Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin biography. DI

famous writer of the Catherine era, creator of the Russian household comedy

classicism

Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin (Von Wiesin, von Wiesen April 3, Moscow - December 1, St. Petersburg) - Russian writer of the Catherine era, creator of Russian household comedy.

Biography

The surname Fon-Vizen or, with a Russified ending, Fon-Vizin (it. von Wiesen) was written in the 18th century in two words or with a hyphen; the same spelling persisted until the middle of the 19th century. The spelling "Fon-Vizin" was used by the author of the first major biography Fonvizina P. A. Vyazemsky. Consolidated spelling established by the literary critic of the second half of XIX V. N. S. Tikhonravov, although Pushkin already found this mark correct, as giving a more Russian character to the name of the writer, who was, in Pushkin's words, "from the Russian Russian."

Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin came from a knightly family that came out of Livonia under Ivan the Terrible, which gave Russia several generations of service nobles. The son of Ivan Andreevich Fonvizin, whose image he later embodied in his favorite hero Starodum in his work "Undergrowth".

In 1755-1760 he studied at the noble gymnasium at Moscow University, then for a year at the philosophical faculty of the university. In 1760, Fonvizin and his brother Pavel, among the best gymnasium students, arrived in St. Petersburg. Here he met Lomonosov, with the founder of the Russian theater A.P. Sumarokov and for the first time saw theatrical performance, the first play was the play by the Danish writer Golberg "Heinrich and Pernille". In 1761, by order of one of the Moscow booksellers, Fonvizin translated from the German fable the founder of Danish literature Ludwig Golberg. In total, Fonvizin translated 228 fables. Then, in 1762, he translated the political didactic novel French writer abbot Terrason "The Heroic Virtue or Life of Seth, King of Egypt", written in the manner of the famous "Telemachus" by Fenelon, Voltaire's tragedy "Alzira or the Americans", "Metamorphoses" by Ovid, in 1769 sentimental story Gresse "Sidney and Scilly, or good deeds and gratitude", which received the name "Korion" from Fonvizin. Rousseau was his favorite writer. Simultaneously with the translations began to appear and original works Fonvizin, painted in sharply satirical tones. So, presumably, the 1760s include a play that was not published during the author’s lifetime, the so-called “early Undergrowth”, first published only in volume 9-10 of the Literary Heritage series in 1933. Her characters are the prototypes of the characters of the famous "Undergrowth". So, Aksen is similar to Prostakov, Ulita is similar to Prostakova, and Ivanushka is similar to Mitrofan. There is also a version that the early "Undergrowth" does not belong to Fonvizin.

Fonvizin was under the strongest influence of French Enlightenment thought from Voltaire to Helvetius. He became permanent member a circle of Russian freethinkers who gathered in the house of Prince Kozlovsky.

Fonvizin's literary studies helped him in his official career as well. His translation of Voltaire's tragedy attracted attention, and in 1763 Fonvizin, who was then a translator in a foreign collegium, was appointed to be under the already well-known cabinet minister Elagin, under whose leadership Lukin also served. His comedy The Brigadier enjoyed even greater success, for the reading of which to the Empress herself, the author was invited to Peterhof, after which other readings followed, as a result of which he became close to Pavel Petrovich's teacher, Count Nikita Ivanovich Panin. In 1769, Fonvizin went to the service of Panin, becoming, as his secretary, one of the closest and most trusted persons. Before Panin’s death, Fonvizin, on his direct instructions, compiled “Discourse on absolutely every form exterminated in Russia state government and from that about the unsteady state of both the empire and the sovereigns themselves. "Reasoning ..." contains an exceptionally sharp picture of the despotic regime of Catherine and her favorites, demands constitutional reforms and directly threatens otherwise with a violent coup.

In 1777-1778, Fonvizin traveled abroad and spent quite a long time in France. From here he writes letters to his sister F. I. Argamakova, P. I. Panin (brother of N. I. Panin), Ya. I. Bulgakov. These letters were of a pronounced socio-social nature. Fonvizin's sharp mind, observation, ability to understand the economic, social and political phenomena in the life of French society, allowed him to paint a historically accurate picture of feudal-absolutist France. Studying French reality, Fonvizin wanted to better understand the processes taking place not only in France, but also in Russia, and to find ways to improve the socio-political order in his homeland. He appreciates what deserves attention in France - trade and industry.

