In the comedy "Woe from Wit" A.S. Griboedov presents the images of the Moscow nobles of the early 19th century, when there was a split in society between the conservative nobility and those who adopted the ideas of Decembrism. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the “current century” and the “past century”, the painful and historically natural replacement of old noble ideals with new ones. Supporters of the "age of the past" in comedy are numerous. These are not only such weighty and influential people in the world as the feudal landowners Famusov and Colonel Skalozub, but also young nobles who do not have high ranks and are forced to "serve" influential people. This is the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit".
Molchalin is a poor nobleman from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who "gave him the rank of assessor and took him as a secretary." Molchalin is secret lover Famusov's daughter, but Sophia's father does not want to see him as a son-in-law, because in Moscow it is supposed to have a son-in-law "with stars and ranks." Molchalin does not yet meet these standards. However, his desire to “serve” is very valuable for the Famus society. Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the post of Famusov's secretary, because usually they take such places only under patronage. Famusov says: “With me, employees of strangers are very rare: more and more sisters, sister-in-law children; Molchalin alone is not my own, and then because of business. Exactly business qualities, and not honor and dignity, are valuable in the Famusov environment.
In the play "Woe from Wit" the image of Molchalin fully complies with the accepted standards of behavior of a young nobleman in society. He curtsies and humiliates himself in front of influential guests in Famusov's house, because they can be useful in his promotion. Molchalin descends to the point that he begins to praise the smooth coat of Khlestova's dog. He believes that while "we are small in ranks," "we must depend on others." That is why Molchalin lives by the principle "In my years, one should not dare to have one's own judgment."
Like everything in Famus society, in the comedy "Woe from Wit" Molchalin is proud of his successes in his service and boasts of them at every opportunity: "As far as I work and strength, since I have been listed in the archives, I have received three awards." Molchalin also succeeded in establishing contacts with the "right" people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because “bureaucrats and officials are all her friends and all relatives,” and even dares to recommend such a demeanor to Chatsky.
Despite the fact that the views and values of Molchalin completely coincide with the ideals of the conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is located. Famusov's daughter will be deceived by this particular person, since he takes the form of her lover "by position", that is, for profit.
Molchalin fully reveals his face when interacting with the maid Lisa, whom he expresses sympathy for. “You are modest with the young lady, but with the maid you are a rake,” she tells him. It becomes clear to the reader that Molchalin is not at all a stupid modest person - he is a two-faced and dangerous person.
In the heart of Molchalin there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he plays this performance “for the sake of the daughter of such a person,” and on the other hand, he is mortally afraid that his secret relationship with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid to spoil the opinion of himself in society, because "evil tongues scarier than a gun". Even Sophia is ready to go against the world for the sake of love: “What is rumor to me ?!” This is probably why Molchalin does not find "anything enviable" in marriage with Sophia.
It turns out that with his meanness, Molchalin harms even the society of which he is a product. Molchalin simply clearly follows his father's advice - "to please all people without exception - the owner, where I happen to live, the boss with whom I will serve ..."
This hero is fully consistent with the ideals of the "past century", although he belongs to young generation nobles. He knows the main thing - to adapt, and therefore "The Silent people are blissful in the world."
Thus, Molchalin is a product and a worthy continuation of the representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values only ranks and money, and evaluates people only by these standards. The cunning and duplicity of this hero are the defining features in the characterization of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit". That is why Chatsky claims that Molchalin "will reach the known levels, because now they love the dumb."
The problem that Griboyedov raises in the comedy Woe from Wit remains relevant to this day. At all times, there were Molchalins who did not stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as such values as wealth and position in society, and not honor, conscience, are put at the forefront. human dignity and true patriotism.
Characteristics of the hero, a discussion about his views and ideals, a description of relationships with other characters - all these arguments will help students in grade 9 when writing an essay on the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit"
Artwork test
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 story is repeated throughout the comedy. plot motif falls; 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 that repeats his negative traits 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 of 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.
In A.S. Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit”, the poet displays the image of Molchalin, the meaning of which has not lost its relevance today. The traits of a sycophant, secretly, with the help of overt frank flattery, breaking out into people, were first noticed by N.V. Gogol, and M.E. career ladder, pushing aside the more intelligent and worthy.
