Message on the story of the undergrowth. Characteristics of heroes. "Undergrown" - satirical comedy

17.04.2019

Untitled

Speechand personalcharacteristics of heroescomedy

DI. Fonvizin "Minor"

Recently read comedy by D.I. Fonvizin’s “Minor” made me think about the question: “Is it possible to recognize a person’s character, his moral principles just by name and speech; and whether the name and the words spoken by her are connected at all in her personality.” Let's conduct research on this topic.

First of all, we note that a The second quite aptly selects the names of the main characters. Hardly this fact can be attributed solely to the author’s desire to give a “challenge” V catchy and memorable names for the heroes. Rather, it should be assumed that Fonvizin is trying in this way to strengthen the impression he receives from the play.Deep connoisseur human souls, Fonvizin understands that the names of the heroes are exactly what the common man most often pays attention to. Thus, being an excellent satirist, the author initially sets the reader in a comical mood.Now let's come closer to the comedy itself.

So, the names of the heroes:

Mitrofan. According to the directory of male names - Name Greek origin , translated from Latin stands for “revealed by the mother.” It should be assumed that the name can be deciphered, How "mama's boy" those. Human, everything is possible warded by mother, loving and respectful her more than her father. This name couldn't be betterconveys the whole nature hero.

What about speech features, then in words Mitrofan is clearly visible exactly love for your mother.He tries in every possible way to highlight his mother inthe society in which it is located, And it doesn’t matter if the people are close he is surrounded or strangers. Undoubtedly One should also highlight such a characteristic of the hero as a complete inability to various kinds of sciences and learning in general. Maybe that’s why after the comedy was published, the name Mitrofan became a common noun, denoting people who are narrow-minded and simple in their inner world.Let's look from the text:

Mitrofan. This? Adjective.

Pravdin. Why?

Mitrofan. Because it is attached to its place. Over there by the pole closet

week the door has not been hung yet: so for now that is a noun.

Or here, again:

Mitrofan (softened up). So I felt sorry.

Mrs. Prostakova (with annoyance). Who, Mitrofanushka?

Mitrofan. You, mother: you are so tired, beating your father.

Mrs. Prostakova. Surround me, my dear friend! Here's my son, one of mine

comfort.

Sophia. Just like Mitrofan, the name has ancient Greek roots. Means "wisdom". We can also assume that the author gives this name to his heroine, in connection with short form name - Sonya. The name Sonya is popularly associated with the quality of sleepiness. In the comedy, Sophia is a young girl who has not yet shown her nature, her character, who has not fully “awakened” after childhood. We don't know what it will be like in the future. Will she accept the qualities of Starodum, her uncle, or will she be the exact opposite, like Mrs. Prostakova.

Sophia's speech shows that the heroine is polite, loves and is grateful to her uncle. She never allows herself to scold a person, take offense at him or hate him. Sophia is quite sweet, her speech reveals the tenderness characteristic of every well-bred girl. Just one phrase:

« I have now received good news. Uncle, about whom so much for a long time we knew nothing, whom I love and honor as my father, I came to Moscow these days » ,

reveals to us the whole essence of this charming girl.

Milo. The name comes from Western languages. Denotes dear, beloved. It can be argued that Fonvizin gave the name to the hero not by chance, since Sophia loves Milon, hence the “beloved”. One should also not discount the possibility, although not great, that the author had some kind of association between Milo and melon (Melon (English) - melon), since his speeches are very sweet.

Based on Milo’s speech style, it is noticeable that the hero is a kind, sympathetic, brave person.

“I will tell you the secret of my heart, dear friend! I am in love and have the happiness of being loved. For more than six months I have been separated from the one who is dearer to me than anything else in the world, and what is even sadder is that I have not heard anything about her during all this time... Maybe she is now in the hands of some self-interested people who, taking advantage of her orphanhood, her, they keep her in tyranny. From this one thought I'm beside myself »

ABOUT the bottom is just a phrase, but how it reveals all Milon's feelings for Sophia.

Mrs. Prostakova and Mr. Prostakov are Mitrofan's parents. Their surname speaks of a very important quality - simplicity. As for the type of this simplicity, it is obvious that first of all one should assume spiritual simplicity. Which also implies poor spiritual world heroes. Is it possible to find confirmation of these thoughts? Undoubtedly, but first let’s say a few words about Mitrofan’s mother. Prostakova comes from a family of nobles named Skotinin. Her father was ignorant, which is why she and her brother (Skotinin) are ignoramuses. Prostakova is a very wayward person, looking for benefit everywhere. Her whole essence is reflected in her last name. It can be assumed that her father or grandfather got the title of nobleman not by inheritance, but by length of service or in some other way. The validity of this assumption is confirmed by the complete lack of manners instilled in childhood; she was probably raised by people not accustomed to the nobility, who were unable to give her the proper noble education and upbringing.

Prostakova's speech is very original and interesting. She never allows herself to address her husband kindly and with respect, but she treats her son so reverently and with such love that everyone can only silently envy. She often calls the servants brutes, apparently because she herself was once Skotinina.

