WORSE FROM WITNESS
(Comedy, 1824; published with omissions - 1833; in full - 1862)
Molchalin Alexey Stepanych - the main negative character of the comedy, the role of a stupid lover; heart friend of Sophia, in his soul despising her; the shadow of Famusov, the antagonist of Chatsky, whose fiery volubleness is unfavorably opposed by the silent speechlessness of Molochlin (underlined, moreover, by the “silently speaking” surname). Transferred by Famusov from Tver, thanks to his patronage he received the rank of collegiate assessor; listed "in the archives", but in fact is the personal, home secretary of the "benefactor"; here, in a closet, and lives. M. strictly follows his father’s covenant (directly preceding the one that Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov will receive from his father): “to please all people without exception - / to the Master<...>/ Head<...>/ to his servant<...>/ To the janitor's dog, to be affectionate. In the ball scene (d. 3), he obligingly praises the Spitz of the old woman Khlestova, Famusov's sister-in-law, which deserves her favor. (But not respect: during the trip - D. 4, yavl. 8 - Khlestova scornfully points M. to his place - intermediate between the secretary and the servant: “here is your closet, / No wires are needed, go, the Lord is with you”; M . not offended.)
In a conversation with Chatsky (d. 3, yavl. 3), who decided to figure out why M. captivated Sophia, he formulates his life rules - “Moderation and accuracy”; “At my age, one should not dare / Have one’s own judgment.” These views are fully consistent with the unwritten Moscow norm. The same plot motif of the fall is repeated throughout the comedy; Chatsky, having barely appeared in the house, talks about how he "fell many times" along the way; The Skalozub recalls the story of Princess Lasova, a “rider, a widow,” who recently fell to pieces and is now looking for a husband “for support”; then, during the ball, Repetilov reports his fall: “I’m in a hurry here, / Grab it, I hit it with my foot on the threshold / And stretched out to my full height.” But only M.'s fall from a horse (d. 2, yavl. 7), at the news of which Sophia loses her senses, "rhymes" with the "exemplary" fall of Famus' uncle Maxim Petrovich: "He fell painfully - got up great." This parallel finally inscribes M. in that unchanging Moscow tradition, against which Chatsky rebels.
But, repeating the trajectory of the fall of Maxim Petrovich, M., in turn, is also endowed with a plot double, repeating his negative features in an even more vulgar and reduced form. This is Anton Antonych Zagoretsky - "a man<...>secular, / A notorious swindler, a rogue”, who is tolerated in society only because he is “a master of service”.
The need to tirelessly “please” also gave rise to M.’s romance with Sofia, in which he obediently fulfills the role of a Platonic admirer proposed (if not imposed) by her, ready to read novels with his beloved all night long, listen to silence and speak in a language that is not characteristic of him “philistine” ( “I have three little things ...”), but in the literary-salon, “Karamzinist” language of silent gestures and refined feelings. (So his “talking” surname is read in two ways: it also indicates the role of the “silent man” in love in Sophia’s plot.) This novel does not and cannot pursue “career” goals; M. does not expect to earn even more Famusov's favor in this way. On the contrary, he risks losing his favor as a result of a secret "romance". But he is not able to refuse to “please” the daughter of “such a person”. And, feeling hostility to "our deplorable stole", takes the form of a lover - because she likes it.
And therefore, perhaps, Chatsky is right, who at the moment of M.’s “exposure” (invited by the maid Lisa to Sophia’s room, he again flirts in the dark with the servants and speaks contemptuously about Sophia, not knowing that she hears everything; angry Famusov immediately appears ) sarcastically remarks: “You will make peace with him, according to mature reflection. / To destroy oneself, and for what! / Think, you can always take care of him / Take care of him and swaddle him, and send him away for work. / Husband-boy, husband-servant, from the wife's pages - / The high ideal of all Moscow men.
