Comedy idea "Undergrowth" originated with Denis Fonvizin in 1778, and four years later he presented the play to his friends. But the path of the work to the stage turned out to be thorny. In St. Petersburg and Moscow, the comedy was immediately refused to be staged. The censors were afraid of some bold remarks.
In September 1782 Volny ventured to stage the play. Russian Theater in the Queen's Meadow. The success was stunning. True, this courage cost the theater to close, but it was too late - Fonvizin's comedy gained immense popularity. Since then, the play has not left the stage.
"Undergrowth" caused serious dissatisfaction with Catherine II. Fonvizin was not allowed to publish any more works, even a translation into Russian of the works of the Roman historian Tacitus.
The name of the comedy is associated with the decree of Peter I, according to which the children of nobles who have not received an education do not have the right to serve and marry. Such young people were called "undergrowths". It was believed that they were not ready for adult conscious life.
Main problems, which the author raises in the comedy: the vicious education and decomposition of the nobility in the conditions of the serfdom. Education, according to Fonvizin, determines moral character younger generation. Entrusting their children to illiterate serf nannies, half-educated sextons and dubious foreigners, the nobility plunges into the abyss of ignorance, stupidity, money-grubbing and immorality. The Skotinins and Prostakovs are only capable of bringing up Mitrofanushki.
Fonvizin on simple examples shows that the landowners for the most part have forgotten not only the honor of the nobility, but even human dignity. Instead of serving the interests of the country, they do not comply with either moral or state laws.
The special poignancy of the comedy is given by the accidental victory of the forces of good. If Pravdin had not received an order to take custody of the Prostakovs' property, and Starodum had not returned from Siberia in time, everything could not have ended so happily.
The comedy "Undergrowth" is built according to the laws classicism. There's only one here story line, one place of action and all events occur within a day. But the play also shows some features. realism: a reliable depiction of everyday life, characters far from sketchiness, individual elements of the drama. Fonvizin created a new genre- socio-political comedy. In the center of the plot, contrary to the canons of classicism, there is not love affair but acute social conflict.
The play consists of five acts. In the first, the author introduces us to the main characters, the plot starts - a letter from Starodum, in which Sophia is called a rich heiress. The climax comes in the fifth act, when Pravdin reads out a letter about the transfer of the Prostakov estate under his care. The denouement becomes last words Staroduma: "Here are worthy fruits of evil-mindedness!"
Almost all classes are shown in "Undergrowth" Russian state. There are serfs Trishka, Palashka and Eremeevna, landowners Prostakov and Skotinin, officer Milon and retired sergeant Tsyfirkin, official Pravdin, clergyman Kuteikin. According to the traditions of classicism, all the characters are clearly divided into negative and positive, and their names indicate the main character traits. Pravdin personifies justice, Starodum - wisdom and morality, and the names Vralman and Skotinin are understandable even to a child.
Negative and positive characters comedies are created by pairs of antagonists: "children" - Mitrofan and Sophia, "grooms" - Skotinin and Milon, "main" - Prostakova and Starodum, "assistant chief" - Prostakov and Pravdin, "teachers" - disinterested Tsyfirkin and greedy Kuteikin.
Mrs. Prostakova is the most striking comedic image. The vicious, cunning, impudent and extremely active landowner constantly swears and beats the servants. Prostakova strives to take everything into her own hands, she has sole control over not only serfs, but also relatives. Her husband is a powerless creature who does not dare to take a step without the order of his wife. Prostakova extends her power to everyone who does not have the strength to fight back: Sofya, Skotinin, teachers. The main motto of the landowner: "Whatever I want, I'll put it on my own".
The heroine blindly loves her only son and is ready for anything for his good. Prostakova rushes with her fists at her brother, protecting Mitrofanushka, making sure that the “child” eats well and does not bother with the sciences. She takes all decisions for her son, protects him from the slightest trouble, crippling the fate of the young man.
With such an upbringing, it is not at all surprising that the son grows up as a coward, a loafer, a glutton and a boor. Mitrofan's ignorance and stupidity make him horrified through laughter: what is the future of a country where such a generation is growing up? At the same time, the “undergrowth” is smart enough to manipulate his despotic mother and arouse the tenderness of his father. He, like his mother, understands only the power of the strong, he can pretend to be kind, well-mannered, loving, grateful. But only Prostakova loses her power, her beloved son roughly pushes her away.