Mrs. Prostakova (Trishke). And you, brute, come closer. Didn't you say

I tell you, you thieving mug, to make your caftan wider. Child, first,

growing up, another, a child without a narrow caftan of delicate build.

Tell me, idiot, what is your excuse?

Prostakov is the complete opposite of his wife. Prostakov pleases his wife in everything and has no word of his own. It is very difficult to call him a person, rather an individual.

Prostakov. Yes, I thought, mother, that it seemed so to you.

Mrs. Prostakova. Are you blind yourself?

Prostakov. With your eyes, mine see nothing.

Mrs. Prostakova. This is the kind of hubby God gave me: he doesn’t understand

figure out for yourself what is wide and what is narrow.

The following characters: Starodum, Pravdin, Skotinin, Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin and Vralman have corresponding “speaking” surnames that characterize the characters even more than their speech patterns.

Starodum is Sophia's uncle. He always speaks in aphorisms. For example:

“Ranks begin, Sincerity ceases”

“Without a soul, the most enlightened, clever woman is a pitiful creature.”

This characterizes him as a wise man, knowledgeable about life, and has seen a lot in his lifetime.

Pravdin is an official. An old friend of Starodum, maybe that’s why he’s trying to achieve the truth everywhere, speaks only the truthand at the same time believes that everyone also acts in the truth.

Pravdin. But those worthy people who serve the state at the court...

Skotinin. Isn't a nobleman free to beat a servant whenever he wants?

Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin, Vralman - the so-called teachers of Mitrofan. TO Uteikin is a seminarian. Teaches vocabulary for my son Simplicity and the kovs . Tsyfirkin is a retired sergeant.Without proper education, he teaches Mitrofan mathematics. Vralman - German, sand that they actually hire him as a teacher Mitrofanushka. In fact, it turns out that Vralman is a simple coachman, but a German for that!

Kuteikin. What a devilry! You won't achieve much in the morning. Here

every morning will flourish and perish.

Tsyfirkin. And our brother lives like this forever. Don't do things, don't run away from things.

That's the trouble for our brother, how bad the food is, like today for lunch here

there were no provisions...

At the same time, the whole trio(Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin, Vralman) She has settled quite tightly in the Prostakovs’ house, although occasionally disagreements and squabbles arise between them.

Tsyfirkin. And we will give them the honor. I'll finish the board...

Kuteikin. And I am a book of hours.

Vralman. I'm going to play pranks on the face of the lady.

Eremeevna - Mitrofan's nanny, a simple Russian woman, lovinghis pupillike her own son and always ready to defend him.

Mitrofan. Mommy! shield me.

Eremeevna (shielding Mitrofan, becoming furious and raising her fists). I'll die

on the spot, but I won’t give up the child. Show up, sir, just kindly show up. I

I’ll scratch out those thorns.

Total, 13 heroes, 13 different names, 13 different images . But what they all have in common is that DI. Fonvizin gave them names similar to their characters, which once again emphasizes author's skill. The names of the characters become the highlight of the work. And now we come to the conclusion that name and characterheroes in the work inalienably connected to each other.How reasonable was it (to give such names to the characters)? I think that this is the right step of the author, since I personally remembered these names, and perhaps for the rest of my life, even before finishing reading the play.

Untitled Speech and nominal characteristics of the heroes of the comedy D.I. Fonvizin “Undergrown” A recently read comedy by D.I. Fonvizin’s “Minor” made me think about the question: “Is it possible to recognize the character just by name and speech?

Denis Fonvizin's immortal comedy "The Minor" is an outstanding work of Russian literature XVIII century. Bold satire and truthfully described reality are the main components of this writer’s skill. Centuries later, every now and then modern society heated debates emerge about the main character of the play, Mitrofanushka. Who is he: a victim of improper upbringing or a vivid example of the moral decay of society?

The comedy “Brigadier” written by Fonvizin, which had a stunning success in St. Petersburg, became the basis of one of the world’s greatest literary monuments. After its publication, the writer did not return to drama for more than ten years, devoting himself more and more to state issues and tasks. However, the thought of creating a new book excited the author’s imagination. Let’s not hide the fact that, according to scientists, the first note related to “The Minor” was started back in the 1770s, long before its publication.

After a trip to France in 1778. The playwright had a precise plan for writing the future work. Interesting fact— initially Mitrofanushka was Ivanushka, which naturally spoke of the similarity of the two comedies (Ivan was a character in “The Brigadier”). In 1781 the play was completed. Of course, a production of this type meant highlighting one of the most problematic issues of the noble society of that time. However, despite the risk, Fonvizin became the direct “instigator” of the literary revolution. The premiere was postponed due to the empress's hostility to any kind of satire, but it still took place on September 24, 1782.

Genre of the work

COMEDY is a type of drama in which the moment of effective conflict is specifically resolved. It has a number of signs:

does not entail the death of one representative of the warring parties;
aimed at “nothing” goals;
the narrative is lively and vivid.