One of the best works Russian journalism is "Discourse on the indispensable state laws" (late 1782 - early 1783). It was intended for the pupil of Nikita Panin - the future Emperor Pavel Petrovich. Speaking of serfdom, Fonvizin considers it necessary not to destroy it, but to introduce it into the "limits of moderation." He was frightened by the possibility of a new Pugachevism, it is necessary to make concessions in order to avoid further shocks. Hence the main requirement - the introduction of " fundamental laws”, the observance of which is also necessary for the monarch. The most impressive is the picture of contemporary reality drawn by the satirist writer: boundless arbitrariness that engulfed all government bodies.

In the comedy "The Brigadier" there are two families of provincial landowners. The image of Ivan, the son of the brigadier, a violent gallomaniac, occupies a central place.

After retiring, Fonvizin, despite serious illness(paralysis), until the end of his life he was engaged in literary work, but met with misunderstanding and sharp disapproval in the person of Empress Catherine II, who forbade Fonvizin to publish a five-volume collected works. literary heritage last period life of a writer consists mainly of articles for a magazine and of dramatic works- the comedy "The Choice of a Tutor" and the dramatic feuilleton "A Conversation with Princess Khaldina". In addition, in the last years of his life he worked on his autobiography " sincere confession". Fonvizin died in December 1792 and was buried in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. On the eve of his death, he met I. I. Dmitriev, who left memories of last night Fonvizin.

Meaning

Pushkin highly valued cheerfulness and extremely regretted that in Russian literature "so little is true". funny essays". That is why he lovingly noted this feature of Fonvizin's talent, pointing to the direct continuity of the dramaturgy of Fonvizin and Gogol.

“In the works of this writer, for the first time, the demonic beginning of sarcasm and indignation was revealed, which was destined to permeate all Russian literature since then, becoming the dominant trend in it,” noted A. I. Herzen.

Speaking about the work of Fonvizin, the famous literary critic Belinsky wrote: “In general, for me Kantemir and Fonvizin, especially the last one, are the most interesting writers the first periods of our literature: they tell me not about sky-high primaries on the occasion of plate illuminations, but about living reality, historically existing, about the rights of society.

Bibliography

• Editions of Fonvizin's works:
  • "Works, letters and selected translations of Fonvizin" (St. Petersburg, 1866, edited by P. A. Efremov, with a biography compiled by A. P. Pyatkovsky);
  • "The first complete works of Fonvizin" (M., 1888);

• Materials for biography and creativity:
  • Book. P. A. Vyazemsky, “Fonvizin” (St. Petersburg, 1848; “Complete Collection of Works of Prince Vyazemsky”, vol. V, Facsimile reproduction in pdf);
  • N. S. Tikhonravov, “Materials for complete collection works of Fonvizin, ed. L. N. Maikova (St. Petersburg, 1894);
  • A. I. Nezelenov, " Literary directions in the Catherine era "(St. Petersburg, 1889);
  • S. A. Vengerov, “Russian Poetry” (Vol. 1; here it is printed, which is the greatest bibliographic rarity, the comic poem “Chortik on the Drash”; this poem is also placed in Tikhonravov’s “Materials”, which doubts, however, the reliability of its belonging to Fonvizin );
  • I. N. Zhdanov, "Fonvizin" (in the "Russian Biographical Dictionary"; full bibliography).
  • A. L. Stein, “D. I. Fonvizin: 1745-1792: Essay on life and work. (M., 1945).
  • Stanislav Rassadin. Die, Denis, or the Empress's Disliked Interlocutor. (History of the life and work of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin). M., "Text", Series "Collection", 2008.

Addresses in St. Petersburg

Summer 1773 - 11.1774 - Bolshaya Sadovaya street, 26.

perpetuation of memory

• In Moscow there is Fonvizina street, named after the playwright. There are also Fonvizin streets in Zaporozhye, Kharkiv and Kherson.

The image of Fonvizin in literature

• Fonvizin is mentioned, without a name, in Gogol's story "The Night Before Christmas":

• Fonvizin is mentioned in the novel by A. S. Pushkin "Eugene Onegin" in a stanza about the Russian theater:

• A well-known historical anecdote about the phrase Die, Denis, you can’t write better is associated with the name of Fonvizin.

• The Old Believers completely included in their essay “The Eighth Century” the text of Fonvizin’s satire “Message to my servants Shumilov, Vanka and Petrushka” without a title and, in the tradition of Russian chronicles, without reference to the author (Guryanova N. S. Peasant anti-monarchist protest in the Old Believer eschatological literature period of late feudalism, Novosibirsk, 1988, p. 43).