Against the background of vivid images of negative characters, positive Starodum, Pravdin, Milon, Sophia look pale and expressionless. But they are necessary for the development of the plot, the dynamics of events. At the same time, these actors speak on behalf of the author himself. Their instructive conversations show the right path of an honest man, explain the true duties of a nobleman and the rules of family morality.
The contrast between the world of Prostakova and Starodum is most clearly seen in their attitude to education. The landowner herself cannot read and says to her son: "Don't learn that stupid science!" Starodum received excellent education and calls education "guarantee of the welfare of the state".
Fonvizin - great master words. Each of his characters has its own linguistic characteristics. Prostakova pours out rough and common expressions. Starodum, Sofya, Pravdin speak freely and beautifully. The speech of Mitrofan and Skotinin, like the speech of the serfs, is poor, primitive. Lexicon Kuteikin is rich in Church Slavonic words, and retired sergeant Tsyfirkin flaunts military jargon. The illiteracy of the German Vralman is conveyed by his characteristic tongue-tied tongue.
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"Undergrowth" - a play in five acts, feathered Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin. iconic dramatic work XVIII century and one of the most striking examples of classicism. It entered into school curriculum, was repeatedly staged on the stage, received a screen incarnation, and its lines were dismantled into quotes that today live autonomously from the original source, becoming aphorisms of the Russian language.
Plot: a summary of the play “Undergrowth”
The plot of “Undergrowth” is well known to everyone since school years, however, we still recall summary plays to recall the sequence of events.
The action takes place in the village of Prostakov. Its owners - Mrs. and Mr. Prostakov and their son Mitrofanushka - live a quiet life of provincial nobles. The orphan Sofyushka also lives on the estate, whom the lady sheltered in her house, but, as it turns out, not out of compassion, but because of the inheritance, which she freely disposes of as a self-proclaimed guardian. In the near future, they plan to give Sophia for Prostakova's brother Taras Skotinin.
The lady's plans are shattered when Sophia receives a letter from her uncle Starodum, who was still considered dead. Stradum is alive and well and goes on a date with his niece, and he also reports a fortune of 10 thousand income, which he inherits from his beloved relative. After such news, Prostakova begins to court Sophia, whom she still has little complained about, because now she wants to marry her to her beloved Mitrofan, and leave Skotinin with nothing.
Fortunately, Starodum turned out to be noble and honest man wishing the niece well. Moreover, Sophia already had a betrothed - officer Milon, who had just stopped with his regiment in the village of Prostakov. Starodub knew Milon and gave the young people his blessing.
In desperation, Prostakova tries to organize the abduction of Sophia and forcibly marry her to her son. However, even here the treacherous mistress fails - Milon saves her beloved on the night of the abduction.
Prostakov is generously forgiven and not put on trial, however, her estate, which has long aroused suspicion, is transferred to the state guardian. Everyone is leaving, and even Mitrofanushka leaves her mother, because he does not love her, as, in general, he does not love anyone in the world.
Characteristics of heroes: positive and negative characters
As in any classic work, the characters in "Undergrowth" are clearly divided into positive and negative.
- Mrs. Prostakova - the mistress of the village;
- Mr. Prostakov - her husband;
- Mitrofanushka - the son of the Prostakovs, undersized;
- Taras Skotinin is the brother of the Prostakovs.
Goodies:
- Sophia is an orphan, lives with the Prostakovs;
- Starodum is her uncle;
- Milon - an officer, Sophia's lover;
- Pravdin is a state official who came to control the affairs in the Prostakov village.
Secondary characters:
- Tsyfirkin - teacher of arithmetic;
- Kuteikin - teacher, former seminarian;
- Vralman - a former coachman, pretends to be a teacher;
- Eremovna is Mitrofan's nanny.
Mrs. Prostakova
Prostakova - the brightest negative character, and indeed the most outstanding actor plays. She is the mistress of the village of Prostakovs and it is the lady who, having completely suppressed her weak-willed spouse, establishes the lordly order and makes decisions.
However, she is completely ignorant, devoid of manners, often rude. Prostakova, like other members of the family, cannot read and despises science. Mitrofanushka's mother is engaged in the education only because it is supposed to be so in New World society, but true value does not understand knowledge.
In addition to ignorance, Prostakova is distinguished by cruelty, deceit, hypocrisy, and envy.
The only creature she loves is her son Mitrofanushka. However, the mother's blind, absurd love only spoils the child, turning him into a copy of himself in a man's dress.