Also in Fonvizin’s work, a satirical orientation is obvious. This means that the author set himself the task of ridiculing social vices. This is an attempt to disguise life problems under the mask of a smile.

“Minor” is a work built according to the laws of classicism. One storyline, one location, and all events take place within 24 hours. However, this concept is also consistent with realism, as evidenced by individual objects and places of action. In addition, the characters are very reminiscent of real landowners from the outback, ridiculed and condemned by the playwright. Fonvizin added something new to classicism - merciless and sharp humor.

What is the work about?

The plot of Denis Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” revolves around a family of landowners who are completely mired in immorality and tyranny. Children became like their rude and narrow-minded parents, and their sense of morality suffered as a result. Sixteen-year-old Mitrofanushka is trying his best to finish his studies, but he lacks the desire and ability. The mother looks at this carelessly, she does not care whether her son will develop. She prefers that everything remain as it is; any progress is alien to her.

The Prostakovs “sheltered” a distant relative, the orphan Sophia, who differs from the rest of the family not only in her outlook on life, but also in her good manners. Sophia is the heiress of a large estate, which Mitrofanushka’s uncle, Skotinin, who is a great hunter, “looks” at. Marriage is the only one affordable way to take over Sophia's household, so the relatives around her are trying to persuade her into an advantageous marriage.

Starodum, Sophia’s uncle, sends his niece a letter. Prostakova is terribly dissatisfied with this “trick” of her relative, who was considered dead in Siberia. The deceit and arrogance inherent in her nature is manifested in the accusation of a “deceptive” letter, supposedly “amorous”. Illiterate landowners will soon learn the true content of the message, resorting to the help of the guest Pravdin. He reveals to the whole family the truth about the Siberian inheritance he left, which gives as much as ten thousand in annual income.

It was then that Prostakova came up with an idea - to marry Sophia to Mitrofanushka in order to appropriate the inheritance for herself. However, officer Milon, walking through the village with soldiers, “bursts” into her plans. He met with his old friend Pravdin, who, as it turned out, is a member of the vicegerental board. His plans include observing landowners mistreating their people.

Milon speaks of his long-standing love for a sweet person who was transported to an unknown place due to the death of a relative. Suddenly he meets Sophia - she is that same girl. The heroine talks about her future marriage with the undersized Mitrofanushka, from which the groom “flashes up” like a spark, but then gradually “weakens” with detailed story about "narrowed".

Sophia's uncle has arrived. Having met Milon, he accepts Sophia’s choice, while inquiring about the “correctness” of her decision. At the same time, the Prostakovs' estate was transferred to state custody due to cruel treatment of the peasants. Seeking support, the mother hugs Mitrofanushka. But the Son did not intend to be polite and polite, he was rude, causing the venerable matron to faint. Waking up, she laments: “I am completely lost.” And Starodum, pointing at her, says, “These are the fruits worthy of evil!”

The main characters and their characteristics

Pravdin, Sophia, Starodum and Milon are representatives of the so-called “new” time, the Age of Enlightenment. The moral components of their souls are nothing more than goodness, love, thirst for knowledge and compassion. The Prostakovs, Skotinin and Mitrofan are representatives of the “old” nobility, where the cult flourishes material well-being, rudeness and ignorance.

The minor Mitrofan is a young man whose ignorance, stupidity and inability to adequately analyze the situation do not allow him to become an active and reasonable representative of the noble community. “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married” is a life motto that fully reflects the character young man, not taking anything seriously.
Sophia - educated, kind girl, which becomes a black sheep in a society of envious and greedy people.
Prostakova is a cunning, careless, rude woman with many shortcomings and a lack of love and respect for all living things, except for her beloved son Mitrofanushka. Prostakova’s upbringing is only a confirmation of the persistence of conservatism, which does not allow the Russian nobility to develop.
Starodum raises “his little blood” in a different way - for him Sophia is no longer a small child, but a mature member of society. He gives the girl freedom of choice, thereby teaching her the right basics life. In it, Fonvizin portrays the type of personality that has gone through all the “ups” and downs,” becoming not only a “worthy parent,” but also an undoubted example for the future generation.
Skotinin, just like everyone else, is an example of “ speaking surname" A person whose inner essence is more similar to some kind of rude, uncouth cattle than to a well-bred person.

Theme of the work

The education of the “new” nobility is the main theme of the comedy. “Undergrowth” is a kind of allusion to the “disappearing” moral principles in people who are afraid of transformations. Landowners raise their offspring the old fashioned way, without paying due attention to their education. But those who were not taught, but were only spoiled or intimidated, will not be able to take care of either their family or Russia.
Family theme. Family is social institution, on which personality development depends. Despite Prostakova’s rudeness and disrespect towards all residents, she cherishes her beloved son, who does not at all appreciate her care or her love. This behavior is typical example ingratitude, which is a consequence of spoiling and parental adoration. The landowner does not understand that her son sees her treatment of other people and repeats it. Thus, the weather in the house determines the character of the young man and his shortcomings. Fonvizin emphasizes the importance of maintaining warmth, tenderness and respect in the family towards all its members. Only then will children be respectful and parents worthy of respect.
The theme of freedom of choice. The “new” stage is Starodum’s relationship with Sophia. Starodum gives her freedom of choice, without limiting her with his beliefs, which can affect her worldview, thereby cultivating in her the ideal of a noble future.