The image of Molchalin is especially vivid in his communication with other characters in the play and, above all, in his relationship with Sophia. Molchalin understands that, portraying love for Famusov's daughter, he enlists her support and appears before Sophia as a timid and modest lover. The girl does not catch his pretense, and perceives the absence of sincere and passionate feelings as restraint and sobriety of mind. Molchalin understands that the appearance of Chatsky in Famusov's house threatens his relationship with Sophia, and hence his career. He tries in every possible way to strengthen his position. Molchalin fakes a fall from a horse, pretending to be so injured in front of Sophia that the girl in love with him loses her senses. He is so hypocritical that he immediately rises and dusts himself off as soon as Sophia is taken into the house in a fainting state.
There is no limit to the cynicism of Molchalin. Despite the possible exposure, he brazenly sticks to Liza, not paying attention to her refusal and reproaches that Molchalin with the maid is a rake, and with the young lady he is modest. Sneaky by nature, Molchalin tries in every possible way to denigrate Chatsky in the eyes of Sophia, portraying him as talkative and frivolous, ready to ridicule anyone as a tactless person. Yielding to his pernicious influence, Sophia begins to look at Chatsky through the eyes of Molchalin. She enters into an argument with Chatsky and proves to him that Molchalin is a decent and virtuous young man. She even tries to oppose the virtuous Molchalin to the mocking and sharp-tongued Chatsky. This opposition, put into the mouth of Sophia, acquires much more deep meaning than contrasting the characters and traits of two rivals. This is a contrast between two different life positions. On the one hand, a sincere, decent person who does not tolerate pretense, flattery, does not mix pleasure and work, on the other, a miserable creature, a fool who does not represent anything worthwhile, achieving success in dirty and vile roundabout ways. Without embarrassment, Molchalin himself says that he fulfills his father's wills to please everyone in order to avoid evil, whether it be a master, boss, servant, porter or janitor's dog. And Molchalin strictly follows the precepts of his father, not only in words. He gives the opportunity to win cards to the noble lady Khlestova, strokes and praises her dog, seeking the favor of the eminent lady.
Of particular note is Molchalin's speech, obsequious with those who occupy highest position in society and condescendingly dismissive of those on whom he does not depend. Molchalin is laconic and cautious, he carefully and diligently selects the right words, taking into account the one to whom he is addressing. In a conversation with Famusov, he is respectful and always emphasizes his desire for work, he addresses Khlestova with undisguised flattery. While with Sofia Molchalin he is modest all night long and only holds her hand, with Liza he does not pick up words, but directly and rudely demands closeness from her. Molchalin does not stand on ceremony with Chatsky either, he shows him his superiority, boasts of his career and love successes, and even tries to urge Chatsky to follow his example and visit the influential Tatyana Yuryevna in order to achieve ranks. Chatsky rightly and regretfully states that in existing society the dumb enjoy the special disposition of the authorities, they can go far and achieve certain degrees.
The final scene of the play debunks hidden agendas Molchalin, and Sophia rejects him. However, Moscow of that time gave preference to such Molchalins, who advanced through the ranks with the help of flattery and helpfulness, and rejected the smart and energetic Chatskys in every possible way. "Woe from Wit" plays on the stage of many theaters and the problems of careerism raised in this play remain relevant to this day. This was proved by many actors who played the role of Molchalin, including the first vaudeville actor N.O. Dur in 1831 and K.Yu.
Updated: 2011-05-07
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The images of the Moscow nobles of the early 19th century are presented, when a split appeared in society between the conservative nobility and those who accepted the ideas of Decembrism. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the “current century” and the “past century”, the painful and historically natural replacement of old noble ideals with new ones. Supporters of the "age of the past" in comedy are numerous. These are not only such weighty and influential people in the world as the feudal landowners Famusov and Colonel Skalozub, but also young nobles who do not have high ranks and are forced to “serve” influential people. This is the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit".
Molchalin is a poor nobleman from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who "gave him the rank of assessor and took him as a secretary." Molchalin is the secret lover of Famusov's daughter, but Sophia's father does not want to see him as a son-in-law, because in Moscow it is supposed to have a son-in-law "with stars and ranks." Molchalin does not yet meet these standards. However, his desire to “serve” is very valuable for the Famus society.
Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the post of Famusov's secretary, because usually they take such places only under patronage. Famusov says: “With me, employees of strangers are very rare: more and more sisters, sister-in-law children; Molchalin alone is not my own, and then because of business. It is business qualities, and not honor and dignity, that are valuable in the Famusov environment.
In the play "Woe from Wit" the image of Molchalin fully complies with the accepted standards of behavior of a young nobleman in society. He curtsies and humiliates himself in front of influential guests in Famusov's house, because they can be useful in his promotion. Molchalin descends to the point that he begins to praise the smooth coat of Khlestova's dog. He believes that while "we are small in ranks," "we must depend on others." That is why Molchalin lives by the principle "In my years, one should not dare to have one's own judgment."