Notes

Links

• Rastyagaev A.V. Sincere Fonvizin // Electronic journal"Knowledge. Understanding. Skill ». - 2009. - No. 5 - Philology.
• Texts of the diary of D. I. Fonvizin with his impressions of European countries
• Klosterman G. I. Fonvizin. From unpublished notes of Klosterman / Approx. P. I. Barteneva // Russian archive, 1881. - Book. 3. - Issue. 6. - S. 291-299.
• Fonvizin, Denis Ivanovich in the library of Maxim Moshkov
• Cheat sheet on the work of Fonvizin D.I.

Categories:

• Personalities in alphabetical order
• Writers alphabetically
• April 14
• Born in 1745
• Born in Moscow
• Deceased December 12
• Deceased in 1792
• The dead in St. Petersburg
• Denis Fonvizin
• Studied at Moscow State University
• Writers Russia XVIII century
• Poets of Russia
• Russian poets
• Russians writers XVIII century
• Russian playwrights
• Translators of prose and dramaturgy into Russian
• Publicists of Russia
• fabulists
• Members of the Academy of the Russian
• Fonvizins
• Buried at the Lazarevsky cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra

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See what "Fonvizin, Denis Ivanovich" is in other dictionaries:

Denis Fonvizin Date of birth: April 3 (14), 1745 Place of birth: Moscow, Russian empire Date of death: December 1 (12), 1792 Place of death: Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire Rod deyat ... Wikipedia

Russian writer. Born into a wealthy noble family. In 1755√62 he studied at the gymnasium at Moscow University. In 1762 he decided to be a translator at the College of Foreign Affairs and moved to ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Fonvizin (Denis Ivanovich; the surname F. was written in two words in the 18th century: the same spelling was preserved until the middle of the 19th century; the spelling in one word was finally established by Tikhonravov, although Pushkin already found this spelling correct, as ... Biographical Dictionary

- (1745 or 1744 92), Russian. writer, founder of Russian. household satire. comedy. "Undergrowth" F. did not leave the stage until the 1840s; interest in F. intensified after the release of Poln. coll. op. (1830) and the searches of P. A. Vyazemsky (published since 1830). ... ... Lermontov Encyclopedia

- (1744 or 1745 1792) Russian writer, educator. In the comedy The Brigadier (staged in 1770) satirically depicted the morals of the nobility, their predilection for everything French. In the comedy Undergrowth (staged in 1782), a milestone work of Russian ... Big encyclopedic Dictionary

- (1744/1745 1792) writer, playwright Is he happy who is happy alone? Imagine a man who would direct all his nobility to that only, so that he alone would feel good, who would have already reached the point that he himself had nothing ... ... Consolidated encyclopedia of aphorisms

Fonvizin, Denis Ivanovich- FONVIZIN Denis Ivanovich (1744 or 1745 1792), Russian writer. Creator of the first social comedies in Russia: "The Brigadier" (staged in 1770) satirical image morals of the nobility; “Undergrowth” (staged in 1782) a milestone work, ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Genus. in Moscow on 3 Apr. 1745, died in St. Petersburg on December 1. 1792. The genealogical lists of the Fonvizin family begin with the name of Peter Volodimerov, titled baron. "To the realm of the great Sovereign Tsar and Grand Duke John Vasilyevich, all ... ... Big biographical encyclopedia

- (1744/1745 1792), Russian writer. The comedy The Brigadier (staged in 1770) satirically depicts the mores of the nobility, their predilection for everything French. In the comedy "Undergrowth" (staged in 1782), a landmark work of Russian literature ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (1744, Moscow 1792, St. Petersburg), writer, playwright, publicist. Brother. Fonvizin's childhood passed in the 15th century. He received his primary education under the guidance of his father Ivan Andreevich in the spirit of respect for antiquity and Christian customs ... Moscow (encyclopedia)

Encyclopedic YouTube

1 / 4

✪ Undergrowth D.I. Fonvizin Maly Theater #FullVersionsPerformances

✪ Lord Skotinina (1926)

✪ Undergrowth (D. Fonvizin)

✪ Lord Skotinina - Based on the comedy D. I. Fonvizin - Undergrowth

Subtitles

Origin

Simultaneously with the translations, Fonvizin's original works began to appear, painted in sharply satirical tones. So, presumably, the 1760s include a play that was not published during the author’s lifetime, the so-called “early Undergrowth”, first published only in volumes 9-10 of the Literary Heritage series in 1933. Her characters- prototypes of the characters of the famous "Undergrowth". So, Aksen is similar to Prostakov, Ulita is similar to Prostakova, and Ivanushka is similar to Mitrofan. There is also a version that the early "Undergrowth" does not belong to Fonvizin.

