Analysis of the story by A.S. Pushkin" Captain's daughter"

In terms of the significance of the theme, the breadth of reality, and artistic perfection, the historical story “The Captain's Daughter” is a masterpiece, the pinnacle achievement of Pushkin the realist. This is the last of his major works, completed by him just over three months before his death.

“The Captain's Daughter” is devoted to the development of an extremely important theme for this time - the peasant uprising, the peasant war.

Studying the history of Pugachev's uprising made it possible for Pushkin to accurately and truthfully talk about the events that he depicts in the story.

Andrei Petrovich Grinev had a negative attitude towards easy but dishonest ways to make a career at court. That’s why he didn’t want to send his son Petrusha to serve in St. Petersburg, in the guard: “What will he learn while serving in St. Petersburg? Wander and hang out? - Andrei Petrovich says to his wife. “No, let him serve in the army, let him pull the strap, let him smell gunpowder, let him be a soldier, not a shamaton,” that is, a slacker, a slacker, an empty person.

Grinev the father is not deprived negative traits inherent in him as a representative of his time. Let us remember his harsh treatment of his loving and uncomplaining wife, Petrusha’s mother, his harsh reprisal against the French teacher, and especially the outrageously rude tone of his letter to Savelich: “Shame on you, old dog... I hate you, old dog! I’ll send the pigs to graze...” In this episode we have before us a typical nobleman-serf owner.

But Grinev the father also has positive traits: honesty, straightforwardness, strength of character. These traits evoke the reader’s involuntary and natural sympathy for this stern, strict person towards himself and others.

The character of the young sixteen-year-old boy Pyotr Andreevich Grinev is wonderfully shown by Pushkin in his movement and development under the influence of the life conditions in which he is placed.

At first, Petrusha is a careless and frivolous landowner's son, a slacker urchin, almost like Fonvizin's Mitrofanushka, dreaming of an easy life full of all sorts of pleasures as a metropolitan guards officer.

In Petrusha Grinev, the kind, loving heart of his mother seemed to be combined with honesty, straightforwardness, courage - qualities that are inherent in his father. Grinev the father strengthened these qualities in his firm parting words: “Serve faithfully to whom you swear allegiance; obey your superiors; Don’t chase their affection; don’t ask for service; don’t talk yourself out of serving and remember the proverb: take care of your dress again, but take care of your honor from a young age.”

Petrusha’s kindness was manifested in a generous gift to a “little man” unknown to him, who showed the way during a snowstorm and who then played decisive role in all its future fate. And how, risking everything, he rushed to the rescue of the captured Savelich. The depth of Petrusha Grinev’s nature was reflected in the great and pure feeling that arose in him throughout his life for Masha Mironova.

By his behavior in the Belogorsk fortress and later, Pyotr Andreevich Grinev proved his loyalty to his father’s covenants and did not betray what he considered his duty and his honor.

The good traits and inclinations inherent in the nature of Grinev the son were strengthened, tempered and finally triumphed under the influence of that harsh school of life to which his father sent him, sending him instead of Petersburg and the guard to the remote steppe outskirts. The major historical events of which he became a participant did not allow him, after great personal grief - his father’s refusal to give permission to marry Masha Mironova - to lose heart and despair; they gave his soul a “strong and good shock.”

The complete opposite of the honest and straightforward Grinev is his rival Alexey Ivanovich Shvabrin. The author does not deprive Shvabrin of famous positive traits. He is educated, smart, observant, sharp-tongued, interesting companion. But for the sake of his personal goals, Shvabrin is ready to commit any dishonorable act. He slanderes Masha Mironova; casually casts a shadow on her mother. He inflicts a treacherous blow on Petrusha Grinev in a duel and, in addition, writes a false denunciation of him to Grinev’s father. Shvabrin goes over to Pugachev’s side not out of ideological convictions: he expects to save his life, hopes to make a career with him if Pugachev succeeds, and most importantly, he wants, having dealt with his rival, to forcibly marry a girl who is not his loves.

The rank-and-file officers, closely connected with the mass of soldiers, included the crooked garrison lieutenant Ivan Ignatievich, and Captain Mironov himself, who was not even a nobleman by birth, “who became an officer from among soldiers’ children.”

Both the captain, his wife Vasilisa Yegorovna, and the crooked lieutenant were uneducated people, with a very limited outlook, which did not give them any opportunity to understand the events taking place - the reasons and goals of the popular uprising. They were not without the usual shortcomings of that time. Let us at least remember the peculiar “justice” of the energetic captain: “Sort out Prokhorov and Ustinya, who is right and who is wrong. Punish both of them."

But at the same time, these were simple and kind people, devoted to their duty, ready, like Grinev the father, to fearlessly die for what they considered “their shrine.” conscience."

With special sympathy and warmth, Pushkin creates the image of the captain's daughter, Masha Mironova. Beneath the tenderness of her appearance, she conceals perseverance and strength, revealed in her sincere love for Grinev, in her decisive resistance to Shvabrin, in whose power she found herself completely, and finally, in her brave trip to the Empress herself in St. Petersburg in order to save her fiancé.

The author very truthfully shows the image of the serf peasant, Uncle Grinev-Savelich. His devotion to his masters is far from slavish. Let us remember his words in a letter to Father Grinev in response to the latter’s rude and unfair reproaches: “. I am not an old dog, but your faithful servant, I obey my master’s orders and have always served you diligently and lived to see my gray hair.”

In the letter, Savelich himself calls himself a “slave,” as was customary then when serfs addressed their masters, but the tone of his letter is imbued with a sense of great human dignity. The inner nobility and spiritual richness of his nature are fully revealed in the completely unselfish and deeply human affection of a poor, lonely old man for his pet.

In the 30s, Pushkin intensively studied the history of Pugachev. The author’s image of the leader of the uprising in “The Captain’s Daughter” differs sharply from previous images of Pugachev.

The image of the leader of the popular revolt is given by Pushkin without any embellishment, in all its harsh, sometimes cruel, reality. Pugachev, in his portrayal of the writer, is distinguished by his exceptional “sharpness” - clarity of mind, free and rebellious spirit, heroic composure and daring, and eagle-like breadth of nature. Let us remember the tale he told Grinev about the eagle and the raven, the meaning of which is that a moment of free and bright life is better than many years of vegetation. Let's remember folk song, Pugachev’s favorite song, “Don’t make noise, mother green oak tree,” which he and his comrades sing in chorus. Let us remember the words of Pugachev: “To execute is to execute, to be pardoned is to be pardoned: this is my custom.”

Pushkin himself called “The Captain's Daughter” a story. Indeed, it is small in volume. But within these tight frameworks the author has placed enormous vital content. Among the characters in The Captain's Daughter, there is not a single random person who appears and disappears.

The end of the story seems to return us to its beginning. IN last chapter We are again in the noble nest of the Grinevs. Before us again is the same estate setting, Grinev the father with the same “Court Calendar” in his hands; next to him is his wife, Petrusha’s mother. This parallelism of beginning and end, which gives the composition of the story harmony and completeness, is emphasized by the similarity of the text of the corresponding places.

In the first chapter: “One autumn, mother was making honey jam in the living room... Father was reading the Court Calendar by the window.”

In the last chapter: “One evening the priest was sitting on the sofa, turning over the sheets of the Court Calendar... Mother was silently knitting a woolen sweatshirt.” But the author adds new touches. Father Grinev flips through his calendar absentmindedly; “... his thoughts were far away, and reading did not produce its usual effect on him.” This time the mother does not make honey jam, but knits a woolen sweatshirt, of course for Petrusha, exiled to “the remote region of Siberia for eternal settlement” - the talkative Avdotya Vasilievna knitted “silently... and tears occasionally fell on her work.” The family idyll gave way to a difficult family drama.

A remarkable aspect of The Captain's Daughter is the language in which it is written. Pushkin endows each character in the story with a special manner of language that corresponds to his mental outlook, his level of development, his social status, and his character. Therefore, from the speeches of the characters, from their remarks and statements, unusually convex and lively images appear before the readers. human images, which summarizes various characteristic aspects Russian life of that time.

“Compared to The Captain’s Daughter,” N.V. Gogol admiringly noted, “all our novels and stories seem like cloying rubbish. Purity and artlessness rose to such an extent in her high degree that reality itself seems artificial and caricatured before her...”

Pushkin’s greatest art as a realist writer lies in this modern artlessness, high artistic simplicity.

"The Captain's Daughter" in literature lessons

I'M GOING TO CLASS

Elena Starodubtseva

Starodubtseva Elena Anatolyevna(1966) - school teacher in the village of Donskoye, Stavropol Territory.