Mr. Prostakov
The figurative owner of the Prostakovs' estate. In fact, everything is led by his imperious wife, whom he is madly afraid of and does not dare to say a word. Prostakov has long lost own opinion and dignity. He cannot even say whether the caftan sewn by the tailor Trishka for Mitrofan is good or bad, because he is afraid to say something different from what the lady expects.
Mitrofan
Son of the Prostakovs, undersized. In the family, he is affectionately called Mitrofanushka. And meanwhile, it's time for this young man to go out into adulthood but he has absolutely no idea about it. Mitrofan is spoiled maternal love, he is capricious, cruel to servants and teachers, pompous, lazy. Despite many years of studying with teachers, the young gentleman is hopelessly stupid, he does not show the slightest desire for learning and knowledge.
And the worst thing is that Mitrofanushka is a terrible egoist, nothing matters to him except his own interests. At the end of the play, he easily leaves his mother, who loved him so unrequitedly. Even she is for him empty place.
Skotinin
Brother of Mrs. Prostakova. Narcissistic, limited, ignorant, cruel and greedy. Taras Skotinin has a great passion for pigs, the rest is of little interest to this narrow-minded person. He has no idea of family ties, cordial affection and love. Describing how well it will heal future wife, Skotinin only says that he will give her the best lighter. In his system of coordinates, this is where marital happiness lies.
Sofia
Positive female image works. A very well-mannered, kind, meek and compassionate girl. Sophia received a good education She has an inquisitive mind and a thirst for knowledge. Even in the poisonous atmosphere of the Prostakovs' house, the girl does not become like the owners, but continues to lead the lifestyle that she likes - she reads a lot, thinks, is friendly and polite with everyone.
Starodum
Sophia's uncle and guardian. Starodum is the voice of the author in the play. His speeches are very aphoristic, he talks a lot about life, virtues, mind, law, government, modern society, marriage, love and other pressing issues. Starodum is incredibly wise and noble. Despite the fact that he clearly has a negative attitude towards Prostakova and her ilk, Starodum does not allow himself to stoop to rudeness and overt criticism, and as for light sarcasm, his narrow-minded “relatives” cannot recognize him.
Milon
Sophia's beloved officer. The image of a hero-defender, an ideal young man, husband. He is very fair, does not put up with meanness and lies. Milo was brave, and not only in battle, but also in his speeches. He is devoid of vanity and base prudence. All the “suitors” of Sophia spoke only about her condition, but Milon never mentioned that his betrothed was rich. He sincerely loved Sophia even before she had an inheritance, and therefore, in his choice, the young man was by no means guided by the size of the annual income of the bride.
“I don’t want to study, but I want to get married”: the problem of education in the story
The key problem of the work is the theme of provincial noble upbringing and education. Main character Mitrofanushka gets an education only because it is fashionable and "so wound up." In fact, neither he nor his ignorant mother understand the true purpose of knowledge. They should make a person smarter, better, serve him throughout his life and benefit society. Knowledge is hard-earned and can never be forced into someone's head.
home education Mitrofana is a dummy, a fiction, provincial theater. For several years, the unfortunate student did not master either reading or writing. The comic test that Pravdin arranges, Mitrofan fails with a roar, but because of his stupidity he cannot even understand this. He calls the word door an adjective, because they say it is attached to the opening, he confuses science with stories that Vralman tells him in abundance, and Mitrofanushka cannot even pronounce the word “geography” ... too tricky.
To show the grotesqueness of Mitrofan's education, Fonvizin introduces the image of Vralman, who teaches "in French and all the sciences." In fact, Vralman (a surname that speaks!) is not a teacher at all, but a former coachman of Starodum. He easily deceives the ignorant Prostakova and even becomes her favorite, because he professes his own teaching method - not to force the student to do anything by force. With such zeal, as in Mitrofan, the teacher and student are simply idle.
Hand in hand with the acquisition of knowledge and skills goes education. For the most part, Mrs. Prostakova is responsible for it. She methodically imposes her rotten morality on Mitrofan, who (here he is diligent!) perfectly absorbs mother's advice. So, while solving the problem of division, Prostakova advises her son not to share with anyone, but to take everything for himself. Talking about marriage, mother only talks about the wealth of the bride, never mentioning emotional affection and love. Mitrofan is not familiar with such concepts as courage, courage, valor underage. Despite the fact that he is no longer a baby, he is still taken care of in everything. The boy cannot even stand up for himself during a skirmish with his uncle, he immediately starts calling for his mother, and rushes at the offender with his fists old nanny Eremeevna.