Fonvizin was under the strongest influence of French Enlightenment thought from Voltaire to Helvetius. He became a permanent member of the circle of Russian freethinkers who gathered in the house of Prince Kozlovsky. In the comedy "The Brigadier" there are two families of provincial landowners. The image of Ivan, the son of the brigadier, a violent gallomaniac, occupies a central place.

Fonvizin's literary studies helped him in his official career as well. His translation of Voltaire's tragedy attracted attention, and in 1763 Fonvizin, who then served as a translator in a foreign collegium, was appointed to be under the already well-known then Cabinet Minister Elagin, under whose leadership Vladimir Ignatievich Lukin also served. His comedy The Brigadier enjoyed even greater success, for the reading of which to the Empress herself the author was invited to Peterhof, after which other readings followed, as a result of which he became close to Pavel Petrovich's tutor, Count Nikita Ivanovich Panin. In 1769, Fonvizin went to the service of Panin, becoming, as his secretary, one of the closest and most trusted persons. Before Panin's death, Fonvizin, on his direct instructions, compiled a "Reasoning" about "exterminated" in Russia "absolutely any" form of "state" government "and" from sovereigns". This work contains an exceptionally sharp picture of the despotic regime of Catherine and her favorites, demands constitutional reforms and directly threatens otherwise with a violent coup.

In 1777-1778, Fonvizin traveled abroad and spent quite a long time in France. From here he writes letters to his sister F. I. Argamakova, P. I. Panin (brother of N. I. Panin), Ya. I. Bulgakov. These letters were of a pronounced socio-social nature. Fonvizin's sharp mind, observation, ability to understand the economic, social and political phenomena in the life of French society, allowed him to paint a historically accurate picture of feudal-absolutist France. Studying French reality, Fonvizin wanted to better understand the processes taking place not only in France, but also in Russia, and to find ways to improve the socio-political order in his homeland. He appreciates what deserves attention in France - trade and industry.

One of the best works of Russian journalism is "Discourse on the indispensable state laws" (late 1782 - early 1783). It was intended for the pupil of Nikita Panin - the future Emperor Pavel Petrovich. Speaking of serfdom, Fonvizin considers it necessary not to destroy it, but to introduce it into the "limits of moderation." He was frightened by the possibility of a new Pugachevism, it is necessary to make concessions in order to avoid further shocks. Hence the main requirement - the introduction of "fundamental laws", the observance of which is also necessary for the monarch. The most impressive is the picture of contemporary reality drawn by the satirist writer: boundless arbitrariness that engulfed all government bodies.

After retiring, Fonvizin, despite a serious illness (paralysis), was engaged in literary work until the end of his life, but met with misunderstanding and sharp disapproval in the person of Empress Catherine II, who forbade Fonvizin to publish a five-volume collected works. The literary heritage of the last period of the writer's life consists mainly of articles for the magazine and of dramatic works: the comedy "The Choice of a Tutor" and the dramatic feuilleton "A Conversation with Princess Khaldina". In addition, in the last years of his life, he worked on his autobiography "Frank Confession".

Fonvizin died in December 1792 and was buried at the Lazarevsky cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. As of 2013, 15 streets and 1 lane of Russian cities bear the name of Fonvizin, including Fonvizin Street in Moscow, in Makhachkala. There are also Fonvizin streets in Zaporozhye, Kharkiv and Kherson.

Reviews about Fonvizin

Pushkin highly valued gaiety and was extremely sorry that in Russian literature "there are so few truly merry writings." That is why he lovingly noted this feature of Fonvizin's talent, pointing to the direct continuity of the dramaturgy of Fonvizin and Gogol.

“In the works of this writer, for the first time, the demonic beginning of sarcasm and indignation was revealed, which was destined to permeate all Russian literature since then, becoming the dominant trend in it,” noted A. I. Herzen.

Speaking about the work of Fonvizin, the famous literary critic Belinsky wrote: “In general, for me, Kantemir and Fonvizin, especially the last one, are the most interesting writers of the first periods of our literature: they tell me not about transcendental primaries on the occasion of plate illuminations, but about living reality that historically existed, about the rights of society.