"The Captain's Daughter" in literature lessons

Lesson 1. The first chapter of the novel

Target. Using the example of the novel by A.S. Pushkin's "Dubrovsky" to find out the poet's attitude to the Russian revolt; compare the images of Fonvizin’s undergrowth and Pushkin’s; understand what the atmosphere was like in the Grinevs’ house and what the significance of the image of the hero’s father is in the story; develop students’ ability to analyze the text and relate it to other works; discussion of the content and meaning of the concept of “honor”; develop skills in working with dictionaries.

During the classes

I. Review questions

1. Against the background of what historical event does the narrative unfold in the novel?

2. What work of Pushkin preceded the creation of “The Captain's Daughter”?

II. Introductory talk

Before you begin to study the novel “The Captain's Daughter,” remember in what other novel Pushkin depicted a peasant revolt? Who was at the head of this revolt?

In the novel “Dubrovsky,” Pushkin showed a peasant revolt, the cause of which was a court decision: the peasants of Dubrovsky were to take over the ownership of Troekurov. The leader of this rebellion was the young Vladimir Dubrovsky.

Let me remind you that the novel “Dubrovsky” was written in 1832, but was not completed. To find out why, let's remember the main motives of the novel.

An insult inflicted on a nobleman, the death of a father, a thirst for revenge, a band of robbers, a noble leader of robbers.

What literary movement are these motifs based on?

Features of Romanticism. There is a echo with Byron's poem "The Corsair".

The novel ends with Dubrovsky disbanding the bandit gang and leaving abroad. Why did the novel end at this point?

Firstly, by this time Pushkin stood firmly on a realistic position and the novel “Dubrovsky” is a realistic work. Secondly, Dubrovsky is a nobleman. He could not be a robber and leader of rebellious peasants. He just played this role while the thirst for revenge burned within him. But when this role lost its meaning, he leaves the robber environment. Dubrovsky is honest, noble, generous. These qualities are incompatible with robbery, rebellion and robbery.

Conclusion. Pushkin's main idea is that an honest and noble nobleman cannot be on the side of the rebellious peasants. The concepts of noble honor are incompatible with robbery. Let's remember this thought and move on to the novel "The Captain's Daughter."

III. First chapter of the novel

What is this novel in form?

These are the memories of Pyotr Andreevich Grinev in the form of memoirs, published with the permission of his relatives.

From the very first lines of the novel, we are immersed in the atmosphere of the estate of a provincial nobleman.

Tell us about the life of Petrusha Grinev before serving in the army. What work that we studied earlier do these lines remind us of? What do Fonvizin’s undergrowth and Pushkin’s have in common?

The first chapter of the novel reminds us of the comedy by D.I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth". Petrusha Grinev, just like Mitrofan, is idle, climbs the dovecote, and neglects his studies. His mother spoils him. Just like Mitrofan, Petrusha's teacher is ignorant. Mitrofan's teacher is a former coachman, Petrusha's is a former hairdresser. Both are sixteen years old. But the difference in the depiction of Fonvizin and Pushkin is significant. Fonvizin laughs and mocks Mitrofan, his mother and teachers; his play is a satire. In Pushkin's novel the same thing is described with good humor and gentle irony. In addition, Petrusha and Mitrofan have completely different fathers.

Let us clarify what the literary term “irony” means.

Irony is a negative assessment of an object or phenomenon through its ridicule. The comic effect is achieved by the fact that the true meaning of the statement is disguised: the exact opposite of what is meant is said.

Class assignment. Give examples of ironic images in the first chapter.

This is a description of the “lesson” of Monsieur Beaupré, during which Petrusha was “busy with business” - making a paper kite from a geographical map. “Achievements” in Petrusha’s studies, when by the age of twelve he “learned Russian literacy and could competently talk about the properties of a greyhound dog.” This includes “undoubted success in service” at the inn, expressed in the excessive consumption of punch and playing billiards, etc.

Why, despite such negative phenomena, is Petrusha’s childhood described with such kindness and humor?

Grinev himself describes it many years later, already in old age. It is human nature to remember one’s childhood with warmth. He remembers his childhood not with ridicule, but with a smile.

At what point did Petrusha’s fate change?

From the moment his father decided to send him to military service.

Individual task student. Tell about the service of young nobles during the time of Catherine II.

Now is the time to turn to the epigraphs given by Pushkin to the 1st chapter and to the entire novel.

What epigraph is given to chapter 1? How does it relate to the content of the chapter? Why does it end with the words: “Who is his father?”

What do we learn about Grinev’s father from the very first lines of the novel? Who is Minich and what is the significance of the mention of his name in the novel?

Individual student assignment. Prepare a report about Minich.

Burchard Christopher Minich (1683–1767), commander, politician. In 1741 he was exiled by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna to Siberia. Returned from exile by Peter the Third, to whom he remained faithful during the palace coup of 1762, which brought Catherine the Second to the throne.

Thus, Grinev’s father ended up resigning because he did not want to break the oath he had taken. That is why the father reads the Court Calendar with such irritation and excitement, which indicates the awards and ranks of those with whom he once served and who swore allegiance to the new empress. With his epigraph, Pushkin draws our attention to the most important issue, raised in the story.

How do you understand the proverb: “Take care of your honor from a young age”? Where in the first chapter is it heard?

CONCLUSION. In the novel “The Captain's Daughter” the main issue will be the question of honor and its preservation.

IV. The concept of “honor” in the story

But how does young Petrusha Grinev understand the word “honor” at first? In order for us to understand this, let’s find out the meaning of this word using the dictionary of S.I. Ozhegov and the dictionary V.I. Dalia.

Individual student assignment

Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language S.I. Ozhegova:

1. Moral qualities of a person and his principles worthy of respect and pride. A matter of honor, a duty of honor.

2. Good untarnished reputation, good name. The honor of the family, the honor of the uniform.

3. Chastity, purity. Maiden's honor.

4. Honor, respect. Give honor.

“Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language” by V.I. Dalia:

1. The inner, moral dignity of a person, valor, honesty, nobility of soul, clear conscience.

2. Conditional, secular, worldly nobility, often false, imaginary.

3. High rank, rank.

4. External proof of difference, a sign of superiority.

5. Showing respect and honor.

In what meaning does Petrusha understand the word “honor” at the beginning of the novel?

In the fourth meaning for Ozhegov and in the second, third, fourth, fifth for Dahl.

What examples from the first chapter can confirm this?

The idea of ​​service as parades, entertainment, and honor. Paying off a debt for losing at billiards. Rough treatment of Savelich, the desire to insist on his own.

CONCLUSION. We see that Petrusha Grinev perceives such a concept as honor superficially; it has not yet been formed in him.

But is it possible already in the first chapter to see signs that this is not the moral basis of his character, that by nature he is a kind and warm-hearted person?

Yes, this is the feeling of guilt experienced by Petrusha after a quarrel with Savelich, an internal awareness of his wrongness. After this, Petrusha finds the strength to ask the servant for forgiveness.

But why is Petrusha so rude and self-willed at the inn, since this has never happened to him before?

He wants to feel like an adult, to break out from under care, to do something of his own free will: “But I wanted to break free and prove that I am no longer a child.”

V. Lesson summary

What is the main moral problem raised by Pushkin in the novel “The Captain's Daughter”? How many voices are there in the story?

VI. Homework

2. Assignment based on options: 1st option - analyze Grinev’s behavior and actions.

2nd option - analyze Shvabrin’s behavior and actions on the following questions:

Relation to the Mironov family;

Behavior during a duel;

Behavior during the capture of the Belogorsk fortress by the Pugachevites;

Attitude towards Masha Mironova;

Behavior with Pugachev.

Individual tasks

1. Talk about Grinev’s life in the Belogorsk fortress and what the fortress itself was like, how the service was held, who was the true owner of the fortress.

2. Compare the episode of giving a hare sheepskin coat and the episode of paying off a debt for a loss. What are the similarities and what are the differences?

Lesson 2. Development of the main character's character. Grinev and Shvabrin

Target. Follow further development character of the hero; teaching comparative characteristics of heroes; developing students’ skills in working with options; give an idea of ​​the continuity of Pushkin’s traditions in Russian literature; instilling in schoolchildren such concepts as honor and dignity.

During the classes

Everything we have is from Pushkin.
( F.M. Dostoevsky)

I. One of the goals of our lesson will be to trace through the novel how the personality of Pyotr Grinev develops. As our lesson progresses, we will draw up a diagram of the main character’s growth.