The character of the comedy "Woe from Wit" (1824) by A. S. Griboyedov (1795 1829). Type of careerist, saint, conformist: (act. 4, yavl. 12): “My father bequeathed to me: firstly, to please all people without exception,” etc. A common noun for flatterers, sycophants, ... ... Dictionary of winged words and expressions
The central character in the comedy "Woe from Wit" (1824). The significance of this image was realized over the course of historical time. N.V. Gogol was the first to notice something important in the appearance of the modest secretary Famusov: “this face is aptly captured, silent, low ... ... literary heroes
Wed ... My father bequeathed to me, Firstly, to please all people without exception: The owner, where I happen to live, The boss, with whom I will serve, His servant, who cleans dresses; Doorman, janitor to avoid evil, Janitor's dog, to be affectionate. ... ... Michelson's Big Explanatory Phraseological Dictionary
Molchalin. Wed ... My father bequeathed to me First of all, to please all people without exception: The owner, where I happen to live, the Chief, with whom I will serve, His Servant, who cleans dresses; Doorman, janitor to avoid evil, dog janitor, so that ... ... Michelson's Big Explanatory Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)
M. 1. Literary character. 2. It is used as a symbol of a person who hides his own opinion and, with his silence, wants to please all superiors or influential people. Explanatory Dictionary of Efremova. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language Efremova
Molchalin- Shut up alin, but ... Russian spelling dictionary
Molchalin- (2 m) (lit. character; also about a careerist and a sycophant) ... Spelling Dictionary of the Russian Language
Molchalin- the character of the comedy A. S. Griboyedov Woe from Wit (1824) is a hypocritical, obsequious careerist who announced Ch. its virtues are moderation and accuracy. His name has become a common name. meaning, and for the first time this happened already in the text itself. (formula... Russian humanitarian encyclopedic dictionary
- ... Wikipedia
Books
- Woe from Wit, Alexander Griboyedov. The action of the play takes place in Russia, in the twenties of the XIX century. To the house of the old Moscow gentleman Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov, manager in a state-owned place, a convinced serf and furious ... audiobook
- Poems for children from younger to older age, Nikolai Alexandrovich Dobrolyubov. “... In the bibliography of our journal, last year it was already mentioned about the“ congratulatory poems ”by Mr. Fedorov. All sections are such as should be expected from the author of“ congratulations ”. Despite…
Woe from Wit is a well-known comedy by A. S. Griboyedov, in which nobles living in the early 19th century appear. During this period, the ideas of Decembrism and conservative views began to provoke disagreements. The basis of the theme is the confrontation between modern times and the past century, ideals were replaced by new ones, which had a deplorable effect on people. At the same time, most of the representatives of comedy belong to the supporters of the past century, this category includes both individuals who have weight in society, and those who are trying to serve. And Molchanov belongs to those who serve against their will.
Characteristics of the hero
Molchalin Alexei Stepanovich is a man, he is young and works as Famusov's secretary. Among his main features there is stupidity, meanness combined with cunning, his goal is to extract advantages for himself. To do this, he adjusts to the opinions of others and meets not with the woman he loves, but with Sofia Famusova.
Among the positive qualities are:
- modesty. As can be seen from his reaction to drunken behavior, humiliation and affectation, the hero can withstand any whims;
- tact. Aleksey hides emotions and does not show incorrect actions towards the owner's daughter;
- the ability to remain silent;
- politeness. Knows how to correctly formulate phrases, correctly put himself;
- the ability to make friends;
- calm perception. Even in the most unpleasant situations, he does not flaunt emotions.
There are also negative qualities:
- shyness is only a mask, in fact the hero is two-faced, he behaves depending on the environment;
- pleases and fawns for the sake of profit. Novels are also built for the purpose of profit, even the smart enough Sofia is ready to be with him, but Molchalin is only pretending;
- has no opinion, more silent.
The psychological mindset of Mochalin defines a whole category of people, they are ready for anything for the sake of promotion and forget about their opinion for the sake of it. Alexey gradually lost the ability to judge logically and simply agreed with the public, reaching the maximum in his flattery.
The image of the hero in the work
Alexei is not rich and is a nobleman from Tver, lives in the owner's house and secretly has a love relationship with his daughter. Molchalin cannot reach the status of a son-in-law, because he does not have ranks and stars, society likes him because he is professionally helpful. He fully answers the image of a young nobleman, because he tries to please everyone who can somehow influence his career. He himself believes that small ranks do not make it possible to have his own judgment.
Role in society
In public, the true face of Molchalin is hidden, but when talking with Lisa, he shows himself, because the bright contrast between the modest and quiet with the rake is simply impossible not to notice. This person is dangerous because he is two-faced. There is no love and even respect for Sophia in him, he is afraid to open a relationship, while building a real performance. He believes that evil tongues are worse than a gun, while Sophia, on the contrary, does not worry about the opinions of others. Molchalin lives the way his father advised him - he pleases everyone.
Alexey is proud of his success, the presence of important connections, and even gives advice to behave like Chatsky, because he believes that his behavior is correct. Although the views of the hero and the conservative noble nobility are the same, he is harmful to society. Having deceived Famusov's daughter and being her lover more as a position than out of feelings, he spoils the girl's life. Molchalin has an exact correspondence to the ideals of the past century, he easily adapts to the situation and values only wealth and titles.
