своего любовника>! If anything happens to him, I will leave home and never return. And I’ll take the children.” At the front, this captain, a brave soldier, looked after this coward and quitter Vishnyakov, like a nanny, like a mother. Everyone was happy when they learned that Vishnyakov died in the hospital from typhus... The general asks Vera what the story is with the telegraph operator. Vera spoke in detail about some madman who began to pursue her with his love two years before her marriage. She has never seen him and does not know his last name. He signed himself G.S.Zh. Once he mentioned that he served in some government institution as a small official - he did not mention a word about the telegraph. He must have been constantly watching her, because in his letters he indicated exactly where she was in the evenings... and how she was dressed. At first his letters were somewhat vulgar, although quite chaste. But one day Vera wrote to him so that he would not bother her anymore. Since then, he began to limit himself to congratulations on holidays. Princess Vera spoke about the bracelet and about the strange letter from her mysterious admirer. “Yes,” the general finally drawled. “Maybe he’s just an abnormal fellow... or... maybe your path in life, Verochka, was crossed by just such a love...” Vera’s brother Nikolai and Vasily Lvovich are worried that the unknown person will boast to someone that he Princess Vera Nikolaevna Sheina receives his gifts, then she will send him something else, then she will go to prison for embezzlement, and the Sheina princes will be called as witnesses." I feel sorry for this unfortunate man,” Vera said hesitantly. Vera’s husband and brother are found. the right apartment on the eighth floor, up a dirty, spit-stained staircase. The occupant of Zheltkov’s room was a man “very pale, with a gentle girlish face, with blue eyes and a stubborn childish chin with a dimple in the middle; he must have been about thirty, thirty.five years old.” He silently takes back his bracelet and apologizes for his behavior. Having learned that the gentlemen were going to turn to the authorities for help, Zheltkov laughed, sat down on the sofa and lit a cigarette. “Now the most difficult moment in my life has come. And I must, prince, speak to you outside of any conventions... Will you listen to me?” “I’m listening,” Shein said. Zheltkov says that he loves Shein’s wife. It's hard for him to say, but seven years of hopeless and polite love give him this right. He knows that he can never stop loving her. They cannot end this feeling of his with anything, except perhaps by death. Zheltkov asks permission to talk on the phone with Princess Vera Nikolaevna. He will convey to them the contents of the conversation. He returned ten minutes later. His eyes sparkled and were deep, as if filled with unshed tears. “I’m ready,” he said, “and tomorrow you won’t hear anything from me. It's as if I died for you. But there is one condition - I’m telling you this, Prince Vasily Lvovich - you see, I squandered government money, and after all, I have to flee from this city. Will you allow me to write one last letter to Princess Vera Nikolaevna?” Shein allows it. In the evening at the dacha, Vasily Lvovich told his wife in detail about his date with Zheltkov. It was as if he felt obligated to do this. At night, Vera says: “I know that this man will kill himself.” Vera never read newspapers, but on this day for some reason she unfolded exactly that sheet and came across the column where it was reported about the suicide of the control chamber official G.S. Zheltkov. All day long she walked around the flower garden and the orchard and thought about a man whom she had never seen. Maybe it was that real, selfless, true love, which grandfather spoke about? At six o'clock the postman brought Zheltkov's letter. He wrote this: “It’s not my fault, Vera Nikolaevna, that God was pleased to send me, as great happiness, love for you... for me, my whole life lies only in you... I am infinitely grateful to you just for the fact that you exist. I tested myself - this is not a disease, not a manic idea - this is love with which God was pleased to reward me for something... Leaving, I say in delight: “Let him be holy.” your name" Eight years ago I saw you in a box at the circus, and then in the first second I said to myself: I love her because there is nothing like her in the world, there is nothing better, there is no beast, no plant, no star, no person is more beautiful and gentle than you. It’s as if all the beauty of the earth was embodied in you... I cut everything off, but still I think and am even sure that you will remember me. If you remember me, then... play or order to play the Sonata in D major No. 2, op. 2... May God grant you happiness, and may nothing temporary or everyday disturb your beautiful soul. I kiss your hands. G.S.Zh.” Vera goes to where Zheltkov lived. The owner of the apartment tells what a wonderful person