During the lesson, the following diagram is drawn in notebooks and on the board:

6) Self-sacrifice for the good name of Masha Mironova.

5) Risks his life to save Masha, does not leave Savelich in trouble.

4) Refusal to swear allegiance to the rebel.

3) A duel for the girl’s honor.

2) Gratitude for salvation.

1) Payment of debt for loss.

Question to repeat. How did Petrusha Grinev appear before us in the first chapter?

Young, inexperienced and naive, he passionately wants to grow up, but to do this he often chooses the wrong ways: playing billiards, drinking, being insolent with Savelich. But at heart he is kind and ashamed bad deeds which he commits due to inexperience.

You said that the hero passionately wants to grow up. But what does it mean to “be an adult”? How do you understand this expression?

This means being independent, being able to make serious decisions, being responsible for yourself and others, being able to analyze your actions and give them your assessment.

Does Petrusha have the full set of these qualities?

No. Although he is already able to realize his guilt and admit it, he is not yet able to make independent decisions or resist bad influences. This is confirmed by the incident at the inn.

Let's follow Grinev's further actions. Why does the hero and his companions get caught in a snowstorm?

He frivolously hopes for chance and does not listen to the advice of an experienced person. This again reveals his willfulness, his desire to insist on his own.

How did the travelers manage to get out of the snowstorm? How did he thank his savior?

Individual student assignment. Compare the episode of donating a hare sheepskin coat with the episode from the first chapter, when Grinev paid the debt for losing to Zurin. What are the similarities and differences between these episodes?

The similarity is that in both cases, Grinev repays the debt to another person, demanding what he needs from Savelich. In both cases, Savelich is outraged by the loss, grumbles and objects.

The difference is that in the first case, Petrusha is ashamed of his behavior, he repents and asks for forgiveness. In the second - no, because in the second case he does not throw money away, but thanks for the service rendered. He pays good for good. This time he acts quite consciously, like an honest person.

CONCLUSION. This act of Grinev correlates with the concepts of honor. He honestly thanks for the salvation, and this puts him one step higher compared to his previous act, which gives him the right to ignore Savelich’s objections.

II. Individual task

Tell us about Grinev’s life in the Belogorsk fortress. What is this fortress like, is it what the hero imagined? How was the service in the fortress? Who was really the commander in it? What kind of atmosphere reigned in the family of Captain Mironov?

(Student's answer.)

CONCLUSION. A warm family atmosphere reigns in the Belogorsk fortress, soldiers and commanders treat each other with warmth, there is no officialdom. The whole fortress is like a big family. Peter fell in love with these people, not wanting anything else for himself. Pushkin writes with warmth and tenderness about the relationships of these people, and here one of the ideas dearest to Pushkin is carried out - the thought of family. Now pay attention to the epigraph to our lesson. Why did Dostoevsky say that? Because Pushkin’s work contains traditions that will subsequently be developed in Russian literature of the 19th century. In particular, family thought will become one of the main thoughts in the work of L.N. Tolstoy.

III.- Which of the inhabitants of the fortress stands out from the general circle? How?

Alexey Ivanovich Shvabrin. He is the only one of the inhabitants of the fortress who speaks French, his conversation is witty and entertaining. He was educated, served in St. Petersburg in the guard, and was transferred to the Belogorsk fortress for a duel.

Why did Shvabrin, whom Grinev liked at first, gradually begin to dislike him?

He speaks poorly about the family of Captain Mironov, slanderes Ivan Ignatich, and puts Masha in a bad light. All these people became dear to Grinev, and he was unpleasant to hear bad things about them.

Working with options

How do Grinev and Shvabrin relate to each other in the character system?

They are opposed.

Now we will compile a comparative table of the actions of Grinev and Shvabrin and see how the actions of one and the other relate to the concepts of honor.

Comparative characteristics of Grinev and Shvabrin

General. Both nobles, officers, serve in the Belogorsk fortress, are in love with Masha Mironova.

Miscellaneous

Comparison criterion	Grinev	Shvabrin
1. Attitude towards the family of Captain Mironov	With sympathy and love, with a friendly smile, he sincerely loves and considers him his family.	Mockingly, mockingly, spreads slander.
2. Behavior during a duel	He fights honestly, bravely, defending the girl’s honor.	Inflicts a treacherous blow on the defenseless Grinev when he turned to Savelich’s voice.
3. Behavior during the capture of the fortress by the Pugachevites	Refuses to take oath to the impostor. Ready to die courageously. Refuses to kiss Pugachev's hand.	Takes the side of the rebels, violates the military oath.
4. Attitude towards Masha Mironova	He loves her, but gives her freedom of choice, respects her decision, and does not force her to do anything. Ready to give my life for her. He risks himself by saving her from the Pugachev camp. Finally, he does not mention her name during the investigation, not wanting to involve Masha in the proceedings.	He describes Masha as a “complete fool” and slanderes her. Keeps you locked up and starves you. And at the last moment he gives it to Pugachev.
5. Behavior with Pugachev	Behaves boldly, honestly, and sincerely answers dangerous questions. He behaves worthy of a nobleman and a man.	He humiliates himself, twists around, crawls at Pugachev’s feet, begging for forgiveness.

What conclusion can we draw about the concepts of honor in one and the other?

Grinev’s concept of honor is developing. In all his actions he acts honestly and openly. Gradually, he ascends to the highest manifestation of honor - self-sacrifice in the name of another person. Shvabrin has no concept of honor at all. This hero, on the contrary, morally sinks lower and lower.

IV. Lesson summary

So, we see that Grinev’s character is given in development. And again we turn to the epigraph of the lesson: “Everything we have is from Pushkin.” The tradition of depicting a hero in development received a powerful continuation in Russian literature. Heroes of L.N. Tolstoy, whom we will soon meet, are depicted by the writer as always looking for their way, restless. These are the ones who have become readers’ favorite heroes. And on the contrary, wanting to show the entire baseness of someone’s soul, Tolstoy emphasized the immobility and lack of spiritual development of the hero. In this we see a continuation of Pushkin’s traditions.

V. Homework

Answer the questions:

1) Why is the novel named after the heroine?

2) Why did Catherine the Second pardon Grinev?

Options assignment

1st option. To trace how the feeling of love between Masha and Grinev developed.

2nd option. Tell about what happened to Masha after Pugachev captured the Belogorsk fortress.

Individual tasks

1) Prepare an expressive reading based on the roles of the dialogue between Masha and Grinev from the chapter “Love”.

2) Prepare an expressive memorization of A.S.’s poem. Pushkin “I loved you...”

Lesson 3. The theme of love in the novel by A.S. Pushkin "The Captain's Daughter"

Target. Analyze the image of Masha Mironova, understand why the novel is named after her; develop skills in selective work with text; develop expressive reading skills by heart and by role; education of the concepts of modesty, honor, chastity and sublime love.

During the classes

A novel about a miracle performed by love.
( T. Alpatova)

I. Teacher's opening speech

The theme of love is one of the favorite themes of Pushkin’s work. This feeling has always been sacred for the poet. It has always been associated with such concepts as purity, nobility, holiness. Pushkin himself was in love more than once, and this feeling always brought light and inspiration into his life. Even unrequited love was full of charm and light sadness for the poet. The state of falling in love was natural for Pushkin. This is precisely expressed in the lines:

And the heart burns again and loves because
That it cannot help but love.

A whole gallery of beautiful images has been created in Pushkin’s work. female images: these are both the recipients of his love lyrics and the heroines of his works - Tatyana Larina, Donna Anna, Masha Troekurova, Liza Muromskaya, Zemfira, etc. This gallery ends with Masha Mironova. It so happened that this is the last female image in Pushkin’s work.

II. How does Masha appear before us in the chapter “Fortress”? Find a description of her appearance.

Modest, shy, fearful, timid, not distinguished by a striking, beautiful appearance. Vasilisa Egorovna even calls her a coward. In addition, it is said that Masha is homeless.

It must be said that all of Pushkin’s favorite heroines were not distinguished by their bright appearance. Their beauty lies elsewhere.

Work of the 1st option. Does Petrusha Grinev immediately develop a feeling of love for Masha? Follow through the novel how this feeling arises and develops.