Like everyone else in the Famus society, in the comedy Woe from Wit, Molchalin is proud of his successes in his service and boasts of them at every opportunity: “As far as I work and strength, since I have been listed in the archives, I have received three awards.” Molchalin also succeeded in establishing contacts with the "right" people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because “bureaucrats and officials are all her friends and all relatives,” and even dares to recommend such a demeanor to Chatsky.
Despite the fact that the views and values of Molchalin completely coincide with the ideals of the conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is located. Famusov's daughter will be deceived by this particular person, since he takes the form of her lover "by position", that is, for profit.
Molchalin fully reveals his face when interacting with the maid Lisa, whom he expresses sympathy for.
“You are modest with the young lady, but with the maid you are a rake,” she tells him. It becomes clear to the reader that Molchalin is not at all a stupid modest person - he is a two-faced and dangerous person.
In the heart of Molchalin there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he plays this performance “for the sake of the daughter of such a person,” and on the other hand, he is mortally afraid that his secret relationship with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid of spoiling the opinion of himself in society, because "evil tongues are worse than a gun." Even Sophia is ready to go against the world for the sake of love: “What is rumor to me ?!” This is probably why Molchalin does not find "anything enviable" in marriage with Sophia.
It turns out that with his meanness, Molchalin harms even the society of which he is a product. Molchalin simply clearly follows his father's advice - "to please all people without exception - the owner, where I happen to live, the boss with whom I will serve ..."
This hero is fully consistent with the ideals of the "past century", although he belongs to the younger generation of nobles. He knows the main thing - to adapt, and therefore "The Silent people are blissful in the world."
Thus, Molchalin is a product and a worthy continuation of the representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values only ranks and money, and evaluates people only by these standards. The cunning and duplicity of this hero are the defining features in the characterization of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit". That is why Chatsky claims that Molchalin "will reach the known levels, because now they love the dumb."
The problem that Griboyedov raises in the comedy Woe from Wit remains relevant to this day. At all times, there were Molchalins who did not stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as such values as wealth and position in society, and not honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism, are put at the forefront.
Characteristics of the hero, a discussion about his views and ideals, a description of relationships with other characters - all these arguments will help students in grade 9 when writing an essay on the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit"
The image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit" by Griboedov - a characteristic for an essay on the topic |
The work "Woe from Wit" by A.S. Griboyedov belongs to the genre of comedy, the events took place at the beginning of the 19th century, in which the author showed images of Moscow nobles. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the present century and the past, the difficult change of old ideals for new ones. On the side of the last century there was a significant number of people in comedy, one of them was a young nobleman who did not yet have any ranks Molchalin. His task was to serve powerful people.
Molchalin himself was a poor nobleman, born in Tver. In the comedy, he lived in the house of Famusov, who, in turn, took Molchalin as a secretary. Molchalin falls in love with Famusov's daughter and secretly meets with her. Famusov is opposed to such relations, because he believes that his daughter needs an influential husband with ranks. Although Molchalin does not meet these requirements, he has another quality that was appreciated by the inhabitants famus house. He did his best to serve in every possible way, and this attracted attention. That is why he managed to get into the position of secretary, where business qualities are important, not honor.
In the work "Woe from Wit" the image of the protagonist can be called the standard behavior of a young nobleman in the environment. We see how he tries to serve, and if necessary, even humiliate himself in front of the influential guests of Famusov's house, all this comes with the expectation that they can be useful in life and further service. Molchalin even took it for granted to praise the coat of Khlestova's dog. To describe the hero, a quote is suitable that says that while “we are in small ranks”, “we must depend on others.” He believes that while you are young, it is not necessary to have an opinion.
The Famus society was famous for boasting, at every opportunity it was common to praise new successes, Molchalin was the same. He was a frequent guest of Princess Tatyana Yurievna. Although in character and behavior Molchalin was the same as everyone else in society, although he agreed with everyone and supported ideas, this did not stop him from going to meanness. For example, his love for Sophia was only a fiction, and he went for it for his own benefit. In fact, he sincerely opens up when communicating with the maid Lisa, whom he liked. And then another character opens up to the reader, you see that there is duplicity in him, which means that such a person is dangerous.