he was. About the bracelet, she says that before writing the letter, he came to her and asked her to hang the bracelet on the icon. Vera enters the room where Zheltkov is lying on the table: “Deep importance was in his closed eyes, and his lips smiled blissfully and serenely, as if, before parting with life, he had learned some deep and sweet secret that resolved his entire human life. .. Vera... put a flower under his neck. At that second she realized that the love that every woman dreams of had passed her by... And, parting the hair on the dead man’s forehead in both directions, she tightly squeezed his temples with her hands and kissed his cold, damp forehead with a long, friendly kiss " Before Vera leaves, the hostess says that before his death Zheltkov asked that if any lady came to look at him, then tell her that Beethoven had the best work... she showed the title written on a piece of paper. Returning home late, Vera Nikolaevna was glad that neither her husband nor her brother were at home. But Jenny Reiter was waiting for her, and she asked her to play something for her. She almost did not doubt for a single second that Jenny would play the very passage from the second sonata that this dead man with the ridiculous surname Zheltkov asked for. And so it was. She recognized this piece from the very first chords. And words formed in her mind. In her thoughts they coincided so much with the music that it was as if they were verses that ended with the words: “Hallowed be thy name.” “I remember your every step, smile, look, the sound of your gait. Sweet sadness, quiet, beautiful sadness surrounds my last memories... I leave alone, silently, as God and fate willed. "Hallowed be thy name." Princess Vera hugged the trunk of the acacia tree, pressed herself against it and cried... And at this time the amazing music, as if obeying her grief, continued: “Calm down, dear, calm down, calm down. Do you remember about me? Do you remember? You are my only one and last love. Calm down, I'm with you. Think of me and I will be with you, because you and I loved each other only for one moment, but forever. Do you remember about me? Remember?.. I feel your tears. Calm down. I sleep so sweetly...” Vera, all in tears, said: “No, no, he has forgiven me now. Everything is fine".
Anna Nikolaevna is one of minor characters works, the sister of the main character of the novel, Vera Nikolaevna Sheina. Revealing the image of Anna Nikolaevna, the writer notes the absolute dissimilarity of the sisters, expressed not only in appearance, but also in the manifestation characteristic features and actions.
The description of Anna's appearance emphasizes the traits she inherited from her father, who has Tatar origin. Small narrow eyes and wide cheekbones are located on a Mongolian-shaped face; the woman is short in stature and has fairly broad shoulders, but is at the same time very feminine and charming. So her back and chest stand out in beauty in Anna’s entire appearance; she loves to expose them when dressing for parties and balls. By nature, Anna Nikolaevna is funny, frivolous and lively. The woman is nearsighted, so she constantly squints her narrow eyes.
Anna Nikolaevna's face often expresses an arrogant, mysterious charm, framed by a perky smile, but this is precisely why she attracts representatives of the opposite sex, although she does not have such beauty as hers sister.
Anna, like her sister, is a wife influential person, for whom he does not have loving feelings, but endures marriage for the sake of two children, leading a righteous lifestyle, although he does not hide his true attitude towards his husband.
A woman loves flirting and enjoys incredible success with men different ages, but at the same time unacceptable for her adultery. Anna's hobbies are varied, but she mainly prefers gambling, studying information about various innovations, vivid impressions. Her weakness is the sea with its incredible space, strong waves, and prickly wind.
By character, Anna Nikolaevna is described as a kind, sympathetic woman, moderately religious, but a little wasteful in everyday life. She tenderly adores her obedient children, and also surrounds her beloved sister and her husband, General Anosov, with love and care.
The writer contrasts the image of Anna with the cold nature of the main character of the novel, Vera, since she is portrayed as a dreamy, romantic woman, unhappy in marriage, but dreaming of bright and eternal love, conquering men with her perky laughter, lively mood, cheerful and open character. By comparing the images of sisters, the author proves to readers that it is not important external beauty man, and his inner state of mind, his charm, which allows him to attract others to him, despite his unsightly appearance.
Option 2
A. I. Kuprin’s story “The Garnet Bracelet” is an ode dedicated to love. One of the characters in the story is Anna Nikolaevna Friesse. This is the sister of the main character Vera Nikolaevna Sheina.