The image of Fonvizin in literature

• Fonvizin is mentioned, without a name, in Gogol's story "The Night Before Christmas":

• Fonvizin is mentioned in the novel by A. S. Pushkin "Eugene Onegin" in a stanza about the Russian theater:

• Separately, the work “Shadow of Fonvizin” is dedicated to Fonvizin, where Fonvizin, being a ghost, visits the Russian poets Kropov, Khvostov, Derzhavin in order to punish or encourage the poets.
• A well-known historical anecdote about the phrase Die, Denis, you can’t write better is associated with the name of Fonvizin.
• The Old Believers completely included in their essay “The Eighth Century” the text of Fonvizin’s satire “Message to my servants Shumilov, Vanka and Petrushka” without a title and, in the tradition of Russian chronicles, without reference to the author ( Guryanova N. S. Peasant anti-monarchist protest in the Old Believer eschatological literature of the period of late feudalism. - Novosibirsk, 1988. - S. 43).

1744 or 1745 1792

Russian writer. In the comedy The Brigadier (produced in 1770) he satirically depicted the mores of the nobility, their predilection for everything French. In the comedy The Undergrowth (staged in 1782), a landmark work of Russian literature, Fonvizin, seeing the root of all troubles in serfdom, ridiculed the system of noble upbringing and education. "Notes of the first journey" (letters to P.I. Panin; published in the 1800s) played a significant role in the development of Russian prose.

Biography

Born on April 3 (14 n.s.) in Moscow in a wealthy noble family. He received an excellent home education.

In 1755 1760 he studied at the gymnasium at Moscow University, then for a year at the philosophical faculty of the university. IN student years began to publish in Moscow magazines, made his first translation of the "Fables of Prayer" by the Danish educator L. Holberg, began to translate Voltaire's tragedy "Alzira" (since 1762).

In 1762, Fonvizin moved to St. Petersburg and took the place of an interpreter at the College of Foreign Affairs. In 1763 1769 he served as secretary to the Cabinet Minister I. Elagin, who was in charge of the analysis of petitions on highest name, and from 1766 and imperial theaters.

In the same years, Fonvizin became close to a circle of young free-thinking officers, under their influence he created the satirical work "Message to my servants ..." (1769).

Interest in the theater was expressed in the work on the original Russian satirical comedy(before that, he translated foreign comedies "into Russian manners"). "The Brigadier", written in 1766 1769 and staged in 1770, was published only in 1792 1795. N. Novikov said about this comedy: "... it was composed exactly in our manners."

In 1769, Fonvizin became secretary of the head of the Collegium of Foreign Affairs, N. Panin, educator of the heir to the throne. They were brought together by an oppositional attitude towards the government of Catherine II and the conviction that Russia needed "fundamental laws."

In 1777 1778 he made a trip abroad, to France and Germany, about which he later wrote in the Notes of the First Traveler, which played essential role in the development of Russian prose.

In the context of the reaction that followed the suppression Pugachev rebellion, Fonvizin created his most significant work - the comedy "Undergrowth" (1781). It directly points to the root of all Russia's troubles serfdom and public ignorance, which, according to Fonvizin, can be overcome by reforms in the spirit of the Enlightenment.

In March 1782, after Panin's removal from business, Fonvizin resigned, deciding to completely surrender literary creativity. In 1783 he published a series satirical writings: "The experience of the Russian classmate", "The petition of the Russian Minerva from Russian writers"," Narrative of the imaginary deaf and dumb.

In 1784 1785 Fonvizin visited Germany and Italy, anonymously published on French"The Life of Count Nikita Ivanovich Panin", drawing the image of an ideal enlightened nobleman.

In the future, Fonvizin was not allowed to appear in the press; a five-volume collected of his works was not published. His articles were distributed only in lists.

Last years life, the writer was seriously ill, but did not leave literary studies: he began autobiographical story"A sincere confession in my deeds and thoughts" (was not finished, but even in its unfinished form is a wonderful example of Russian prose).

December 1 (12 n.s.) 1792 Fonvizin died in St. Petersburg. Buried in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin- Russian writer, playwright, translator, publicist, creator of the national household comedy, author of the famous comedy "Undergrowth". Fonvizin was born in Moscow on April 14 (April 3, O.S.) 1745, he was the successor of a knightly family, which was of Livonian origin and completely Russified. Elementary education was received by Denis thanks to his father, who held an official position in the revision board; their home was patriarchal.

Education was continued in the gymnasium at Moscow University, and then in itself: Fonvizin during 1759-1762. was a student at the Philosophical University. From 1756 to 1759 he was a member of the troupe of the amateur university theater of M. Kheraskov, and later he played in the professional Public Theater. During his student days, Fonvizin also made his debut in the literary field - with translation activities. He came to grips with this upon his arrival in St. Petersburg in 1760: Fonvizin and his brother arrived in the capital as one of the best gymnasium students.