Main problems

The main problem of the work is the consequences of improper upbringing. The Prostakov family - family tree, which has its roots in the distant past of the nobility. This is what the landowners boast about, not realizing that the glory of their ancestors does not add to their dignity. But class pride has clouded their minds, they do not want to move forward and achieve new achievements, they think that everything will always be as before. That’s why they don’t realize the need for education; in their world, enslaved by stereotypes, it really isn’t needed. Mitrofanushka will also sit in the village all her life and live off the labor of her serfs.
The problem of serfdom. The moral and intellectual decay of the nobility under serfdom is an absolutely logical result of the tsar’s unjust policies. The landowners have become completely lazy; they don’t need to work to support themselves. The managers and peasants will do everything for them. With such a social system, the nobles have no incentive to work and get an education.
The problem of greed. The thirst for material well-being blocks access to morality. Prostakovs are fixated on money and power, it doesn’t matter to them whether their child will be happy, for them happiness is synonymous with wealth.
The problem of ignorance. Stupidity deprives the heroes of spirituality; their world is too limited and tied to the material side of life. They are not interested in anything other than primitive physical pleasures, because they don’t know anything else at all. Fonvizin saw the true “human appearance” only in the person who was raised by literate people, and not by half-educated sextons.

Comedy idea

Fonvizin was a person, so he did not accept rudeness, ignorance and cruelty. He professed the belief that man is born " blank slate“Therefore, only upbringing and education can make him a moral, virtuous and intelligent citizen who will benefit the fatherland. Thus, chanting the ideals of humanism - main idea"Undergrown." A young man who obeys the call of goodness, intelligence and justice is a true nobleman! If he is brought up in the spirit of Prostakova, then he will never go beyond the narrow confines of his limitations and will not understand the beauty and versatility of the world in which he lives. He will not be able to work for the good of society and will not leave anything significant behind.

At the end of the comedy, the author speaks of the triumph of “retribution”: Prostakova loses the estate and the respect of her own son, raised in accordance with her spiritual and physical ideals. This is the price to pay for miseducation and ignorance.

What does it teach?

Denis Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor,” first of all, teaches respect for one’s neighbors. The sixteen-year-old young man Mitrofanushka did not perceive the care of either his mother or his uncle at all; he took it for granted: “Why, uncle, have you eaten too much henbane? Yes, I don’t know why you deigned to attack me.” The natural result of rough treatment in the home is the ending where the son pushes away his loving mother.

The lessons of the comedy “Minor” do not end there. It is not so much respect as ignorance that shows people in the position they are carefully trying to hide. Stupidity and ignorance hover in the comedy like a bird over a nest, they envelop the village, thereby not letting the inhabitants out of their own shackles. The author cruelly punishes the Prostakovs for their narrow-mindedness, depriving them of their property and the very opportunity to continue their idle lifestyle. Thus, everyone needs to learn, because even the most stable position in society can easily be lost if you are an uneducated person.

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Classicism - literary direction, developed in the eighteenth century. A striking example his is the comedy "Undergrowth". The characters in this work are the topic of the article.

Issues

What is the comedy “The Minor” about? The characters are typical representatives social strata in Russia of the eighteenth century. Among them are statesmen, nobles, servants, serfs, and even self-proclaimed teachers. Affected social theme in the comedy "Minor". The characters are Mitrofanushka and his mother. Mrs. Prostakova tightly controls everyone. She doesn't consider anyone, not even her husband. In terms of its problematics, the work “Minor” is straightforward. The characters in comedy are either negative or positive. There are no complex contradictory images.

The work also affects social political problems. Even today, more than two centuries later, it remains relevant. The characters in Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” utter phrases that literally scatter into quotes. The names of the heroes of this dramatic work have become household names.

History of creation

It’s worth saying a few words about how the work was created before describing the characters. Fonvizin wrote “The Minor” in 1778. By that time, the writer had already visited France. He spent more than a year in Paris, where he studied law, philosophy, and met social life the country that gave the world such names as Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau. Consequently, the views of the Russian playwright have changed somewhat. He realized the backwardness of the Russian landowner class. Therefore, the writer considered it necessary to create a work that would ridicule the vices of his contemporaries.

Fonvizin worked on the comedy for more than three years. In the early eighties, in one of the capital theaters The premiere of the comedy “The Minor” took place.

List of characters

Prostakova.
Prostakov.
Mitrofanushka.
Sophia.
Milo.
Pravdin.
Starodum.
Skotinin.
Kuteikin.
Tsiferkin.
Vralman.
Trishka.