What does Molchalin show?
The basis of the character's character is duplicity and cunning, such can be blissful, and reach known degrees, because people like such silence. The relevance of the affected features of the hero remains, his image has survived to this day, promotion, enrichment for many is much more important than such eternal concepts as dignity, honesty or love for the motherland. Molchalin clearly divides people by status and treats them accordingly.
In the comedy, Molchalin is not too important for the development of the storyline, he personifies the general spirit of the people of that time, showing their humiliation in front of the higher ranks. Also, the image allows you to show Chatsky more vividly, because he is opposite in character, and stands out with a strong soul, pride and confidence.
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In Griboedov's comedy Woe from Wit, the main opposing array of events falls on the images of Chatsky and Famusov. The rest of the acting characters help to reveal the true state of affairs and the depth of the conflict.
Origin and activity
One of these characters, with the help of which the tragedy of what is happening is enhanced, is the image of Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the characteristics of Famusov
Molchalin does not belong to the aristocracy - he is a man of ignoble origin, but thanks to his service, he has access to high society.
Aleksey Stepanovich has not yet managed to rise to significant heights - for now he only holds the position of Famusov's secretary, but he gives hope for an early career advancement, which causes Famusov's special love.
Pavel Afanasyevich allocated a room for Molchalin in his house, although it is difficult to call it a full-fledged room: it is most likely a small closet, but Molchalin, deprived of fate, is quite pleased with this.
Aleksey Stepanovich has been working as Famusov’s personal secretary for the third year already, however, he is registered in a completely different position - based on official data, Molchalin works in the archive department, but in practice this is fictitious, he is only listed there. However, not without benefit for himself - during such a service he received three awards.
Of course, this was the exceptional work of Famusov. This position is also beneficial to Famusov and allowed him to get out of a difficult situation - he provided himself with a good secretary and, moreover, he had to pay not from his own pocket.
The text mentions the rootlessness of Molchalin, but there is no exact explanation. Based on this, several assumptions can be made regarding the essence of such a statement. The first is that Molchalin is a man of simple origin, the second is that he is an orphan, that is, a man without a family.
The writer portrays Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin as an adult man. At the same time, Molchalin rejects even the possibility of his infantilism. Famusov, whose hero serves, takes advantage of Alexei's position. Officially, the hero works in the Archives, because Famusov agreed so. However, this is a mere formality for obtaining ranks. Molchalin's real place of work is Famusov's house. The latter provides his worker with food, drink, shelter, career advancement. Molchalin, apparently, knows how to please Famusov.
Before working with Famusov, in Moscow, the hero lived in Tver. Molchalin, of course, is not a rich person at all. The simplicity of the origin of the hero makes us assume that Molchalin is a tradesman. According to the "Table of Ranks", the hero holds the rank of collegiate assessor. This rank gives the right to the nobility, which is what Molchalin achieves. The man even manages to receive awards, in which his master probably helped Molchalin.
The symbolism of the surname
The image of Molchalin bears the features of symbolism. This is due primarily to his last name. It is based on the verb "be silent". Indeed, this word is an accurate reflection of the essence of Molchalin. He is the silent and faceless servant of Famusov. Even his tread is devoid of any sounds. It seems that he wants to be as unnoticed as possible, quiet.
From time to time, Alexei Stepanovich moves on tiptoe so as not to disturb the household. His behavior is one of the ways to achieve his life goal.
The purpose of life
While most aristocrats are deprived of a purpose in life and lazily live their lives without filling it with any meaning, Molchalin's life has a pronounced character. His goal is to take place and achieve significant achievements in life. Achievements in the eyes of Molchalin are in no way connected with improving the lives of ordinary, ignoble people or contributing to the development of the morality of the aristocracy. The highest goal of Alexei Stepanovich is to become a full-fledged representative of high society.
Molchalin is ready to lay down his bones for another promotion, so he serves Famusov with all his might - it is Pavel Afanasyevich who can help him achieve this goal. And Molchalin has already overcome the first step on this steep ladder - thanks to his ability to suck up and please Famusov, he was given the rank of collegiate assessor. Thus, Alexei Stepanovich turned from a commoner into a poor nobleman. Molchalin found special charm in the fact that his rank had the property of being inherited.