Name meaning: two sides of the coin
The title of the play has a direct and figurative meaning.
direct meaning titles
Undergrowth in the old days was called teenagers, young men who had not yet reached the age of majority and had not entered the public service.
Figurative meaning titles
Undergrowth was also called a fool, an ignoramus, a narrow-minded and uneducated person, regardless of his age. WITH light hand Fonvizin, it is precisely this negative connotation that has become attached to the word in modern Russian.
Every person is reborn from a minor youth into an adult man. This is growing up, the law of nature. However, not everyone turns from a dark undergrowth-half-educated into an educated self-sufficient person. Such transformation requires effort and perseverance.
Place in literature: Russian literature XVIII centuries → Russian dramaturgy XVIII century → Creativity of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin → 1782 → The play “Undergrowth”.
“Undergrowth” - a play by D. I. Fonvizin. Analysis of the work, main characters
4.5 (90%) 2 votes» written in the best traditions Russian classicism. In accordance with the classic canons, the characters in the work are clearly divided into positive and negative, and their names and surnames concisely characterize and reveal the main features of the characters. However, unlike traditional classic plays, the characters of "Undergrowth" are devoid of stereotypes, which is what attracts modern readers and viewers.
The positive actors are Pravdin, Sofia, Starodum And Milon. Each of them supports the ideas of the Enlightenment, considering the main human values virtue, honesty, love for the motherland, high morality and education. Their complete opposite depicts negative characters - Prostakovs, Skotinin And Mitrofan. They are representatives of the "old" nobility, which with all its might clings to the outdated ideas of serf and feudalism. Their core values are money, position in the social hierarchy, and physical strength.
In Fonvizin's play "Undergrowth", the main characters are divided into peculiar dual pairs, in which the author portrays people with similar social roles, but depicting them in mirror distortion. So, in addition to a couple of "children" - Sophia and Mitrofan, one can distinguish "educators" - Starodum and Prostakov, "grooms" - Milon and Skotinin, as well as "owners" - Prostakov and Pravdin.
Mitrofan- a minor and the main character of the comedy - a spoiled stupid youth of sixteen years old, for whom everything has always been done by his mother, nanny or servants. Having adopted from his mother love for money, rudeness and disrespect for relatives (Prostakova is ready to deceive her brother in order to settle a marriage that is beneficial for her), and from his father complete lack of will, he behaves like a small child - he does not want to study, while he finds marriage fun fun. The complete opposite of Mitrofan is Sophia. This is an educated, intelligent and serious girl with difficult fate. Bereft of early age parents and living in the care of the Prostakovs, Sophia does not adopt their values, but, in fact, becomes a "black sheep" in their society (Prostakova even resents that the girl can read).
Prostakov appears before readers, on the one hand, as an uneducated, cunning woman who is ready for almost anything for the sake of profit, and on the other, as a practical housewife and loving mother, for which the happiness and carefree future of her son is above all. Prostakova brought up Mitrofan the way she was brought up, and therefore she could convey and show own example obsolete, long-expired ideas and values.
At Starodum a completely different approach to education - he does not treat Sophia as little child talking with her on an equal footing, instructing her and advising her on the basis of own experience. In the matter of marriage, a man does not undertake to finally decide for a girl, because he does not know whether her heart is free.
In the image of Starodum, Fonvizin portrays his ideal of a parent and educator - an authoritative strong personality who has come a long way on her own. However, analyzing the character system of "Undergrowth" from the point of view of modern reader, it is worth noting that the image of Starodum as an educator is also not ideal. All the time he was away, Sophia was deprived of parental care and left to herself. The fact that the girl learned to read, appreciates morality and virtue is rather the merit of her parents, who instilled this in her at a young age.
In general, the topic of kinship is important for both goodies plays "Undergrowth", and negative ones. Sofia- the daughter of worthy people, Milon- son good friend Starodum. Prostakova received this surname only after marriage, in fact she is Skotinina. Brother and sister are very similar, they are both driven by greed and cunning, they are not educated and cruel. Mitrofan is depicted as a real son of his parents and a pupil of his uncle, who inherited all of their negative traits, including love for pigs.