At first, Peter was prejudiced towards Masha, influenced by Shvabrin’s negative review. But during the conversation at the table, he felt sorry for Masha, since her mother spoke very unceremoniously about her. Then Petrusha, having gotten to know the girl better, discovered that she was “prudent and sensitive.” But this is not love yet, although Grinev is already unpleasant to listen to Shvabrin’s caustic remarks about Masha. The poem written was hardly dedicated to Masha. If this were so, it is unlikely that Peter would have shown it to Shvabrin. But he brings it to trial, expecting praise. Masha's name in the poems was most likely accidental. But Shvabrin’s dirty hints infuriated Grinev. He stood up for the girl’s honor, as the duty of a nobleman, a knight told him to do so. Shvabrin, trying to turn Grinev away from Masha, achieves the exact opposite - Petrusha looked at Masha in a new way. A conversation with Masha and her admission that Shvabrin was wooing her, but she refused, completed the matter - Peter fell in love. When Masha was caring for the wounded Grinev, he decided to marry her.

From the very first lines, Masha appeared before us timid and shy, but does this mean that she is spineless?

No. The refusal to Shvabrin testifies to his strong character and persistent principles. She does not want to marry an unloved person, even at the risk of remaining an old maid for life.

Yes, you need to understand this: imagine a girl living in a remote village where no one comes. The girl also has no dowry. An officer like Shvabrin, according to the ideas of that time, was her only chance to arrange her fate. But she rejects him because she doesn't love him. This speaks not only of strong character, but also of courage, because in the 18th century a woman had only one purpose: to get married and take care of her husband, children, and run the household. There were no other fields.

What moment in the development of the love relationship between Masha and Peter can be considered the culminating moment?

Explanation after receiving a letter from Grinev’s father, in which he forbids his son to marry.

(Students prepared in advance read by role the dialogue between Masha and Grinev in the chapter “Love”. You can dramatize this episode.)

Why do you think Masha, honoring this letter, refuses to marry her beloved? Who is she caring about at this moment?

(Students' answers.)

Pushkin has a wonderful poem written back in 1829. Listen to it and tell me, does it echo this scene from the novel?

(The student reads Pushkin’s poem “I loved you...” by heart.)

What lines of dialogue are consistent with the poem?

This is what is called chastity.

Chastity - 1) Same as chastity.

2) Strict morality, purity. (Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by S.I. Ozhegov)

Is this concept included in the scope of the concept of “honor”?

Yes, in the dictionary of S.I. Ozhegova “honor” in the third meaning means “chastity”.

This means that Masha Mironova sacredly preserves her honor and is ready to give up personal happiness for the sake of preserving her honor. And we are talking not only about girlish honor, but also about human honor.

Individual task. Tell us about Masha’s misadventures after the Pugachevites captured the Belogorsk fortress.

What character qualities did Masha show at this time?

III. Why is the novel called not “Grinev” - after the name of the main character, not “Pugachev” - after the leader of the popular uprising, but after Masha - “The Captain’s Daughter”?

Apparently because precisely main character becomes the center of the lyrical plot of the novel. Despite her modesty and inconspicuousness, she becomes the object of love and adoration of everyone who meets her. Because of Masha, Grinev and Shvabrin fight a duel. Because of her, Grinev goes to Pugachev’s headquarters to face certain death, because of Masha, Pugachev shows royal mercy. It is Masha who will later rescue Grinev from prison.

Pay attention to the epigraph to our lesson. Creativity researcher A.S. Pushkin T. Alpatova writes that this is “a novel about a miracle performed by love.” Indeed, isn’t it a miracle that Grinev, having been in the very “lion’s den,” comes out safe and sound with his bride? And isn’t it a miracle that Masha seeks the forgiveness of her fiancé from the Empress herself?

Let's turn to the final scene of the novel. What does Masha ask the Empress?

“Mercy, not justice.”

Why “mercy” and not “justice”?

Because from the point of view of the law, Grinev was guilty: he collaborated with the rebel, and in a strange way was spared and released. Moreover, Grinev did not name the real reasons for his actions in order to preserve the good name of Masha Mironova. Therefore, Grinev was convicted quite fairly, and it is the mercy of the empress that can save him.

Why does Catherine the Second, when pardoning her, pronounce the phrase: “I am indebted to the daughter of Captain Mironov”? In what debt?

Captain Mironov did not change his oath to the Empress. Because of this, Masha was left an orphan, and the empress pays off this debt by not leaving Masha without protection. Pugachev once told Grinev: “Debt is worth paying.” Catherine II follows the same.

IV. Lesson summary

Professor T. Alpatova writes that “The Captain's Daughter” is “the first Russian realistic novel about what could not have happened, and simply could not have happened. A novel about a miracle performed by love.” Yes, all of this in reality most likely could not have happened. But Pushkin’s humanistic thought forces the rulers of the world to condescend to the troubles of little people and, bowing before the power of love, do good.

In the following lessons on studying the novel, students will explore the image of Emelyan Pugachev as portrayed by A.S. Pushkin.

"The Captain's Daughter" is an interesting and exciting work. Main topics it contains love and loyalty to loved ones and the fatherland, friendship and betrayal. The work covers a large period of time. Main and minor characters a lot of. Despite this, the captain's daughter is a story. This is because at the time the work was written, novels were considered huge multi-volume works. Although this does not make the interest in the work disappear. Unlike others classical works it is not only read, but also reread several times. And with each reading they discover the work in a new way.

Alexander Sergeevich worked on the story for three years. He wanted it to be a historical and documentary work. He not only studied archival documents, but also visited the places where Pugachev was. There are several sketches of this work. The writer chose exactly the option that could pass the censorship of that time. In the process of writing, Pushkin understands that artistic essay will be much more exciting than a documentary. And he turned out to be right, as always.

Despite the fact that at the beginning of the story the reader meets Pyotr Grinev and it is he who is in the spotlight for a long time. However, the main character is considered to be Masha, the daughter of Captain Mironov. This is not immediately clear. Moreover, when the story comes to getting to know her, those who have known her for a long time do not always speak well of her. For her mother she is a coward, for Shvabrin she is a complete fool. Not only does Grinev look at her with a warning, the reader also begins to doubt her mind. And only gradually can we say that it is she who embodies all the most best qualities. Of course, in some ways she remains timid, but in other respects she is very brave and reasonable. Thanks to her qualities, Masha was able to save not only her love with Grinev, but also him. She emerged from any situation in which the girl found herself with dignity and could explain her actions, why she acted this way and not otherwise. It is thanks to Masha that evil is punished and good triumphs.

Pushkin thoroughly studied the places where Pugachev rebelled. Alexander Sergeevich was able to show Emelyan as a man of extraordinary intelligence, honor and courage. After all, many considered Pugachev to be an ordinary robber who gathered disadvantaged people around him. Although few people thought that for this you need to have many qualities of a leader, such as the ability to organize and lead, and know military tactics. Based on historical documents, Pushkin managed to create a beautiful piece of art, in which he talks about global changes in the state. In terrible times it reminds civil war. There are no friends here, relatives can become enemies at any moment and vice versa. This also affects the relationships of loved ones. At such times it is very difficult to remain yourself.

Everyone sees in their own way what the work is written about. For some it is the love of young people, for others it is historical events about the troublemaker Pugachev, for others, this story shows that you need to take care of your good name not just all your life, but precisely from childhood.

Main characters - Marya Ivanovna and Pyotr Grinev. They met when they were very young, but despite this, they took their feelings very seriously. Savelich was Peter's teacher, always following him everywhere and keeping an eye on him. By nature a kind person and responsible. And another main character is Shvabrin. Negative and not pleasant type.

In his work, Pushkin also wanted to show that young people, even spoiled and pampered by their parents, in difficult times can stand up for the defense of the fatherland and their views. And this can be seen throughout the story, how the characters and will of the young people become stronger.

The meaning of the story quite simple, no matter how you look at it, the main idea it is to be true to yourself, not to betray your loved ones and not to be a coward. For some, it is impossible to betray their fatherland, even if they promise mountains of gold.

What does it teach?“The Captain's Daughter” work promotes and teaches virtue, honesty, and loyalty. After reading it, you become as bright and pure as Masha and Pyotr Grinev.

Option 2

Pushkin had the idea to write a novel about a nobleman who went over to the side of the rebels when he was working on the work “The History of Pugachev.” He actually brought this idea to life by writing “The Captain's Daughter.” But in the work, it is not the main character who goes over to Pugachev’s side, but his counterpart, the antihero Shvabrin. Shvabrin went over to the side of the rebels for selfish reasons. The main character Pyotr Grinev, having taken direct part in the Pugachev uprising, did not lose his honor and dignity, remaining faithful to his oath.