Fulfilling the order of one of the booksellers, Fonvizin in 1761 translated into Russian the fables of Ludwig Golberg, who wrote in German. In total, he translated more than 200 fables, the novel by the Frenchman Terrason, the tragedy of Voltaire, Ovid's Metamorphoses, etc. Fonvizin considered J.-J. to be his favorite writer. Rousseau. In parallel with his translation activities, he began to write essays of a satirical nature.

After graduating from the university, D.I. Fonvizin became a translator in a foreign collegium, and from 1763 he was transferred to the service of I.P. Elagin. By the way, this appointment was facilitated by the occupation of literature: his translation of Voltaire's tragedy did not go unnoticed. Working under Elagin, Fonvizin did not leave translation activities. Having become close to the literary circle of Kozlovsky, he created a debut independent work- “Message to my servants Shumilov, Vanka and Petrushka”; in 1764 his first play-comedy "Korion" appeared. During 1766-1769. the comedy Brigadier was written and published in 1786. She laid the foundation for the genre of comedy of manners, because. the overwhelming majority of Russian authors created comedies of characters.

The period of the biography from 1769 to 1782 was associated with the service of Count N.I. Panin; Fonvizin worked as his secretary, and later turned into a confidant. While in this position, he entered the world big politics, behind the scenes games. In 1777, Fonvizin left Russia, lived for a long time in France, where he tried to understand the processes taking place in this state, while thinking about the fate of his homeland, trying to see the path that would allow him to bring to new level social and political life.

In 1782, Fonvizin had to resign because Count Panin fell into disgrace. Based on his ideas, Fonvizin wrote "Discourse on the indispensable state laws" (1782-1783). This work was intended for the count's pupil, who in the future was to become Emperor Paul, and is considered one of the best essays national journalism.

Peak creative achievements Denis Ivanovich was written in 1882 and published in 1883, the comedy "Undergrowth", which, like "The Brigadier", caused a huge public outcry. Belinsky once noted that Russian comedy began only with Fonvizin, and his plays are one of the "remarkable phenomena" in the history of Russian literature.

Leaving public service, Fonvizin devoted himself to literature, although his state of health left much to be desired (the writer had partial paralysis). Catherine the Second in many ways impeded the realization of his creative ideas, in particular, by imposing a ban on the publication of the magazine “Drug honest people, or Starodum", collected works in 5 volumes. In this period creative activity he wrote several dramatic works, magazine articles and an autobiography (remained unfinished). In 1784 and 1785, Fonvizin went to Italy for treatment, in 1787 he corrected his noticeably shaky health in Vienna. The Fonvizin couple also experienced financial difficulties at that time. Classes in literature were actually curtailed. The writer died on December 12 (December 1, O.S.), 1792; he was buried at the Lazarevsky cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg.

Biography from Wikipedia

Origin

Born in the family of Ivan Andreevich Fonvizin, whose image he later embodied in his favorite hero Starodum in the work "Undergrowth". The progenitor of the Fonvizins was captured by Russians during Livonian War(1558-1583) and was baptized into Orthodoxy.

The surname Fon-Vizen (German von Wiesen) or, with the Russified ending Fon-Vizin, was written in the 18th century in two words or with a hyphen; the same spelling was retained until mid-nineteenth century. The spelling "Fon-Vizin" was used by the author of the first major biography of Fonvizin. The continuous spelling was established by the literary critic of the second half of the 19th century N. S. Tikhonravov, although Pushkin already found this mark correct as giving a more Russian character to the name of the writer, who was, in Pushkin's words, "from the Russians to the Russians."

In 1755-1760 he studied at the noble gymnasium at Moscow University, then for a year - at the philosophical faculty of the university. In 1760, among the best gymnasium students, Fonvizin and his brother Pavel arrived in St. Petersburg. Here he met Lomonosov, the first director of the Russian theater, Sumarokov, and for the first time saw a theatrical performance - a production of the play "Heinrich and Pernill" by the Danish writer, the founder of the Danish drama Ludwig Holberg. In 1761, by order of one of the Moscow booksellers, Fonvizin translated Holberg's fable from the German. Then, in 1762, he translated the political and didactic novel of the French writer Abbé Terrason "The Heroic Virtue or the Life of Seth, King of Egypt", written in the manner of the famous Telemachus by Fenelon, Voltaire's tragedy "Alzira or the Americans", Ovid's "Metamorphoses"; in 1769 Gresse's sentimental story "Sidney and Scilly, or Benefits and Gratitude", which received the name "Korion" from Fonvizin. Rousseau was his favorite writer.