Anna Nikolaevna is the complete opposite of Vera Nikolaevna. She is not as aristocratically beautiful as Vera, but she has perhaps greater charm. Kuprin describes it in sufficient detail. She is a short woman with Mongolian features inherited from her father. The young woman has narrow eyes, which she also constantly squints because she is nearsighted, slightly broad shoulders, beautiful breasts and back.
Anna Nikolaevna knows how to present herself advantageously, so her outfits often have a rather daring neckline with an open back. A woman dresses with taste, does not limit herself in anything, loves luxury and is even a little wasteful.
Anna Nikolaevna is a woman with a perky character, capable of flirting with the opposite sex. She knows that she is successful with men and speculates on this immensely. However, along with this, she never cheats on her husband, although she always admits to his face and behind his back that she no longer loves him. She has two children: a boy and a girl, whom Anna Nikolaevna loves madly and strictly raises. These nice children are always polite to adults, they are adored by Aunt Vera Nikolaevna, who has no children of her own. Sisters, despite different characters, are friendly and adore each other.
Unlike Vera, Anna Nikolaevna loves to go to balls, organizes receptions herself, and all this amuses her and makes life interesting. Her husband, Gustav Ivanovich Friesse, is fabulously rich, so his wife quite legitimately uses what life has given her. Gambling is her strong point, and it’s not for nothing that the author points out her extravagance. But this character has even more kindness and generosity than the main character, so she is more attractive. With all this, this woman is surprisingly religious. Under the deep neckline, as they say (or rather joke), she hides a hair shirt.
Anna Nikolaevna secretly converts to Catholicism. Apparently this step was made after much thought. A.I. Kuprin in the image of this woman shows that living, rejoicing, thanking the Creator for all the benefits that He bestows is the life of a grateful person.
Just like Vera Nikolaevna, Anna feels sorry for Zheltkov and his love, which he selflessly sacrifices.
Essay Anna Nikolaevna in the story Garnet Bracelet
Anna Nikolaevna is minor character in the story by A.I. Kuprin, however, no less significant than the main characters. Thanks to the well-written image of Anna, the image of Vera is revealed more fully.
Anna Nikolaevna is Vera’s sister and, although the sisters are close to each other, they are completely different in character and appearance. Anna took after her Mongol father in appearance and, although her appearance was far from the canons of beauty of that time, thanks to her charm she easily won the admiration of others. The owner of quite lively facial expressions and an extraordinary smile, she drives men crazy, but at the same time remains faithful to her unloved husband, for whom she does not even feel respect, ridiculing his shortcomings in public. The heroine has beautiful figure, which she undoubtedly knows and emphasizes in every possible way, choosing rather bold styles in clothes, on the verge of decency.
The image of Anna Nikolaevna is quite contradictory; it combines arrogance and feminine charm, the desire to flirt with men and loyalty to her husband. The heroine loves gambling and strives for bright emotions and thrills. She is inquisitive and loves to learn new things. The heroine can be called wasteful, but at the same time she is kind to others. The writer shows his reader Anna as a careless, but very sweet woman with a lot of energy.
Anna Nikolaevna is a very devout person, she secretly converts to Catholicism, and there is a rumor in the world that under her dress she is wearing a hair shirt, which with its pricklyness does not allow one to forget about humility, patience and obedience. She always notices the beauty of the world around her and never tires of thanking God for it.
Through the image of Anna A.I. Kuprin shows the importance of spiritual beauty, belittling the importance of external charm. Thanks to her spiritual beauty, Anna is able to make men of different ages fall in love with her, and she herself secretly dreams of love. Although it is difficult to call the heroine happy in marriage, all the love that she cannot give to her husband is spent on his children, sister and her husband.
I wouldn’t like to compare everyone, but most people nowadays are characterized by tactlessness. And only a few of us know how to behave correctly and appropriately in each situation. I agree, specifically, they don’t teach us this
Oblomov is a person who is used to adapting to reality in the most in a convenient way, he does not show any effort as such, he lives his whole life, as they say, ready-made. Even when he is inspired by Ilyinskaya