Characters whose relationship is not mentioned in the play - Prostakov and Pravdin. Prostakov is fundamentally different from his wife, in comparison with the active and active Prostakova, he looks weak-willed and passive. In a situation where he must show himself as the owner of the village, the man is lost in the background of his wife. This leads to the fact that the more active Pravdin, who was able to pacify Prostakova, becomes the owner of the lot. In addition, Prostakov and Pravdin act as some kind of "auditors" of what is happening. Pravdin is the voice of the law, while Prostakov is the opinion of a simple (remember the “speaking” names of the play) people who do not like how the “old” nobility in the person of his wife and brother-in-law behaves, but is afraid of their wrath, therefore he speaks only aside and not agreeing.
The last couple of characters are Skotinin and Milon. Men represent old and new ideas about marriage and family life. Milon has known Sophia since childhood, they love each other, and therefore their relationship is based on mutual respect and friendship. Skotinin does not even try to get to know the girl better, he is only concerned about his dowry, while he is not even going to equip her good conditions after marriage.
In addition to the main characters, there are secondary characters in the play - the teachers and educators of Mitrofan the underage. Characteristics of the heroes of the second plan - Eremeevna, Tsyfirkin, Kuteikina And Vralman- associated with them social role in the play. The nanny is an example of a serf who faithfully serves his mistress all his life, enduring beatings and injustice. On the example of the images of teachers, the author exposes all the problems of education in Russia in the 18th century, when children are taught by retired military men who did not graduate from the seminary or even grooms.
For the 18th century, Fonvizin's innovation consisted in the fact that the author portrayed the characters in The Undergrowth without excessive pathos and stereotypes inherent in many works of classicism. Each hero of a comedy is undoubtedly a composite image, but created not according to a ready-made “stencil”, but having its own individual traits. That is why the characters of the work "Undergrowth" even today remain brightest images Russian literature.
The main characters of "Undergrowth" - characteristics of the heroes of Fonvizin's play |
Classicism - literary direction developed in the eighteenth century. A prime example his is the comedy "Undergrowth". The characters in this work are the topic of the article.
Issues
What is the story of the comedy "Undergrowth"? Characters - typical representatives social strata in Russia of the eighteenth century. Among them are statesmen, and nobles, and servants, and serfs, and even self-proclaimed teachers. Affected social theme in the comedy "Undergrowth". Characters - Mitrofanushka and his mother. Mrs. Prostakova strictly controls everyone. She does not consider anyone, not even her husband. In terms of its problems, the works “Undergrowth” are straightforward. Actors in comedy are either negative or positive. complex conflicting images in no.
The work also touches on social and political issues. Even today, after more than two centuries, it does not lose its relevance. The characters in Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" utter phrases that literally scattered into quotes. The names of the heroes dramatic work have become common nouns.
History of creation
It is worth a few words to tell about how the work was created before describing the characters. "Undergrowth" Fonvizin wrote in 1778. By that time, the writer had already visited France. He spent more than a year in Paris, where he studied jurisprudence, philosophy, got acquainted with social life the country that gave the world such names as Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau. Consequently, the views of the Russian playwright have changed somewhat. He realized the backwardness of the Russian landlord class. Therefore, the writer considered it necessary to create a work that would ridicule the vices of his contemporaries.
Fonvizin worked on the comedy for more than three years. In the early eighties, the premiere of the comedy "Undergrowth" took place in one of the capital's theaters.
List of actors
- Prostakov.
- Prostakov.
- Mitrofanushka.
- Sophia.
- Milo.
- Pravdin.
- Starodum.
- Skotinin.
- Kuteikin.
- Tsiferkin.
- Vralman.
- Trishka.
Sofya, Mitrofanushka, Prostakova are the main characters. Undergrowth is a concept denoting a young nobleman who has not received an education. As you know, Mitrofan is one of the main characters in the comedy. But other characters in the comedy cannot be called secondary. Each of them plays a specific role in the plot. The works, like other works of the era of classicism, reflect the events that take place within one day. The characters in the comedy "Undergrowth" are endowed with names. And this is another typical feature of the works of classicism.
Plot
Fonvizin's comedy tells about cruel and stupid landowners, who are opposed by educated aristocrats. In the center of the plot is the story of an orphan girl who suddenly turns out to be the heiress of a large fortune. in comedy, they try to take possession of her dowry by forcibly marrying her off. The positive ones come to the rescue, getting rid of treacherous relatives.
In the house of the Prostakovs
More detailed description characters in "Undergrowth" is presented below. But, as already mentioned, Mrs. Prostakova has a difficult disposition. The reader is convinced of this from the very first pages. The comedy begins with a scene in which Mitrofanushka's mother, in anger, attacks the serf Trishka for sewing a caftan for her beloved son, which is too small for him. This and subsequent events characterize Prostakova as a person prone to tyranny and unexpected outbursts of rage.