Sofia, Mitrofanushka, Prostakova are the main characters. A minor is a concept denoting a young nobleman who has not received an education. As you know, in the comedy he is Mitrofan, one of the main characters. But other characters in the comedy cannot be called secondary. Each of them plays a specific role in the plot. The works, like other works of the era of classicism, reflect events taking place during one day. The characters in the comedy "The Minor" are given names. And this is another typical feature of works of classicism.

Plot

Fonvizin's comedy tells the story of cruel and stupid landowners, who are opposed to educated aristocrats. The plot centers on the story of an orphan girl who suddenly finds herself the heir to a large fortune. in the comedy they try to take over her dowry by forcing her into marriage. The positive ones come to the rescue, getting rid of treacherous relatives.

In the Prostakovs' house

More detailed characteristics characters in "The Minor" are presented below. But, as already mentioned, Mrs. Prostakova has a difficult disposition. The reader is convinced of this from the very first pages. The comedy begins with a scene in which Mitrofanushka's mother angrily attacks the serf Trishka for sewing a caftan for her beloved son, which is too small for him. This and subsequent events characterize Prostakova as a person prone to tyranny and unexpected outbursts of rage.

Sophia lives in the Prostakovs' house. Her father died. IN lately she lived in Moscow with her mother. But several months have passed since she became an orphan. Prostakova took her to her place.

Rich heiress

Prostakova's brother Skotinin appears on stage. Characteristic characters in the comedy “The Minor” - a description of the characters who can be divided into two groups. The first includes the noble, honest and educated. The second is ignorant and rude. Skotinin should be classified as the latter. This man expresses a desire to marry Sophia. But he wants to connect his life with this girl not because he likes her. The thing is that he is a big pig hunter, as his last name eloquently speaks about. And Sophia inherited several villages, on whose farms these animals live in great abundance.

Meanwhile, Prostakova learns exciting news: Sophia’s uncle is alive. Mitrofan's mother is angry. After all, she believed that Starodum had long been dead. It turned out he was alive. Moreover, he is going to make his niece the heiress of the fortune that he made in Siberia. Prostakova accuses Sophia of hiding news about a rich relative from her. But suddenly a brilliant idea comes to her mind. She decides to marry Sophia to her son.

Justice has triumphed

The village is visited by officer Milon, whom Sophia knew back in Moscow. They love each other, but due to life circumstances they had to separate. Milon, having learned about Sophia's engagement, is at first tormented by jealousy, but later he learns what Mitrofan is like and calms down somewhat.

Prostakova loves her son very much. She hires teachers for him, but by the age of sixteen he had not even learned to read and write. The boy constantly complains to his mother that teaching makes him sad. To which Prostakova consoles her son, promising to marry him soon.

The appearance of Starodum

Finally, Uncle Sophia comes to the village. Starodum tells the story of his life about how he was forced to leave public service, went to Siberia, and then decided to return from his native land. Starodum meets with Sophia and promises to rid her of her unpleasant relatives and marry her to a worthy man, who turns out to be her beloved Milon.

Description of the characters

The minor, that is, Mitrofanushka, studies, observing the tsar’s decree, but does it with great reluctance. Characteristics This hero is stupidity, ignorance, laziness. Besides, he is cruel. Mitrofanushka does not respect his father and mocks his teachers. He takes advantage of the fact that his mother selflessly loves him.

Sophia gives a good description of her failed fiance. The girl claims that, although Mitrofanushka is only sixteen years old, he has reached the peak of his perfection and will not develop further. This character from Fonvizin's comedy is quite unpleasant. It combines such traits as servility and a tendency towards tyranny.

At the beginning of the work, Mitrofanushka appears before readers in the role of a spoiled, tough person. But later, when his mother fails to organize his wedding with a rich relative, he radically changes his behavior, humbly asks for forgiveness from Sophia, and shows humility towards Starodum. Mitrofanushka is a representative of the world of the Prostakovs-Skotinins, people devoid of all concepts of morality. The undergrowth symbolizes the degradation of the Russian nobility, the reason for which is improper upbringing and lack of education.

The surname Prostakova symbolizes lack of education and ignorance. Main feature This heroine is blind love for her son. At the end of the work, Mitrofanushka’s mother descends to the point that she begins to use assault towards Skotinin. Prostakova is a combination of arrogance, hatred, anger and cowardice. By creating this literary character The author wanted to show the reader what the lack of education leads to. According to Fonvizin, it is ignorance that is the cause of many human vices.

Sophia

Prostakova's niece is a representative noble family. But, unlike her relatives, she is educated and has a concept of honor. Sophia laughs at Mitrofanushka and his mother. She despises them. The characteristic features of the heroine are kindness, mockery, nobility.

Other positive characters

Starodum - educated man of advanced years, with great life experience. The main traits of this hero are honesty, wisdom, kindness and respect for other people. This character is opposed to Prostakova. Both of them wish the best for their students. But their approach to education is completely different. If Prostakova sees in her son a small child who requires constant care and indulges him in everything, then Starodum considers Sophia a mature personality. He takes care of his niece, choosing a worthy man as her husband. A few words should be said about this character.