Molchalin and Sofia Famusova
You can further improve your position in society through a profitable marriage. For this, the girls needed to have a lovely figure and an equally lovely face. In the case of the male half of society, it was enough to have a helpful character. It is the ability to serve well that becomes the criterion for favor. Despite his low origin and financial insolvency, in the eyes of Famusov, Alexei Stepanovich looks like a more attractive son-in-law than the noble aristocrat Chatsky. The fact is that Pavel Afanasyevich believes that such an estate and diligence, which Molchalin possesses, will be able to compensate for his origin and achieve an advantageous position in society. In order to achieve the final advantage over other young people, Molchalin only has to accumulate significant capital or start attacking Famusov from another front - if Sonya falls in love with Alexei Stepanovich, then she will be able to convince her father to make a decision in his favor.
Aleksey Stepanovich accelerates this process by starting to show interest in Famusov's daughter, Sofya.
The relationship of young people takes place in the best traditions of platonic love - Molchalin does not allow anything extra in relation to the girl.
Thus, he demonstrates his respectful attitude towards Sophia and the seriousness of his intentions. In addition, such behavior contributes to the achievement of his goal with marriage - Molchalin does not need to have Sonya, he needs to become her husband, so debauchery is an unacceptable thing for him.
We offer to compare the monologues of Chatsky and Famusov in A. Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit".
In dealing with Sophia, Alexei Stepanovich adheres to the same principle as with her father - he pleases her all the time. Naturally, the behavior of Molchalin differs sharply from the behavior of other aristocrats in relation to her. Young people of noble birth are not ready to kowtow to Sonya the way Molchalin does, which is why they do not arouse such interest in her.
To some extent, Famusova's attachment to Molchalin was caused by the lack of proper candidates - after Chatsky's departure, the girl chooses the lesser evil from the rest. At the time of the attachment and the beginning of communication, Sonya did not experience enthusiasm and love attraction to Molchalin, her act could be regarded as revenge on Chatsky, but as a result of the desired effect, such an act did not bring, Sonya eventually got used to the oddities of Molchalin and began to perceive them as ordinary things . In the person of Molchalin, Sonya found a wonderful “living toy”, he not only treats her with deification (which, as it turned out, was feigned), but is also ready to fulfill any of her desires.
Chatsky and Molchalin
The conflict between Chatsky and Molchalin was a priori predetermined - an honest and noble aristocrat cannot understand and accept the position of Famusov and his society, Alexei Stepanovich, who not only depends on Famusov, but also strives to become like them, could become an excellent opponent to Chatsky , if he had more perseverance and individuality, however, since Alexei Stepanovich is used to being a silent observer and never betraying his attitude to certain situations, then there is no sharp discussion between the characters.
In addition, the insightful Chatsky notices the strange attitude of Alexei Stepanovich towards Sonya Famusova. Over time, he discovers the true attitude of Molchalin to the girl and his ghostly love. Chatsky is struck by the double standards of Molchalin - on the one hand, he is ready to flatter immensely, but, on the other hand, he does not immediately neglect to announce his disdain and even disgust for those whom he idolized a couple of minutes ago behind his back.
Attempts to open the eyes of others to the fallacy of their opinions do not lead to anything good - it is flattering for others to perceive their superiority than to realize that all respect towards them was a farce.
Molchalin and Lisa
No matter how two-faced Molchalin may be, yet sometimes he reveals his true feelings and intentions. This state of affairs is not denounced in discussions or small talk (since he tries in advance not to take part in them).
So, for example, Aleksey Stepanovich has a feeling of affection and love in relation to the maid in the house of Famusov - Liza. The hero of the story is faced with a choice - to play his role of Sonya's lover to the end, or to confess his feelings to Lisa.
Unfortunately, as a dishonest person, Molchalin is not limited to this state of affairs and takes care of two girls at once.
Thus, Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin is a classic version of a character playing a double game. This trend continues in the case of Molchalin in all activities. He is hypocritical in relation to Famusov, plays with Sonya's feelings.
Alexei Stepanovich is characterized by uncomplaining and silent servility. For the sake of moving up the social ladder, he is ready to go to even the most immoral deeds. The image of Molchalin has become a household name and is used in relation to a dishonest, hypocritical person.
The character of Molchalin
The hero makes a double impression. On the one hand, Molchalin pleases everyone (the man is a real master in this), he is shy, helpful, timid, calm, timid, modest, quiet, “wordless”. He is characterized by accuracy, moderation, lack of criticism of others. That's why they love him, I guess. But on the other hand, the hero is also characterized by duplicity, hypocrisy. Molchalin is considered a well-mannered and polite person, the hero evokes sympathy from others. Society does not see the true nature of the hero. On the contrary, in Molchalin they see a selfless person who is ready to forget about his own interests for the sake of others.