Sophia lives in the Prostakovs' house. Her father is dead. IN Lately she lived in Moscow with her mother. But several months passed before she became an orphan. Prostakova took her to her.
rich heiress
Prostakova's brother Skotinin appears on the stage. Characteristics of the characters in the comedy "Undergrowth" - a description of the characters, which can be divided into two groups. The first includes the noble, honest and educated. To the second - ignorant and rude. Skotinin should be attributed to the latter. This man expresses his desire to marry Sophia. But he wants to connect his life with this girl not because he likes her. The thing is that he is a big hunter of pigs, as his surname speaks eloquently. And Sophia inherited several villages, on whose farms these animals live in great abundance.
Prostakova, meanwhile, learns exciting news: Sophia's uncle is alive. Mitrofan's mother is angry. After all, she believed that the Starodum had long been gone from the world. It turned out he was alive. Moreover, he is going to make his niece the heiress of the fortune he made in Siberia. Prostakova accuses Sophia of hiding news of a wealthy relative from her. But suddenly a brilliant idea comes to her mind. She decides to marry Sophia to her son.
Justice has triumphed
The village is visited by officer Milon, whom Sophia knew back in Moscow. They love each other, but due to life circumstances they had to leave. Milon, having learned about Sophia's engagement, is at first tormented by jealousy, but later he learns about what Mitrofan is, and calms down somewhat.
Prostakova loves her son very much. She hires teachers for him, but at the same time, by the age of sixteen, he had not even learned to read and write. The lad constantly complains to his mother that the teaching brings melancholy to him. To which Prostakova consoles her son, promising to marry him soon.
The appearance of Starodum
Finally, Uncle Sophia arrives in the village. Starodum tells the story of his life about how he was forced to leave the civil service, went to Siberia, and then decided to return from his native land. Starodum meets with Sophia and promises to save her from unpleasant relatives and marry her to worthy person, who turns out to be her beloved Milo.
Description of actors
The minor, that is, Mitrofanushka, studies, observing the decree of the king, but does it with great reluctance. Character traits this hero - stupidity, ignorance, laziness. Plus, he's cruel. Mitrofanushka does not respect her father and mocks her teachers. He takes advantage of the fact that his mother selflessly loves him.
Sophia gives a good description of her failed fiancé. The girl claims that, although Mitrofanushka was only sixteen years old, he has reached the peak of his perfection and will not develop further. This characters of Fonvizin's comedy are rather unpleasant. It combines traits such as servility and a penchant for tyranny.
At the beginning of the work, Mitrofanushka appears before readers in the role of a spoiled tough person. But later, when his mother fails to organize his wedding with a wealthy relative, he radically changes his behavior, humbly asks for forgiveness from Sophia, and shows humility towards Starodum. Mitrofanushka is a representative of the Prostakov-Skotinin world, people devoid of any concept of morality. The undergrowth symbolizes the degradation of the Russian nobility, the reason for which lies in improper upbringing and lack of education.
The surname Prostakova symbolizes ignorance and ignorance. Main feature this heroine - blind love for her son. At the end of the work, Mitrofanushka's mother descends to the point that she begins to use assault on Skotinin. Prostakov - a combination of arrogance, hatred, anger and cowardice. By creating this literary character The author wanted to show the reader what the lack of education leads to. According to Fonvizin, it is ignorance that is the cause of many human vices.
Sofia
Prostakova's niece - representative noble family. But, unlike her relatives, she is educated, has a sense of honor. Sofya laughs at Mitrofanushka and his mother. She despises them. The characteristic features of the heroine are kindness, mockery, nobility.
Other positive characters
Starodum is an educated man of advanced years with great life experience. The main features of this hero are honesty, wisdom, kindness and respect for other people. This character is opposed to Prostakova. Both of them want the best for their students. But their approach to education is completely different. If Prostakov sees in his son small child, who requires constant care and indulges him in everything, then Starodum considers Sophia a mature personality. He takes care of his niece, choosing a worthy man for her husband. A few words should be said about this character.
Milon
The characteristic features of this hero are sincerity, nobility, prudence. Even in difficult situations he does not lose his sanity. Hearing about Sophia's engagement, he presents Mitrofan as an educated and worthy man. And only later does his opinion regarding the opponent change. It is this hero who, in one of the last actions, is trying to reconcile Prostakov with his brother, reminding them that they are close people.