Milo

The characteristic features of this hero are sincerity, nobility, and prudence. Even in difficult situations, he does not lose his sanity. Hearing about Sophia's engagement, he imagines Mitrofan as an educated and worthy man. And only later does his opinion regarding his opponent change. It is this hero, in one of his last actions, who tries to reconcile Prostakova with her brother, reminding them that they are close people.

Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” was written in the best traditions of Russian classicism. In accordance with the classic canons, the characters in the work are clearly divided into positive and negative, and their names and surnames succinctly characterize and reveal the main features of the characters. However, in contrast to the traditional images of classic plays, the heroes of “The Minor” are devoid of stereotypes, which is what attracts modern readers and viewers.

Positive actors include Pravdin, Sophia, Starodum And Milo. Each of them supports the ideas of the Enlightenment, considering virtue, honesty, love of country, high morality and education to be the main human values. The negative heroes are depicted as their complete opposite - Prostakovs, Skotinin And Mitrofan. They are representatives of the “old” nobility, which with all its might clings to outdated ideas of serfdom and feudalism. Their core values are money, position in the social hierarchy and physical strength.

In Fonvizin’s play “The Minor,” the main characters are divided into peculiar dual pairs, in which the author portrays people with similar social roles, but depicting them in mirror distortion. So, in addition to a couple of “children” - Sophia and Mitrofan, we can distinguish “educators” - Starodum and Prostakov, “suitors” - Milon and Skotinin, as well as “owners” - Prostakov and Pravdin.

Mitrofan– undergrowth and main character comedy - a spoiled, stupid young man of sixteen, for whom his mother, nanny or servants always did everything. Having adopted from his mother a love of money, rudeness and disrespect for his family (Prostakova is ready to deceive her brother in order to arrange a marriage that is beneficial for her), and from his father complete lack of will, he behaves like a small child - he does not want to study, while he finds marriage fun fun. The complete opposite of Mitrofan is Sophia. This is an educated, intelligent and serious girl with difficult fate. Having lost in early age parents and living in the care of the Prostakovs, Sophia does not adopt their values, but, in fact, becomes a “black sheep” in their society (Prostakova is even indignant that the girl can read).

Prostakova appears before readers, on the one hand, as an uneducated, cunning woman who is ready to do almost anything for the sake of profit, and on the other hand, as a practical housewife and loving mother, for whom the happiness and carefree future of her son comes above all else. Prostakova raised Mitrofan the way she was raised, and therefore was able to convey and show by her own example outdated, long-exhausted ideas and values.

U Staroduma a completely different approach to education - it does not treat Sophia as small child, talking with her as equals, instructing her and advising her based on own experience. In the matter of marriage, a man does not undertake to make final decisions for a girl, because he does not know whether her heart is free. In the image of Starodum, Fonvizin portrays his ideal of a parent and educator - an authoritative, strong personality who herself has walked a worthy path. However, analyzing the system of characters in “The Minor” from the point of view of a modern reader, it is worth noting that the image of Starodum as a teacher is also not ideal. The entire time he was away, Sophia was deprived of parental care and left to her own devices. The fact that the girl learned to read, values morality and virtue is most likely the merit of her parents, who instilled this in her at a young age.

In general, the theme of kinship is important both for the positive characters of the play “The Minor” and for the negative ones. Sophia- daughter of worthy people, Milo- son good friend Starodum. Prostakova received this surname only after marriage; in fact, she is Skotinina. Brother and sister are very similar, they are both driven by a thirst for profit and cunning, they are uneducated and cruel. Mitrofan is depicted as the real son of his parents and his uncle’s pupil, who inherited all of them negative traits, including a love for pigs.

Characters whose relationship is not mentioned in the play - Prostakov and Pravdin. Prostakov is radically different from his wife; compared to the active and active Prostakova, he looks weak-willed and passive. In a situation where he must show himself as the owner of the village, the man is lost against the background of his wife. This leads to the fact that the more active Pravdin, who was able to pacify Prostakova, becomes the owner of the estate. In addition, Prostakov and Pravdin act as some kind of “auditors” of what is happening. Pravdin is the voice of the law, while Prostakov is the opinion of the simple (remember the “talking” names of the play) people who do not like how the “old” nobility behave in the person of his wife and brother-in-law, but is afraid of their anger, therefore he speaks only aside and not negotiating.

The last couple of characters are Skotinin and Milon. Men represent outdated and new ideas about marriage and family life. Milon has known Sophia since childhood, they love each other, and therefore their relationship is built on mutual respect and friendship. Skotinin doesn’t even try to get to know the girl better, he’s only concerned about his dowry, and he’s not even going to arrange for her good conditions after marriage.