The novel is written in the form of family chronicles, similar to the memoirs of the main character, in which Pyotr Grinev himself sums up the results days gone by. Pushkin indicated that he allegedly got these family chronicles from the grandson of the main character. This literary device added authenticity to the work. Pushkin carefully familiarized himself with historical materials and studied the details of Pugachev’s uprising. But the author’s portrayal of Pugachev is somehow one-sided. Pushkin is dismissive of the rebel, casually calling him Emelka in the novel. The writer thereby shows his attitude towards the popular uprising, considering it a senseless bloodshed. Pushkin himself was a nobleman - hardships and suffering common people, which were the cause of such riots, did not really touch the heart of the great writer.

The second line, parallel to the description of the popular uprising, is the memoirs of Pyotr Grinev. An acquaintance with the main character begins, where he appears in the image of a narrow-minded and poorly educated undergrowth, Petrusha. Petrusha is very inert and all his aspirations boil down to getting a warm place in St. Petersburg in “quiet service.” However, the father of the main character instructs him and gives him the right messages - to serve the Fatherland honestly, not to chase awards, to take care of honor and dignity. He has a great influence on his son and Grinev, having “wound” his father’s instructions on his mustache, goes to serve.

Far from home, he immediately begins to make mistakes - he loses at cards and greatly offends his faithful servant. Subsequently, he falls in love with Maria Mironova. Pushkin called the novel “The Captain's Daughter” because it was Maria Mironova who became guiding star Petra Grineva. For the sake of love for her, he strives to perform feats and even disobeys orders. He independently frees Masha, who has fallen into the hands of Shvabrin. Because of this act, he himself becomes accused, but the brave Masha manages to beg forgiveness for him from the empress herself.

The novel "The Captain's Daughter" is a coming-of-age novel. Growing up, a person inevitably undergoes trials. Growing up, Pyotr Grinev also underwent trials, which he passed with honor. Tests when growing up are inevitable, and it depends only on the subject himself how he will go through them and what path in life he will choose - the path of honor, like Grinev, or the path of prosperity, but framed by shame, as Shvabrin did.

Sample 3

The novel consists of 14 chapters. The genre of this creation is considered to be a novel written in the form of memoirs. Main characters– Pyotr Grinev, Maria Mironova, Arkhip Savelyev, Alexey Shvabrin, Emelyan Pugachev and Catherine II.

The author, in the novel, gives sufficiently detailed descriptions of his characters so that the reader can independently understand which of the images is positive and which image is negative. The themes of moral choice, dignity, honor and decency are deeply touched upon.

The main character shows moral values, and his antagonist shows the absence of such qualities. Each of the heroes in this novel, sooner or later, faces a big choice. What to choose: honor or dishonor? Everyone decides for themselves, chooses their own path. An important role in the choice, of course, is played by the upbringing of the heroes, which they received from childhood. A good example good upbringing and the possession of high moral qualities and decency, is demonstrated by the main character of this novel.

The author discusses the topic of power, which one is better and why it? For some, this is an anarchic government, others prefer a monarchy, and others will say that spontaneous Pugachevism is better. Historical events and their influence on human destiny are one of the main plot lines of the novel. Rebellion and the method of suppressing it, overcoming difficulties along the way, strength of character and will are reflected in this work. Also, the reader is described the problem of a person growing up, the problem of honor and duty to the homeland, and one’s conscience. A person is defined by his actions. Peter is a decent guy who received an excellent upbringing, but Alexey is a man who is ready to act against his beliefs in order to achieve his goal.

Pyotr Grinev is an officer, a nobleman who received a strict but correct upbringing from his father.

Shvabrin is an officer, a vile, cunning and cowardly person who has forgotten about morality and honor.

Maria Mironova is the daughter of a captain, has a kind heart and an angelic voice. A faithful and brave girl.

Pugachev appears in two images. In the image of a noble defender of devotion and honor, and in the image of a cruel despot, frightening his surroundings with executions and punishments. He fights for rights ordinary people, but does it too cruelly.

Catherine the Second - her monarchy is no better than Pugachev’s methods.

Arkhip Savelyev is Grinev's servant. A caring, kind and devoted old man to his master.

It is important to instill in people a sense of duty, morality and nobility from childhood. This work encourages the reader to take care of his honor from a young age and never deviate from an honest path.

Captain's daughter. Analysis of the novel

First, we should talk about the history of the creation of “The Captain’s Daughter.” Pushkin was very interested in the life of Emelyan Pugachev; he prepared thoroughly for writing the work: he read historical documents, took a trip to the Urals and Volga to see with his own eyes the places of terrible events, and talked with participants in the war. The work began in one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three, and ended in one thousand eighty-thirty-six.

This story is the last work of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, which was written in prose. The main theme is clearly visible - the place of the “little” man in history. There are also themes such as power and people, honor and dishonor, the price of moral choice, love and reflections on the role of family in our lives.

In order to bypass censorship, Pushkin chose the form of presenting family notes. An important element of the composition is the comparison of Pugachev (with the people surrounding him) with Catherine the Second (with the nobility surrounding her).

If we talk about the historical line, we can distinguish three main elements.

Firstly, up until the tenth chapter, the conflict between the world of peasants and nobles worsens. Emelyan Pugachev “feels” his subordinates, has reliable information about their habits and life, because he himself is part of them. The general, who sent Grinev at the request of his father to serve in the Belgorod fortress, has no idea about life in the territories entrusted to him. He says that Grinev, while in this fortress, will learn discipline and exemplary service. But in reality there is neither one nor the other.

Secondly, if you compare the military council of Pugachev and the general, they are sharply different. If the first one has a lively conversation and in the end a prudent decision is made, then the second one puts the entire advice satirically, and in the end a fatal decision is generally made, which led to the death of the inhabitants of the fortress.

Thirdly, when Grinev wants to save Masha Mironova, the general refuses to help him. The general's verdict was completely logical. If you look at it from the principles of military regulations, it seems fair. If you look at him from the point of view of moral principles, he seems cruel. The general sympathizes with Grinev’s grief, but cannot do otherwise, since he holds the position of an official.

Now you can analyze the main characters.

It is clear that the author partially idealizes Pugachev. He portrayed him not as a merciless killer, as historians of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries had done, but as an enterprising and energetic leader. In Pugachev’s relations with his subordinates, there is a lack of respect for rank and everyone could express their opinion, even if it differs from his point of view. A significant detail is the tale of the eagle and the raven. He lives one day at a time and believes that it is better to live only thirty-three years than to live three hundred and eat carrion.

Masha Mironova did not have any special facial features, but she was a kind and sincere girl. It is important to emphasize her loyalty and courage. After all, being very timid, she found the strength to take responsibility: not only for her own fate, but also for the fate of the person she loved. She saves him from shame and exile just as he once saved her from death.

As mentioned above, one of the main themes of the story is honor and dishonor; this theme can be traced by drawing a parallel between Shvabrin and Grinev. These people have a lot in common: age, level mental development and education. But when it comes to love for Masha, real qualities awaken in both heroes. They cannot be friends, as they turned out to be extremely opposite personalities. They were finally separated by their attitude to duty and honor during the Pugachev rebellion.

The main idea of ​​the work is that the Russian people can endure and endure all the hardships of cruel treatment for a long time, but when the cup of patience is overflowing, the hour of retribution “senseless and merciless” comes.

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“The Captain's Daughter” is a coming-of-age novel. This is the story of the coming of age of Pyotr Grinev, who transforms from a “green” youth into a responsible man, having gone through severe life trials. He had a chance to take a direct part in the Pugachev uprising, and all his principles were thoroughly tested. He passed it, maintaining his dignity and remaining faithful to the oath. The story is told in the form of memoirs, and the hero himself sums up his life from the height of his own experience.

Many readers think that “The Captain's Daughter” is just a story, but they are mistaken: a work of such length cannot belong to short prose. But whether it’s a story or a novel is an open question.

The writer himself lived in a time when full-fledged large epic genres classified only those multi-volume works that were comparable in volume to “Anna Karenina,” for example, or “ Noble nest“, so he without a doubt called his creation a story. In Soviet literary criticism this was also considered.

However, the work has all the features of a novel: the action covers a long period of time in the lives of the characters, the book contains many minor characters described in detail and not directly related to the main storyline, throughout the story the characters experience spiritual evolution. In addition, the author shows all the stages of Grinev’s growing up, which also clearly indicates the genre. That is, we have before us a typical historical novel, since the writer, while working on it, took facts from the past as a basis and then Scientific research, which he undertook to understand the phenomenon of the peasant war and convey it to descendants in the form of objective knowledge.