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“Undergrowth” is a play in five acts, written by Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin. Cult dramatic work XVIII century and one of the most striking examples of classicism. It entered the school curriculum, was repeatedly staged on the stage, received a screen embodiment, and its lines were dismantled into quotes that today live independently from the original source, becoming aphorisms of the Russian language.
Plot: a summary of the play “Undergrowth”
The plot of “Undergrowth” is well known to everyone since school years, but we still recall the summary of the play in order to restore the sequence of events in memory.
The action takes place in the village of Prostakov. Its owners - Mrs. and Mr. Prostakov and their son Mitrofanushka - live a quiet life of provincial nobles. The orphan Sofyushka also lives on the estate, whom the lady sheltered in her house, but, as it turns out, not out of compassion, but because of the inheritance, which she freely disposes of as a self-proclaimed guardian. In the near future, they plan to give Sophia for Prostakova's brother Taras Skotinin.
The lady's plans are shattered when Sophia receives a letter from her uncle Starodum, who was still considered dead. Stradum is alive and well and goes on a date with his niece, and he also reports a fortune of 10 thousand income, which he inherits from his beloved relative. After such news, Prostakova begins to court Sophia, whom she still has little complained about, because now she wants to marry her to her beloved Mitrofan, and leave Skotinin with nothing.
Fortunately, Starodum turned out to be a noble and honest man, wishing his niece well. Moreover, Sophia already had a betrothed - officer Milon, who had just stopped with his regiment in the village of Prostakov. Starodub knew Milon and gave the young people his blessing.
In desperation, Prostakova tries to organize the abduction of Sophia and forcibly marry her to her son. However, even here the treacherous mistress fails - Milon saves her beloved on the night of the abduction.
Prostakov is generously forgiven and not put on trial, however, her estate, which has long aroused suspicion, is transferred to the state guardian. Everyone is leaving, and even Mitrofanushka leaves her mother, because he does not love her, as, in general, he does not love anyone in the world.
Characteristics of heroes: positive and negative characters
As in any classic work, the characters in "Undergrowth" are clearly divided into positive and negative.
Negative characters:
- Mrs. Prostakova - the mistress of the village;
- Mr. Prostakov - her husband;
- Mitrofanushka - the son of the Prostakovs, undersized;
- Taras Skotinin is the brother of the Prostakovs.
Goodies:
- Sophia is an orphan, lives with the Prostakovs;
- Starodum is her uncle;
- Milon - an officer, Sophia's lover;
- Pravdin is a state official who came to control the affairs in the Prostakov village.
Secondary characters:
- Tsyfirkin - teacher of arithmetic;
- Kuteikin - teacher, former seminarian;
- Vralman - a former coachman, pretends to be a teacher;
- Eremovna is Mitrofan's nanny.
Mrs. Prostakova
Prostakova is the most striking negative character, and indeed the most prominent character in the play. She is the mistress of the village of Prostakovs and it is the lady who, having completely suppressed her weak-willed spouse, establishes the lordly order and makes decisions.
However, she is completely ignorant, devoid of manners, often rude. Prostakova, like other members of the family, cannot read and despises science. Mitrofanushka's mother is engaged in the education of Mitrofanushka only because this is how it should be in the New World society, but she does not understand the true value of knowledge.
In addition to ignorance, Prostakova is distinguished by cruelty, deceit, hypocrisy, and envy.
The only creature she loves is her son Mitrofanushka. However, the mother's blind, absurd love only spoils the child, turning him into a copy of himself in a man's dress.
Mr. Prostakov
The figurative owner of the Prostakovs' estate. In fact, everything is led by his imperious wife, whom he is madly afraid of and does not dare to say a word. Prostakov has long lost his own opinion and dignity. He cannot even say whether the caftan sewn by the tailor Trishka for Mitrofan is good or bad, because he is afraid to say something different from what the lady expects.
Mitrofan
Son of the Prostakovs, undersized. In the family, he is affectionately called Mitrofanushka. And, meanwhile, it is time for this young man to enter adulthood, but he has absolutely no idea about it. Mitrofan is spoiled by maternal love, he is capricious, cruel to servants and teachers, pompous, lazy. Despite many years of studying with teachers, the young gentleman is hopelessly stupid, he does not show the slightest desire for learning and knowledge.
And the worst thing is that Mitrofanushka is a terrible egoist, nothing matters to him except his own interests. At the end of the play, he easily leaves his mother, who loved him so unrequitedly. Even she is empty space for him.