Simultaneously with the translations, Fonvizin's original works began to appear, painted in sharply satirical tones. So, presumably, the 1760s include a play that was not published during the author’s lifetime, the so-called “early Undergrowth”, first published only in volumes 9-10 of the Literary Heritage series in 1933. Its characters are the prototypes of the characters of the famous "Undergrowth". So, Aksen is similar to Prostakov, Ulita is similar to Prostakova, and Ivanushka is similar to Mitrofan. There is also a version that the early "Undergrowth" does not belong to Fonvizin.

Fonvizin was under the strongest influence of French Enlightenment thought from Voltaire to Helvetius. He became a permanent member of the circle of Russian freethinkers who gathered in the house of Prince Kozlovsky. In the comedy "The Brigadier" there are two families of provincial landowners. The image of Ivan, the son of the brigadier, a violent gallomaniac, occupies a central place.

Fonvizin's literary studies helped him in his official career as well. His translation of Voltaire's tragedy attracted attention, and in 1763 Fonvizin, who was then a translator in a foreign collegium, was appointed to serve under the already well-known cabinet minister Elagin, under whose leadership Vladimir Ignatievich Lukin also served. His comedy The Brigadier enjoyed even greater success, for which the author was invited to Peterhof to read to the Empress herself, after which other readings followed, as a result of which he became close to Pavel Petrovich's tutor, Count Nikita Ivanovich Panin. In 1769, Fonvizin went to the service of Panin, becoming, as his secretary, one of the closest and most trusted persons. Before Panin's death, Fonvizin, on his direct instructions, compiled "Discourse on absolutely every form of state government that has been exterminated in Russia and, therefore, on the unsteady state of both the empire and the sovereigns themselves." This work contains an exceptionally sharp picture of the despotic regime of Catherine and her favorites, demands constitutional reforms and directly threatens otherwise with a violent coup.

In 1777-1778, Fonvizin traveled abroad and spent quite a long time in France. From here he writes letters to his sister F. I. Argamakova, P. I. Panin (brother of N. I. Panin), Ya. I. Bulgakov. These letters were of a pronounced socio-social nature. Fonvizin's sharp mind, observation, ability to understand the economic, social and political phenomena in the life of French society, allowed him to paint a historically accurate picture of feudal-absolutist France. Studying French reality, Fonvizin wanted to better understand the processes taking place not only in France, but also in Russia, and to find ways to improve the socio-political order in his homeland. He appreciates what deserves attention in France - trade and industry.

One of the best works of Russian journalism is "Discourse on the indispensable state laws" (late 1782 - early 1783). It was intended for the pupil of Nikita Panin - the future Emperor Pavel Petrovich. Speaking of serfdom, Fonvizin considers it necessary not to destroy it, but to introduce it into the "limits of moderation." He was frightened by the possibility of a new Pugachevism, it is necessary to make concessions in order to avoid further shocks. Hence the main requirement - the introduction of "fundamental laws", the observance of which is also necessary for the monarch. The most impressive is the picture of contemporary reality drawn by the satirist writer: boundless arbitrariness that engulfed all government bodies.

Tombstone of D. I. Fonvizin

After retiring, Fonvizin, despite a serious illness (paralysis), was engaged in literary work until the end of his life, but met with misunderstanding and sharp disapproval in the person of Empress Catherine II, who forbade Fonvizin to publish a five-volume collected works. The literary heritage of the last period of the writer's life consists mainly of articles for the magazine and of dramatic works: the comedy "The Choice of a Tutor" and the dramatic feuilleton "A Conversation with Princess Khaldina". In addition, in the last years of his life, he worked on his autobiography "Frank Confession".

Fonvizin died in December 1792 and was buried at the Lazarevsky cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

Memory

As of 2013, 15 streets and 1 lane of Russian cities bear the name of Fonvizin, including Fonvizin Street in Moscow, in Makhachkala. There are also Fonvizin streets in Zaporozhye, Kharkiv and Kherson. Fonvizinskaya metro station opened in Moscow in 2016.

The famous writer of the Catherine era D.I. Fonvizin was born on April 3 (14), 1745 in Moscow, into a wealthy noble family. He came from a Livonian knightly family, completely Russified (until the middle of the 19th century, the surname was written Fon Wiesen). He received his primary education under the guidance of his father, Ivan Andreevich. In 1755-1760, Fonvizin studied at the newly opened gymnasium at Moscow University; in 1760 he was "produced to the students" of the Faculty of Philosophy, but stayed at the university for only 2 years.