In addition to the main characters, the play contains secondary characters - teachers and educators of Mitrofan the underage. Characteristics of the supporting characters – Eremeevna, Tsyfirkina, Kuteikina And Vralman– is connected with their social role in the play. The nanny is an example of a serf who faithfully serves his mistress all his life, enduring beatings and injustice. Using the example of images of teachers, the author exposes all the problems of education in Russia in the 18th century, when children were taught by retired military men who had not graduated from the seminary or even grooms.

For the 18th century, Fonvizin’s innovation was that the author depicted the characters in “The Minor” without excessive pathos and stereotypes inherent in many works of classicism. Each comedy hero is undoubtedly a composite image, but created not according to a ready-made “stencil”, but with its own individual traits. That is why the characters in the work “Minor” remain even today with the brightest images Russian literature.

Work test

Fonvizin’s contemporaries highly valued “Nedoroslya”; he delighted them not only with his amazing language, clarity of the author's civic position, innovation of form and content.

Features of the genre

In terms of genre, this work is a classic comedy, it complies with the requirements of “three unities” inherent in classicism (place, time, action), the heroes are divided into positive and negative, each of the heroes has its own role (“reasoner”, “villain”, etc.). etc.), however, there are also deviations from the requirements of classicist aesthetics, and serious deviations.Thus, the comedy was only supposed to amuse, it could not be interpreted in multiple meanings, there could be no ambiguity in it - and if we remember “The Minor”, then we cannot help but admit that, raising the most important social issues of his time, the author resolves them by means far from comic: for example, at the end of the work, when, it would seem, “the vice is punished,” the viewer cannot help but sympathize with Mrs. Prostakova, who is rudely and cruelly pushed away by the ungrateful Mitrofanushka, preoccupied with his own fate: “ Let go, mother, how you imposed yourself..." - and the tragic element powerfully invades the comedy, which was unacceptable.. And with the "unity of action" everything is also not so simple in comedy, it has too much storylines, which do not “work” in any way to resolve the main conflict, but create a broad social background that determines the characters of the characters. Finally, Fonvizin’s innovation was reflected in the language of the comedy “The Minor”; the speech of the characters is very highly individualized, it contains folklorisms, vernacular, and high style (Starodum, Pravdin), which also violates the classic canons of creation speech characteristics characters. We can, summing up, conclude that Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” became a truly innovative work for its time; the author pushed the boundaries of the aesthetics of classicism, subordinating it to the solution of the task set for himself: to angrily ridicule the vices of his contemporary society, to rid it of “evil morals.” ", capable of destroying both the human soul and public morality.

Image system

Let us analyze the system of images of the comedy "The Minor", which, as required by the aesthetics of classicism, represents two directly opposite "camps" - positive and negative heroes. Here you can also notice a certain deviation from the canons; it manifests itself in the fact that it carries duality; it is almost impossible to classify them as purely positive or purely negative heroes. Let us remember one of Mitrofanushka’s teachers, Kuteikin. On the one hand, he suffers humiliation from Mrs. Prostakova and his student, on the other hand, he is not averse, if the opportunity arises, to “snatch his piece,” for which he is ridiculed. Or “Mitrofan’s mother” Eremeevna: she is reviled and humiliated by her mistress in every possible way, she humbly endures, but, forgetting herself, rushes to protect Mitrofanushka from her uncle, and does this not only out of fear of punishment...

The image of Prostakova in the comedy "Minor"

As already noted, Fonvizin innovatively portrays his main character- Mrs. Prostakova. From the very first scenes of the comedy, we are faced with a despot who does not want to reckon with anyone or anything. She rudely imposes her will on everyone, suppresses and humiliates not only the serfs, but also her husband (how can one not recall Mitrofan’s “dream in hand” about how “mother” beats “father”?..), she tyrannizes Sophia, she wants to force her to marry first her brother Taras Skotinin, and then, when it turns out that Sophia is now a rich bride, her son. Being herself an ignorant and uncultured person (with what pride she declares: “Read it yourself! No, madam, thank God, I was not brought up like that. I can receive letters, but I always tell someone else to read them!”), she despises education, although he tries to teach his son, he does this only because he wants to ensure his future, and what is Mitrofan’s “training” worth, as it is presented in the comedy? True, his mother is convinced: “Believe me, father, that, of course, it’s nonsense that Mitrofanushka doesn’t know”...

Mrs. Prostakova is characterized by cunning and resourcefulness, she stubbornly stands her ground and is convinced that “we will take ours” - and is ready to commit a crime, kidnap Sophia and, against her will, marry her to a man from the “Skotinin family.” When she meets resistance, she simultaneously tries to beg for forgiveness and promises punishment to those of her people, due to whose oversight the “enterprise” failed, in which Mitrofanushka is ready to actively support her: “Take it for people?” The “transformation” of Mrs. Prostakova is striking, who just on her knees humbly begged to forgive her, and, having received the petition, “jumping up from her knees”, fervently promises: “Well! Now I will give the dawn to my people. I’ll take it one by one. Now I’ll find out who let her out of her hands. No, swindlers! I won’t forgive this mockery forever.” There is so much voluptuousness in this triple “now”, and how truly scary it becomes from her request: “Give me at least three days (Aside) I would make myself known...”.