Skotinin
Brother of Mrs. Prostakova. Narcissistic, limited, ignorant, cruel and greedy. Taras Skotinin has a great passion for pigs, the rest is of little interest to this narrow-minded person. He has no idea of family ties, cordial affection and love. Describing how well his future wife will live, Skotinin only says that he will provide her with the best light. In his system of coordinates, this is where marital happiness lies.
Sofia
Positive female image of the work. A very well-mannered, kind, meek and compassionate girl. Sophia received a good education, she has an inquisitive mind and a thirst for knowledge. Even in the poisonous atmosphere of the Prostakovs' house, the girl does not become like the owners, but continues to lead the lifestyle that she likes - she reads a lot, thinks, is friendly and polite with everyone.
Starodum
Sophia's uncle and guardian. Starodum is the voice of the author in the play. His speeches are very aphoristic, he talks a lot about life, virtues, mind, law, government, modern society, marriage, love and other pressing issues. Starodum is incredibly wise and noble. Despite the fact that he clearly has a negative attitude towards Prostakova and her ilk, Starodum does not allow himself to stoop to rudeness and overt criticism, and as for light sarcasm, his narrow-minded “relatives” cannot recognize him.
Milon
Sophia's beloved officer. The image of a hero-defender, an ideal young man, husband. He is very fair, does not put up with meanness and lies. Milo was brave, and not only in battle, but also in his speeches. He is devoid of vanity and base prudence. All the “suitors” of Sophia spoke only about her condition, but Milon never mentioned that his betrothed was rich. He sincerely loved Sophia even before she had an inheritance, and therefore, in his choice, the young man was by no means guided by the size of the annual income of the bride.
“I don’t want to study, but I want to get married”: the problem of education in the story
The key problem of the work is the theme of provincial noble upbringing and education. The protagonist Mitrofanushka gets an education only because it is fashionable and “so established”. In fact, neither he nor his ignorant mother understand the true purpose of knowledge. They should make a person smarter, better, serve him throughout his life and benefit society. Knowledge is hard-earned and can never be forced into someone's head.
Mitrofan's home education is a dummy, a fiction, a provincial theater. For several years, the unfortunate student did not master either reading or writing. The comic test that Pravdin arranges, Mitrofan fails with a roar, but because of his stupidity he cannot even understand this. He calls the word door an adjective, because they say it is attached to the opening, he confuses science with stories that Vralman tells him in abundance, and Mitrofanushka cannot even pronounce the word “geography” ... too tricky.
To show the grotesqueness of Mitrofan's education, Fonvizin introduces the image of Vralman, who teaches "in French and all the sciences." In fact, Vralman (a surname that speaks!) is not a teacher at all, but a former coachman of Starodum. He easily deceives the ignorant Prostakova and even becomes her favorite, because he professes his own teaching method - not to force the student to do anything by force. With such zeal, as in Mitrofan, the teacher and student are simply idle.
Hand in hand with the acquisition of knowledge and skills goes education. For the most part, Mrs. Prostakova is responsible for it. She methodically imposes her rotten morality on Mitrofan, who (here he is diligent!) perfectly absorbs mother's advice. So, while solving the problem of division, Prostakova advises her son not to share with anyone, but to take everything for himself. Talking about marriage, mother only talks about the wealth of the bride, never mentioning emotional affection and love. Mitrofan is not familiar with such concepts as courage, courage, valor underage. Despite the fact that he is no longer a baby, he is still taken care of in everything. The boy cannot even stand up for himself during a skirmish with his uncle, he immediately starts calling for his mother, and the old nanny Eremeevna rushes at the offender with his fists.
Name meaning: two sides of the coin
The title of the play has a direct and figurative meaning.
The direct meaning of the name
Undergrowth in the old days was called teenagers, young men who had not yet reached the age of majority and had not entered the public service.
The figurative meaning of the name
Undergrowth was also called a fool, an ignoramus, a narrow-minded and uneducated person, regardless of his age. With the light hand of Fonvizin, it was precisely this negative connotation that was attached to the word in modern Russian.
Every person is reborn from a minor youth into an adult man. This is growing up, the law of nature. However, not everyone turns from a dark undergrowth-half-educated into an educated self-sufficient person. Such transformation requires effort and perseverance.
Place in literature: Russian literature of the 18th century → Russian drama of the 18th century → The work of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin → 1782 → The play “Undergrowth”.
“Undergrowth” - a play by D. I. Fonvizin. Analysis of the work, main characters
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