But the mysteries don’t end there; we have to decide what kind of direction lies at the origins of the work “The Captain’s Daughter”: realism or romanticism? Pushkin's colleagues, in particular Gogol and Odoevsky, argued that his book more than any other influenced the development of realism in Russia. However, what speaks in favor of romanticism is the fact that historical material is taken as a basis, and the reader’s focus is on the contradictory and tragic figure rebel Pugachev - exactly romantic hero. Therefore, both answers will be correct, because after the successful literary discovery of the sun of Russian poetry, Russia was swept by the fashion for prose, and realistic one at that.

History of creation

Pushkin was partly inspired to create The Captain's Daughter by Walter Scott, the master of the historical novel. His works began to be translated, and the Russian public was delighted with the adventurous plots and mysterious immersion in another era. At that time, the writer was just working on a chronicle of the uprising, a scientific work dedicated to the peasant revolt of Pugachev. He has accumulated a lot useful material for implementation artistic design reveal to the reader a treasure trove of eventful Russian history.

At first, he planned to describe precisely the betrayal of a Russian nobleman, and not a moral feat. The author wanted to focus on the personality of Emelyan Pugachev, and at the same time show the motives of the officer who broke the oath and joined the riot. The prototype would be Mikhail Shvanvich, a real person who, out of fear for his fate, was attached to the rebel’s office, and then also testified against him. However, for censorship reasons, the book could hardly be published, so the writer had to step on the throat of his own song and depict a more patriotic plot, especially historical examples he had enough valor. But a negative example was suitable for creating the image of Shvabrin.

The book was published a month before the author’s death in his own magazine Sovremennik, published on behalf of Grinev. Many noted that the style of narration of that time was conveyed by the writer, so many readers were confused and did not understand who the true creator of the memoirs was. By the way, censorship still took its toll, removing from public access the chapter about the peasant revolt in the Simbirsk province, where Peter himself was from.

Meaning of the name

The work, oddly enough, is not titled in honor of Grinev or Pugachev, so you can’t immediately tell what it’s about. The novel is called "The Captain's Daughter" in honor of Maria Mirova, the main character of the book. Pushkin, thus, pays tribute to the girl’s courage, which no one expected from her. She dared to ask the Empress herself for the traitor! And she begged forgiveness for her savior.

Besides, this story it is also called so because Marya was the driving force of the narrative. Out of love for her, the young man always chose a feat. Until she occupied all his thoughts, he was pathetic: he didn’t want to serve, he was losing large amounts playing cards, behaved arrogantly with the servant. As soon as sincere feeling awakened in him courage, nobility and boldness, the reader did not recognize Petrusha: he turned from a teenager into a responsible and brave man, to whom patriotism and awareness of his own “I” came through strong emotions addressed to a woman.

Historical background

The events in the work took place during the reign of Catherine II. Historical phenomenon in the novel “The Captain's Daughter” it is called “Pugachevism” (this phenomenon was studied by Pushkin). This is Emelyan Pugachev's rebellion against tsarist power. It occurred in the 18th century. The described actions take place in Belgorod fortress, where the rebel was going, gaining strength to storm the capital.

The Peasant War of 1773 - 1775 unfolded in the southeast Russian Empire. It was attended by serfs and factory peasants, representatives of national minorities (Kyrgyz, Bashkirs) and Ural Cossacks. All of them were outraged by the predatory policies of the ruling elite and the increasing enslavement of the common people. People who did not agree with the fate of slaves fled to the outskirts of the country and formed armed gangs for the purpose of robbery. The fugitive “souls” were already outlaws, so there was nothing else left for them. Above them tragic fate and the author reflects, portraying the leader of the uprising, not devoid of virtue and commendable character traits.

But Catherine the Second demonstrates a tough temper and remarkable cruelty. The Empress, according to historians, was indeed a strong-willed person, but she did not shy away from tyranny and other delights of absolute power. Her policy strengthened the nobility, giving it all sorts of privileges, but the common people were forced to bear the burden of these benefits. The royal court lived in grand style, and not noble people starved, endured violence and humiliation of the slave position, lost, and were sold under the hammer. Naturally, social tension only grew, and Catherine did not enjoy popular love. A foreign woman was involved in a conspiracy and, with the help of the military, overthrew her husband, the legitimate ruler of Russia. Downtrodden and squeezed in the grip of injustice, the serfs believed that the murdered Peter the Third was preparing a decree for their release, and his wife killed him for this. Emelyan Pugachev, a Don Cossack, took advantage of superstition and rumors and declared himself a saved tsar. He fueled the discontent of the armed Cossacks, whose petitions were not listened to, and inspired the peasants, tortured by tyranny and corvée, to revolt.

What is the work about?

We meet Petrusha the underage, who can only “sensibly judge the properties of a greyhound dog.” All his aspirations lie in “dust-free service” in St. Petersburg. However, we see that the father has a huge influence on the young man. He teaches his son to serve the fatherland, cherish family traditions, and not attach much importance to awards. Having received such a strict upbringing, the young man goes to serve. What is told in his “tale of bitter torments” is the plot outline of the work. The fact is that we learn all this from the lips of the venerable old nobleman that Peter became.

There, far from his father's house, the hero goes through a harsh school of life: first he loses at cards and offends a faithful servant, experiencing pangs of conscience. Later, he falls in love with Maria Mironova and risks his life in a duel with Shvabrin, defending the honor of his beloved. The father, having learned about the reason for the fight, refuses to bless the marriage with the dowry. After the capture of the Belogorsk fortress, Peter remains faithful to the oath, and his nobility grants him Pugachev’s leniency: he respects the young man’s choice and does not touch him. The rebel’s decision was influenced by the kindness of the captive: once on the road he gave the Cossack a sheepskin coat and treated him very kindly. The common man appreciated the master's mercy and returned the favor. Pushkin confronts them more than once, and the nobleman is always saved by his straightforwardness and generosity.

His trials did not end there: life presented him with a choice between saving his beloved and serving, and the good name of an officer. Then the hero chooses love and disobeys the boss’s order, freeing his beloved on his own from Shvabrin’s hands. Alexey forced the girl to marry him. Pugachev again shows respect for the daredevil and releases the captive. However, the autocratic government does not forgive free will, and Grinev is arrested. Fortunately, Masha managed to beg clemency from Catherine II. This is what is said in the novel “The Captain's Daughter,” which ended with a happy ending: young people get married with the blessing they received. But now the leader of the uprising is sentenced to quartering.

The main characters and their characteristics

The main characters of the novel are Pyotr Grinev, Maria Mironova, Emelyan Pugachev, Arkhip Savelyev, Alesey Shvabrin and Catherine the Second. The characters are so numerous that their description would take more than one article, so we neglect them.