However, Molchalin pleases and is silent for the sake of self-interest, in order to achieve his goal. Such parting words were given to the hero by the father. The behavior of the hero depends on the circumstances. For example, with Famusov's daughter, a man behaves emphatically politely and modestly. But Molchalin does not really love Sophia. The hero is in love with Lisa. However, with a simple girl there is no need to behave decently. The true face of Molchalin is seen, perhaps, only by Chatsky, who considers the assessor a stupid, cowardly and miserable person. However, Vyazemsky, on the contrary, emphasizes the prudence of the hero, a rational approach to life. The soul of Molchalin is cold and callous. The maid Liza also speaks about this later.
The characterization of Molchalin in many ways helps to reveal the image of the "past century". The character seeks to please all those in the highest circles. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with a brief description of the image of Molchalin according to the plan with quotes.
Position in society
Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin - Famusov's secretary. The hero works at Pavel Afanasyevich's house, having arrived to him from Tver. At the same time, Molchalin is listed in the Archives, where he got thanks to Famusov, who appreciates the helpfulness of the character. Despite the fact that Famusov is promoting Molchalin up the career ladder, he does not want Alexei Stepanovich to become the fiancé of his daughter Sophia, because Molchalin is not a rich and "rootless" person.
Ability to serve
The most striking feature of Molchalin is his desire to serve all people who occupy a high position in society. He understands that only flattery and pretense can help him move up the social ladder. Thanks to his main quality, Molchalin manages to receive ranks, as a result of which he achieved the status of a nobleman.
In the work, Chatsky correctly notes that Molchalin "will reach the known levels, because now they love the dumb." The main character, having seen the real essence of Molchalin, is sure of the following: "The Molchalins are blissful in the world." An analysis of this phrase suggests that Molchalin (“Woe from Wit”) is a generalized image that personifies the society of A. S. Griboyedov’s time. Chatsky, talking about Molchalin, says this: "A husband-boy, a husband-servant, from the wife's pages - the high ideal of all Moscow men." It is Molchalin who becomes Sophia's ideal.
The main principle by which Molchalin lives is in his phrase "In my years, one should not dare to have one's own judgment." The hero understands that he must please people and humiliate himself in front of them in order to be noticed. The desire to "serve" Molchalin became the reason for the desire to get a high rank and a good position in society.
The hero is dependent on public opinion. Molchalin is silent, speaks only to compliment or praise a person from higher circles. AS Griboedov does not accidentally resort to the use of speaking surnames. The character, confident that "evil tongues are worse than a gun," seeks to reveal his essence as little as possible, because then others will be able to understand his true intentions, and he wants to get the ranks as soon as possible. For this, as Chatsky notes, Molchalin is ready to “pat the pug in time” and “rub the card at the right time.”
The protagonist evaluates this quality of Molchalin as stupidity and frivolity.
For the sake of his own career advancement, Molchalin, who, according to Chatsky, “was lured by honors and nobility,” builds a love relationship with Famusov’s daughter Sophia. The hero does not have a real feeling of love for her. He only thinks that a possible marriage with the daughter of a famous person in society will help him realize his plans. And if with Sofya Molchalin behaves as in her ideas a real man should behave, then with the maid Lisa, as she herself notes, Molchalin is a rake. With Liza, the hero is persistent and bold. This shows the duplicity of the character, his ability to hide passionate feelings and cheeky behavior behind the appearance of a polite and modest person. The maid evaluates Molchalin negatively, comparing him with stone and ice.
Positive features
It should be noted that in the comedy "Woe from Wit" the characters are not strictly divided into negative and positive. All characters are double rated. The positive traits of the hero lie in his shyness and modesty. Molchalin does not speak badly about someone, he does not show his disdain for the people around him, as other representatives of the "past century" do. Molchalin independently achieves his own goals, despite the fact that these paths are impudent and dishonorable. The hero is distinguished by his politeness and patience. Molchalin is difficult to lead to a scandal or any kind of conflict. This calmness caused Sophia's sympathy for the hero. She characterizes the hero as follows: "yielding, modest, quiet." Sofya calls Molchalin "an enemy of insolence." She is attracted by the fact that Molchalin has become a true friend of the entire Famusov house. Sofya is sincerely in love with Alexei Stepanovich, not noticing his negative traits. The text of the work shows that only when Sophia saw Molchalin's attraction to Lisa, she realized that he was a real scoundrel.