However, as already noted, there is a certain duality in the image of Prostakova. She deeply and devotedly loves her son and is ready to do anything for him. Is she guilty of comparing her love for him to the love of a dog for puppies: “Have you ever heard of a bitch giving away her puppies?”? We must not forget that she is from the Skotinin-Priplodin family, where such half-animal love was the only possible one, how could she be different? So she disfigures Mitrofan’s soul with her blind love, her son pleases her in every possible way, and she is happy because he “loves” her... Until he throws her away from him, because now he doesn’t need her, and even those people who just condemned Mrs. Prostakova sympathize with her in her maternal grief...

Image of Mitrofan

The image of Mitrofan was created by Fonvizin also not quite traditionally. The “minor” who likes to be “small”, who diligently takes advantage of his mother’s attitude towards him, is not as simple and stupid as it might seem at first glance. He has learned to use his parents' love for himself for his own benefit, he knows well how to achieve his goal, he is convinced that he has the right to everything he wants. Mitrofanushka's selfishness is driving force his actions, but in the hero there is cruelty (remember his remark about “people”), resourcefulness (what is his discussion about the “door”), and a lordly contempt for people, including his mother, with whom he, on occasion, looking for help and protection. And his attitude towards education is so dismissive only because he does not see any real benefit from it. Probably, when he “serves”, he - if it is beneficial - will change his attitude towards education, potentially he is ready for anything: “For me, wherever they tell me.” Consequently, the image of Mitrofan in the comedy “Minor” is also characterized by a certain psychologism, as well as the image of Prostakova, which is Fonvizin’s innovative approach to creating negative images, who were only supposed to be "villains".

Positive images

The playwright is more traditional in creating positive images. Each of them is an expression of a certain idea, and as part of the statement of this idea, an image-character is created. Practically positive images devoid of individual features, these are images-ideas inherent in classicism; Sophia, Milon, Starodum, Pravdin are not living people, but exponents of a “certain type of consciousness”; they represent a system of views that was advanced for their time on the relationship between spouses, the social structure, the essence human personality and human dignity.

Image of Starodum

During the time of Fonvizin special sympathy The audience was evoked by the image of Starodum in the comedy "The Minor". Already in the very “talking” surname of the character, the author emphasized the opposition of “century this century to the past": in Starodum they saw a man of the era of Peter I, when "In that century, courtiers were warriors, but warriors were not courtiers." Starodum's thoughts about education, about the ways in which a person can achieve glory and prosperity, about what kind of sovereign should be warm response from a significant part of the audience who shared the progressive beliefs of the author of the comedy, while special sympathy for the image of the hero was caused by the fact that he did not just proclaim these progressive ideas - according to the play it turned out that he own life proved the correctness and benefit of such behavior for a person. The image of Starodum was the ideological center around which they united goodies comedies that opposed the dominance of the morality of the Skotinins-Prostakovs.

Image of Pravdin

Pravdin, a government official, embodies the idea of statehood, which protects the interests of education and the people, which seeks to actively change life for the better. Guardianship of Prostakova's estate, which Pravdin appoints by the will of the empress, gives hope that the ruler of Russia is able to stand up for the protection of those of her subjects who most need this protection, and the determination with which Pravdin carries out the reforms should have convinced the viewer, What supreme authority interested in improving people's lives. But how then can we understand Starodum’s words in response to Pravdin’s call to serve at court: “It is in vain to call a doctor to the sick without healing”? It is likely that behind Pravdin stood the System, which confirmed its reluctance and inability to carry out real reforms, and Starodum represented himself, an individual person, in the play, and explained why the image of Starodum was perceived by the audience with much more sympathy than the image of the “ideal official” .

Milon and Sophia

The love story of Milon and Sophia is a typically classic love story of two noble heroes, each of which has high moral qualities, that’s why their relationship looks so artificial, although, against the backdrop of Skotinin’s attitude towards the same Sophia (“You are my dear friend! If now, without seeing anything, I have a special peck for each pig, then I’ll find a sweet spot for my wife”) she and indeed represents an example high feeling moral, educated, worthy young people, contrasted with the “fertility” of negative heroes.

The meaning of the comedy "Minor"

Pushkin called Fonvizin “a brave ruler of satire,” and the comedy “Minor,” which we analyzed, fully confirms this assessment of the writer’s work. In it author's position Fonvizin is expressed completely unambiguously, the writer defends the ideas of enlightened absolutism, he does this in highest degree talented, creating convincing artistic images, significantly expanding the scope of the aesthetics of classicism, taking an innovative approach to the plot of the work, to the creation of images-characters, some of which are not just an expression of certain socio-political ideas, but have a pronounced psychological individuality, expressing the inconsistency of human nature. All this explains the enormous significance of Fonvizin’s work and the comedy “Nedorosl” for Russian literature of the 18th century, the success of the work among his contemporaries and his significant influence on the subsequent development of Russian drama.