1. - nobleman, officer, main character. He received a strict upbringing in the house of his father, a retired military man. He is only 16 years old, but his parents felt that he was ready for service. He is poorly educated, does not particularly strive for anything and is in no way like ideal man. Setting off on a journey, the young man bears little resemblance to a soldier: good-natured, gullible, unstable to temptations and not knowledgeable of life. He is spoiled, because at first he loses a significant amount at cards and does not understand why Savelich (his servant) reacts emotionally to this. He does not know the value of money, but he shows arrogance and rudeness towards his devoted servant. However, his innate conscientiousness does not allow him to continue to be carried away by garrison pity. Soon he seriously falls in love with the daughter of the captain of the fortress, and from that moment his growing up begins: he becomes brave, courageous and courageous. For example, in a duel with Shvabrin, the young man fought honestly and bravely, unlike his opponent. Next we see an ardent and passionate lover in his face, and after some time he is ready to risk his life for the sake of honor, refusing to swear allegiance to Pugachev. This act reveals him as a highly moral person who is firm in his convictions. Later, he will show valor more than once while fighting the enemy, but when the fate of his beloved is at stake, he will disregard caution and set out to save her. This reveals the depth of feeling in him. Even in captivity, Peter does not blame the woman and is ready to accept unfair punishment, as long as everything is fine with her. In addition, one cannot help but note the self-criticism and maturity of judgment inherent in Grinev in old age.
2. Marya Mironova– daughter of the captain of the fortress, the main character. She is 18 years old. Masha’s appearance is described in detail: “...Then a girl of about eighteen came in, chubby, ruddy, with light brown hair, smoothly combed behind her ears, which were on fire...”. In addition, it is mentioned that she has an “angelic” voice and a kind heart. Her family is poor, owns only one serf, so she cannot possibly qualify for marriage with Peter (who has 300 souls). But the young charmer is distinguished by prudence, sensitivity and generosity, because she sincerely worries about the fate of her lover. Naturalness and gullibility make the heroine an easy prey for the wicked Shvabrin, who is trying to gain her favor through meanness. But Marya is careful and not stupid, so she easily recognizes the falseness and depravity in Alexei and avoids him. She is also characterized by loyalty and courage: the girl does not betray her beloved and bravely travels to an unfamiliar city to achieve an audience with the empress herself.
3. Pugachev in the novel “The Captain's Daughter” appears before readers in two guises: a brave and noble person who is able to appreciate loyalty and honor, and a cruel tyrant who carries out executions and massacres without restraint. We understand that the rebel’s message is noble, he wants to defend rights ordinary people. However, the way he fights lawlessness does not justify it in any way. Although we sympathize with Pugachev - decisive, brave, intelligent - his cruelty makes us doubt the correctness of his path. In the episode of the first meeting, we see a smart and cunning governor, in a dialogue with Grinev - an unhappy man who knows that he is doomed. Kalmyk fairy tale, told by Pugachev, reveals his attitude towards life: he wants to live it freely, albeit fleetingly. It is impossible not to note his personal qualities: he is a leader, first among equals. They obey him unconditionally, and this corrupts his nature. For example, the scenes of the capture of the fortress demonstrate the cruelty of Pugachev’s power; such despotism is unlikely to lead to freedom (the death of the Mironovs, the kidnapping of Masha, destruction). Idea of ​​the image: Pugachev is naturally endowed with a heightened sense of justice, intelligence and talent, but he does not pass the test of war and unlimited power: the people's choice has become as much a tyrant as the empress against whom he rebelled.
4. Catherine II. A sweet woman in a house dress turns into an unyielding ruler when she listens to a request for a state traitor. Masha Mironova, at Catherine’s reception, tries to talk about Peter’s mitigating circumstances, but the Empress does not want to hear reasonable arguments and evidence, she is only interested in her own opinion. She condemned the “traitor” without trial, which is very indicative of an autocratic government. That is, its monarchy is hardly better than Pugachevism.
5. Alexey Shvabrin- Officer. Peter and Alexey seem to be similar in their social status and age, but circumstances put them on opposite sides of the barricades. After the first test, Shvabrin, unlike Grinev, commits a moral decline, and the more rapidly the plot develops, the more obvious it is that Alexey is a vile and cowardly person who achieves everything in life by cunning and meanness. The peculiarities of his character are revealed during a love conflict: he wins Masha’s favor through hypocrisy, secretly slandering her and her family. The capture of the fortress finally puts everything in its place: he was ready for betrayal (he found a peasant dress, cut his hair), and Grinev would rather prefer death to breaking the oath. The final disappointment in him comes when the hero tries to force the girl to marry him by force and blackmail.
6. Savelich (Arkhip Savelyev)- an elderly servant. He is kind, caring and devoted to the young master. It is his resourcefulness that helps Peter avoid reprisals. Risking his life, the peasant stands up for the master and speaks with Pugachev himself. He is distinguished by thriftiness, a sober lifestyle, stubbornness and a tendency to read notations. He is distrustful, loves to grumble, argue and bargain. Knows the value of money and saves it for the owner.

Pushkin in the novel “The Captain's Daughter” gives a detailed description of the characters, giving the reader the opportunity to understand their likes and dislikes for themselves. There is no author's assessment of what is happening in the book, because one of the characters is the memoirist.

Theme of the story

• The themes of moral choice, decency, and dignity come to the fore in the work. Grinev demonstrates high moral values, and Shvabrin demonstrates their absence, and we see the influence of these circumstances on their destinies. Thus, Pushkin shows that moral superiority always gives a person an advantage, even though he disdains cunning that would lead him to his goal faster. Despite the fact that Alesey used all his resourcefulness, the victory still remained with Peter: Maria remained with him as a good name.
• Honor and dishonor. Each hero faced a choice between honor and dishonor, and everyone made it differently: Maria chose devotion over a profitable marriage (Peter’s father initially did not agree to the marriage, so she risked remaining an old maid, driving Alexei away), Grinev more than once decided in favor of moral duty, even when it came to life and death, but Shvabrin always chose benefit, shame was not afraid of him. We examined this question in detail in the essay “”.
• Theme of education. The example of the main character will help you understand what good means family education, that is, what dishonest people lack, and how this affects their lives. Shvabrin's childhood passed us by, but we can say with confidence that he did not receive the most important spiritual foundations on which nobility is built.
• The main themes include love: the union of Peter and Mary is an ideal for loving hearts. Throughout the novel, the hero and heroine defended their right to life together, even against parental will. They were able to prove that they were worthy of each other: Grinev repeatedly stood up for the girl, and she saved him from execution. The theme of love is revealed with the sensitivity characteristic of Pushkin: young people vow to each other eternal devotion, even if fate never brings them together again. And they fulfill their obligations.
• Examples from “The Captain’s Daughter” will be useful for the topics “man and state”, “power and man”. They illustrate the violent nature of power, which cannot but be cruel by definition.

Main problems

• The problem of power. Pushkin discusses which government is better and why: anarchic, spontaneous Pugachevism or Catherine’s monarchy? It is obvious that the peasants chose the first over the second, risking their own lives. The nobles, on the contrary, defended the order that was convenient for them. Social contradictions divided united people into two opposing camps, and each, it turns out, has its own truth and its own charter. Historical issues also include questions about the justice of the rebellion, the moral assessment of its leader, the legality of the empress’s actions, etc.
• The problem of man and history. What role do historical events play in the fate of a person? Obviously, the rebellion put Peter in a difficult position: he was forced to test his character to the limit. Surrounded by enemies, he did not change his convictions and risked openly not taking their side. He was threatened with certain death, but he chose honor over life, and retained both. Pugachevism is dark side stories with the help of which Pushkin shaded the fate of the characters. Even the title of the novel “The Captain's Daughter” speaks about this: the author named it after a fictional heroine, and not Pugachev or Catherine.
• The problem of growing up and raising a person. What must a person go through to become an adult? Thanks to Pugachev's rebellion, the young man matured early and became a real warrior, but the price of such an evolution can be called too expensive.
• The problem of moral choice. The work has antagonistic heroes Shvabrin and Grinev, who behave differently. One chooses betrayal for his own good, the other puts honor above personal interests. Why is their behavior so different? What influenced their moral development? The author comes to the conclusion that the problem of immorality can only be solved individually: if morality is respected in a family, then all its representatives will follow duty, and if not, then the person will not stand the test and will only grovel and cheat, and not take care of honor.
• The problem of honor and duty. The hero sees his destiny in serving the empress, but in reality it turns out that she is not worth much in the eyes of Catherine. And the duty, if you look at it, is very doubtful: while the people were rebelling against tyranny, the army helped to suppress it, and the question of the honor of participating in this violent act is very doubtful.
• One of the main problems of the work “The Captain's Daughter” is social inequality. It was this that stood between the citizens of one country and directed them towards each other. Pugachev rebelled against him and, seeing Grinev’s friendly gesture, spared him: he didn’t hate the nobles, but their arrogance towards the people who fed the entire state.

The meaning of the work

Any power is hostile towards the common man, be it the imperial crown or military leaders. It always involves the suppression of the individual and a harsh regime that is contrary to human nature. “God forbid we see a Russian rebellion, senseless and merciless,” sums up Pushkin. This is the main idea of ​​the work. Therefore, serving the fatherland and the tsar are not the same thing. Grinev honestly fulfilled his duty, but he could not leave his beloved in the hands of a scoundrel, and his essentially heroic actions were regarded by the empress as betrayal. If Peter had not done this, he would have already been served, become a weak-willed slave of a system to which human life is alien. Therefore, mere mortals, who are not given the opportunity to change the course of history, must maneuver between orders and their moral principles, otherwise a mistake will be too costly.

Beliefs determine a person’s actions: Grinev was raised as a decent nobleman and behaved accordingly, but Shvabrin did not pass the test, his life values ​​were limited to the desire to remain a winner at any cost. This is also where Pushkin’s idea is felt - to show how to preserve honor if temptations are frolicking on all sides. According to the author, it is necessary to instill in boys and girls from childhood an understanding of morality and true nobility, expressed not in the panache of a dress, but in worthy behavior.

A person’s growing up is inevitably associated with trials that determine his moral maturity. There is no need to be afraid of them; they must be overcome with courage and dignity. This is also the main idea of ​​the novel “The Captain's Daughter”. If Peter had remained an “expert in greyhound cables” and an official in St. Petersburg, then his life would have turned out ordinary and, most likely, he would never have understood anything about it. But the adventures that his stern father pushed him on quickly raised the young man to be a man who understood military affairs, love and the people around him.

What does it teach?