In his soul and heart there is not a drop of respect and warmth for Sophia. He is at great risk when he begins to secretly see Famusov's daughter, because he was constantly in a state of fear that they would be noticed. This expresses cowardice. For Molchalin important role played the moment that he was worried about the opinions of others, and he was also afraid of what others would think of him. This meanness and deceit of his ruins him, because he begins to harm those with whom he has long been surrounded. He remembered the words of his father, which said to please everyone without exception, which Molchalin followed. Based on this, we can conclude about the attitude of the hero to the description of the ideal last century even though he is still young.
The author showed Molchalin as a worthy continuation and example of conservative nobles. Such a society is characterized by the fact that for them rank and money are in the first place, these two categories allow them to evaluate the rest. As already mentioned, Molchalin was cunning and two-faced, these are the two main qualities that describe the hero.
Griboyedov touched upon a problem in the comedy that is still relevant today. Indeed, many cases are known when there were the same people who did not see anything in their path and were ready to go through everything for the sake of their goals. This topic will be relevant as long as there are people among us with the same values as Molchalin and his society.
Composition on the theme of Molchalin
The comedy "Woe from Wit", written by Alexander Sergeevich Griboedov in the period from 1822 to 1824, tells about secular society and life of those times. One of central characters works is Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin, a man from common people seeking career growth.
Molchalin seems to be a decent young man who is distinguished by his kindness and modesty. But in fact, all these qualities are just a mask that the hero uses to achieve his goals. His dream is a career high rank and wealth. respect among high society is the limit of his happiness. There are many various ways to achieve these goals. But Molchalin chooses the fastest and most negative. He takes steps towards his dream with the help of flattery, hypocrisy and duplicity. He does it so subtly and imperceptibly that many can envy.
The hero worked as a secretary for Famusov, a rich and respected man. He did all the work conscientiously, spoke affectionately and carefully, which is why Famusov liked him. With the daughter of his master, with Sophia, he treated even better and even dared to play a lover young man. Naturally, he does not experience any high feelings towards the girl. On the contrary, he despises her and builds relationships solely for his own benefit. Once guilty before the girl, he rushes to her feet. The reason for this was far from repentance, but the fear of losing the trust of his master Famusov. Another person who was lucky enough to listen to lies from Molchalin was Khlestova. He kindly played cards with her and complimented her dog. In fact, people are very pleased with such behavior in their address. Molchalin showed hypocrisy and helpfulness towards everyone living in the house: from servants to superiors. This was the plan of the hero, which he strictly adhered to.
Thus, Molchalin in Griboyedov's comedy is negative character. The reader cannot see any positive traits hero, but sees only hypocrisy and the desire to achieve a dubious goal in dirty ways. By using this character the author reveals serious problem that still exists today. People who aspire not to anything high, but to fame and money, are ready to go over their heads and put on a mask of sincerity. Usually, having achieved their goals, such people live unhappily and alone.
Option 3
In his comedy Woe from Wit, Griboyedov tells about the nobles of Moscow in the 19th century, it was then that society split into conservatives and those who were impressed by the ideas of the Decembrists. The main idea of the work is the opposition of the current century and the past century, the replacement of the outdated ideals of the nobles with completely new ones.
In comedy there is a huge number of supporters of the old ideals. Admirers of the old principles are weighty and significant people in society, such as the landowner Famusov, Colonel Skalozub, and the younger generation, who is simply forced to serve the "old men", also serve the old nobles. Molchalin is one of these young people who is forced to serve the old nobles with their orders.
Molchalin himself is a poor nobleman, born in Tver, he lives in the house of Famusov, who gave him the rank of assessor and hired him as a sergeant. Molchalin is also the lover of Famusov's daughter, but Famusov himself does not know about this. The father does not want to have such a son-in-law as Molchalin, because in Moscow it is customary to have rich relatives. Famusov appreciates in people the desire to serve him, and that is how Molchalin, with the help of his helpfulness, receives such positions.
In this play, the image of Molchalin very accurately corresponds to the nature of the command of a young, not strong nobleman in an influential society. Molchalin is trying to curry favor with the distinguished guests in Famusov's house as much as possible, because they can be useful for his future career development. The young nobleman stooped to the point that he began to praise the coat of Khlestov's dog. He believes that the nobles of the lower ranks should thus earn respect from their elders.
He, like all the characters in this comedy, considers it his duty to show off and be proud of his success in promotion. Molchalin is excellent at establishing connections with the people he needs, who can help him in his service. Molchalin bears enormous damage to the society in which he is located. He also deceives Famusov's daughter, because he takes care of her only for the sake of long service to her father. He is the kind of person who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, and is capable of causing great damage to the society in which he is located.