In his student years, under the influence of some professors, they begin and literary pursuits DI. Fonvizin: in 1761 he placed in Kheraskov's magazine "Useful Amusement", a translated article "Justice Jupiter" and separately printed a translation of Golberg's fables. The following year, he published a translation of Terrason's moralizing work: "The Heroic Virtue, or the Life of Seth, King of Egypt, from the Mysterious Testimonies ancient egypt taken" and published several translations in the publication of Professor Reichel "A collection of the best works for the dissemination of knowledge and for the production of pleasures." The original works of Fonvizin, which expressed his desire for satire, also belong to the same time. in Fonvizin of love for the theater, in 1756-1759 he played in the amateur university theater, created on the initiative of M. M. Kheraskov, and in the public theater.

In 1762, Fonvizin's teaching at the university ceased. He is designated as a sergeant of the guard, although this service does not interest him at all and he avoids it as much as possible. At this time, he arrives in Moscow Imperial court, and the Vice-Chancellor appoints Fonvizin to the Collegium of Foreign Affairs as an interpreter with the rank of lieutenant-captain. Fonvizin moved to St. Petersburg and the following year was appointed "to be for some business" under the Cabinet Minister Yelagin.

At the same time, Fonvizin's first experience in the field of drama appeared: in 1764 his first comedy "Korion" was presented, and in 1768 "The Brigadier" was written, which made a strong impression on the then public: N.I. Panin spoke of it as "the first comedy in our manners"; Fonvizin was compared with Moliere, and his comedy never left the stage.

Fonvizin served as secretary of the Cabinet Minister until 1769. Then he was forced to again decide on the Collegium of Foreign Affairs as the secretary of the head of the Collegium, Count N.I. Panin. Fonvizin became his close assistant and confidant, he was entrusted with the most extensive correspondence with Russian diplomats under European courtyards. Under the leadership of his boss, he draws up an extremely curious project of state reforms, according to which it was supposed to give the supreme senate legislative power, to ensure "two main points of the state and peoples' welfare: liberty and property", for which it is necessary to free the peasants. From 1769 to 1783 D.I. Fonvizin served with Count Panin, sharing his oppositional views towards Catherine II.

In 1783, Fonvizin retired with the rank of state councilor and a pension of 300 rubles. Literary activity Fonvizina during this period of his life could not be especially great, since there was not enough time for her; nevertheless, it was precisely in these years, perhaps due to the constant impressions that were experienced in the center of the public and political interests of the era, that the most important works Fonvizin, including the comedy "Undergrowth", presented for the first time in 1782. (the first performance took place on September 24, 1782, and the premiere in Moscow on May 14, 1783 on the stage of the Medox Theater).

"Undergrowth" is the climax in the development of Fonvizin's work - "the work of a strong, sharp mind, a gifted man" (Belinsky). In his comedy, the writer responded to all those questions that worried the most advanced people of that time - state and social order, civic obligations member of society, serfdom, family, marriage, child rearing. Courage, "free speech" of these questions aroused the displeasure of Catherine II against Fonvizin. After the publication in 1783 of a series satirical works, Fonvizin's attempts to publish anything in print were suppressed by the Empress herself. IN last decade of her reign, Catherine II openly took the path of cruel reaction, of which Fonvizin also became a victim. Despite a serious illness, he was eager to work. In 1788, he decided to publish the Starodum magazine, received permission and began to prepare material, but by order of Catherine, the magazine was banned. Shortly before his death, Fonvizin asked Catherine for permission to publish a translation of Tacitus, but permission was not given.

In 1785, Fonvizina was paralyzed, and in 1786 he had to go to Vienna and Carlsbad for treatment. The last years of his life generally passed for him in a difficult situation: his health was completely upset, and at the same time his material well-being was shaken as a result of various litigations with tenants. Fonvizin's literary activity almost completely stops, except for literary work his letters from abroad and travel journals. They were not intended for printing and were published already in the 19th century, but they are of outstanding interest as a judgment of an intelligent observer about the then European life.

Died D.I. Fonvizin in St. Petersburg on December 1 (12), 1792. He was buried at the Lazarevsky cemetery in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. His grave in a cast-iron fence is located on the so-called. Fonvizinskaya path at the far end of the cemetery, next to the graves of architect I.E. Starov, mathematician L. Euler and artist