The novel has a pronounced edifying tone. Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin calls on people to take care of their honor from a young age and not to succumb to temptations to turn from an honest path onto a crooked path. A momentary advantage is not worth the loss of a good name; this statement is illustrated by a love triangle, where the main character chooses the worthy and virtuous Peter over the cunning and inventive Alexei. One sin inevitably leads to another, and a series of falls ends in complete collapse.

Also in “The Captain's Daughter” there is a message to love faithfully and not give up on your dreams, no matter what happens. Marya is without a dowry, and any marriage proposal should have been a great success in her case. However, she rejects Alexei over and over again, although she risks being left with nothing. Peter was denied an engagement, and he would hardly have gone against his parents' blessing. But the girl rejected all rational arguments and remained faithful to Grinev, even when there was no reason for hope. Her lover was the same. For their constancy, both heroes were rewarded by fate.

Criticism

V. F. Odoevsky in a letter to Pushkin expressed his admiration for the story, he especially liked Savelich and Pugachev - they were “masterfully drawn.” However, he considered the image of Shvabrin unviable: he was not ardent and stupid enough to take the side of the rebels and believe in their success. In addition, he demanded marriage from the girl, although he could have used her at any moment, since she was only a captive: “Masha has been in his power for so long, but he does not take advantage of these minutes.”

P. A. Katerinin calls the historical novel “natural, alluring and intelligent,” noting its similarity to “Eugene Onegin.”

V. A. Sollogub highly valued the restraint and logic of the narrative, rejoicing that Pushkin “overcame himself” and did not indulge in lengthy descriptions and “impulses.” He spoke about the style of the work as follows: “calmly distributed all parts of his story in due proportions, established his style with dignity, calmness and laconicism of history and conveyed the historical episode in a simple but harmonious language.” The critic believes that the writer has never been so elevated in the value of his books.

N.V. Gogol said that “The Captain’s Daughter” is much better than anything that was previously published in the world of prose. He said that reality itself seems like a caricature compared to what the writer depicted.

V. G. Belinsky was more restrained in his praise and singled out only minor characters, whose description is “a miracle of perfection.” The main characters did not make any impression on him: “The insignificant, colorless character of the hero of the story and his beloved Marya Ivanovna and the melodramatic character of Shvabrin, although they belong to the sharp shortcomings of the story, do not prevent it from being one of the remarkable works of Russian literature.” P.I. Tchaikovsky also spoke out about the spinelessness of Masha Mironova, who refused to write an opera based on this novel.

A. M. Skabichevsky also analyzed the work, speaking about the book with unwavering respect: “... you see historical impartiality, the complete absence of any patriotic praise and sober realism ... in Pushkin’s “The Captain's Daughter.” He, unlike Bellinsky, praised the image of the main character and noted his exceptional truthfulness and typical features for the era depicted.

Conflicting characteristics were given by critic N.N. Strakhov and historian V.O. Klyuchevsky. The first criticized Pushkin for the fact that his historical story has nothing to do with history, but is a chronicle of the fictional Grinev family. The second, on the contrary, spoke about the exceptional historicism of the book and that even in the author’s research less is said about Pugachevism than in a historical work.

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"Captain's daughter" analysis of the work - theme, idea, genre, plot, composition, characters, issues and other issues are discussed in this article.

While working on “The History of Pugachev,” Pushkin had the idea of ​​a work on the same topic. Initially, the hero of the story was supposed to be a nobleman who went over to the side of the rebels. But over time, Pushkin changed the concept of the work. Three months before his death he completed the manuscript "The Captain's Daughter". The story was published anonymously in 1836 in the Sovremennik magazine.

In a short epilogue to The Captain's Daughter, Pushkin indicated that he received Grinev's notes from his grandson, and added only epigraphs of his own. This technique gave the story documentary authenticity and at the same time showed that the position of the main character may not coincide with the position of the writer. Considering the theme of the novel and Pushkin’s complex relationship with the authorities, this was not an unnecessary precaution.

Alexander Sergeevich considered the work historical story, but according to many literary characteristics, The Captain's Daughter is worthy of being considered a novel. Genre the narratives can be called a family chronicle or a biography of the main character - Pyotr Andreevich Grinev. The story is told on his behalf. The plot begins in the first chapter, when seventeen-year-old Petrusha goes to serve in the Belogorsk fortress. There are two climaxes in the story: the capture of the fortress by the Pugachevites and Grinev’s appeal to the impostor for help. The denouement of the plot is the pardon of the hero by the empress.

The uprising led by Emelyan Pugachev - main theme works. Pushkin's serious study of historical materials helped create a vivid picture of a peasant revolt. The scale of events, the cruel and bloody war are shown with captivating authenticity.

Pushkin does not idealize either side of the conflict. Robberies and murders, according to the author, are unjustifiable. There are no winners in this war. Pugachev understands the hopelessness of his struggle, and the officers simply hate fighting with their compatriots. In The Captain's Daughter, the Pugachev rebellion appears as a national tragedy, a merciless and senseless popular revolt.

The hero also condemns the carelessness of the authorities, as a result of which the Belogorsk fortress was not ready for defense, and Orenburg was doomed to a long siege. Peter sympathizes with the disfigured Bashkir, a participant in the 1841 uprising, which was brutally suppressed. Grinev expresses a popular assessment of events, and not the “official” view of the imperial power, whose side he represents.

Pugachev is the only one real character. His character is complex and contradictory. The impostor behaves unpredictably, like a force of nature. He can be menacing and domineering, but at the same time cheerful and roguish. Pugachev is cruel and quick to kill, but sometimes shows nobility, wisdom and prudence.

In the image of the people's leader, mythological features are organically combined with precise realistic details. Pugachev is the central figure of the work, although he is not its main character. Grinev’s meeting with the leader of the rebels becomes fateful. All the main events in the life of the young officer are now connected with this man.

The character of the main character is shown in development. At the beginning of the work, Pyotr Grinev is a sixteen-year-old young man who is messing around and chasing pigeons. By education and upbringing he is associated with the famous Mitrofanushka. Grinev's father understands that sending a young man to St. Petersburg is stupid. Let us remember how Petrusha behaves at the inn in Simbirsk: gambling, wine, rudeness towards Savelich. If not for the wise decision of his father, life in the capital would have quickly turned the hero into a spendthrift, a drunkard and a gambler.

But fate has prepared young man the severe trials that strengthened Grinev’s character awakened in his soul honesty, a sense of duty, courage, nobility and other valuable masculine qualities.

Peter had to do more than once in the face of death moral choice. He never swore allegiance to Pugachev, even under the threat of torture and with a noose around his neck. But Grinev leaves besieged Orenburg to save his bride, violating the military regulations. He is ready to ascend the scaffold, but does not allow the thought of dragging his beloved woman into the trial. Pyotr Grinev’s loyalty to his word and strength of character, his courage and incorruptible sincerity evoke respect even among rebels.

Grinev's antipode is Alexey Shvabrin. He received a good education, is smart, observant, courageous, but selfish and quick-tempered. Shvabrin commits betrayal not so much out of fear for his life, but out of a desire to get even with Grinev and achieve his goal. He slanderes Masha, treats her cruelly, and denounces Peter. Alexei gladly slanders the inhabitants of the fortress even when he has no benefit from it. Honor and kindness are an empty phrase for this person.

The image of the faithful servant Savelich was depicted by Pushkin with special warmth and a dose of humor. The old man touchingly cares about the “young master” and his property, and is ready to give his life for his master. At the same time, he is consistent in his actions, is not afraid to defend his opinion, call the impostor a thief and robber, and even demand compensation from him for losses. Savelich has pride and self-esteem. The old man is offended by Peter’s suspicions that he is denouncing Grinev to his father, as well as by the master’s rude letter. The devotion and honesty of a simple serf creates a sharp contrast with the meanness and treachery of the nobleman Shvabrin.

The female heroine of the novel, Masha Mironova, also faces many trials. A kind and slightly naive girl who grew up in a fortress faces circumstances that can break a stronger and braver person. One day Masha loses her parents, finds herself in the hands of a cruel enemy, and becomes seriously ill. Shvabrin tries to intimidate the girl, locks her in a closet, and practically does not feed her. But the coward Masha, who faints from a cannon shot, shows amazing determination and perseverance. Love for Grinev gives her perseverance in many actions, especially in a risky trip to St. Petersburg. It is Masha who begs the empress to pardon her fiancé and saves him. Neither Grinev’s father nor mother decided to do this.

For each character, Pushkin finds a special manner of speech in accordance with his character, social status and education. Thanks to this, the images of the heroes turned out to be lively and bright. In comparison with “The Captain's Daughter,” according to Gogol, other stories are “saccharine muck.”