In the drama of Katerina, the main character of A.N. Ostrovsky's "Thunderstorm", an important role was played not only by her mother-in-law Marfa Ignatievna Kabanova, but also, of course, the two heroes of this "love triangle" - Tikhon and Boris. Tikhon Kabanov - the heroine's husband, a merchant's son. He married Katerina because his mother demanded it, and he believes that he himself loves Katerina, but is that so? He himself is weak-willed and completely subordinate to his mother, he does not even dare to protect his wife from the attacks of his mother-in-law. All he can advise her is to ignore her mother's reproaches. He himself does this all his life, agreeing with his mother and dreaming at the same time of running away to his neighbor Savel Prokofievich and having a drink with him. Happiness for Tikhon is a two-week trip to Moscow on business. In this case, Katerina is no longer interested in him, and when she asks him to take her with him, he frankly admits: “Yes, as I know now that there will be no thunderstorm over me for two weeks, there are no shackles on my legs, so it’s up to my wife me?” Katerina feels sorry for her husband, but can she love him? Seeing neither understanding nor support from him, she involuntarily begins to dream of a different love, and her dreams turn to another hero, and Boris. Is he a hero? He is different from the inhabitants of the city of Kalinov - he is educated, studied at the Commercial Academy, he is the only one among the townspeople who walks in a European costume. But these are all external differences, but in fact Boris is just as weak-willed and dependent. He is financially dependent on his uncle, the merchant Diky, he is bound by the terms of the will of his late grandmother, and not only because of himself personally, but also because of his sister. If he does not respect his uncle, she will remain a dowry, not receiving, like he himself, an inheritance. But it seems that his words: “I would drop everything and leave” are just an excuse. After all, Boris suffers humiliation and abuse from Savel Prokofievich, without even trying to object to him, to defend his dignity. He has neither will nor strength of character. He fell in love with Katerina, having seen her several times in church, and his sublime feeling does not take into account the rough realities of the local way of life. Fearing "to ruin his youth in this slum," he does not listen to Kudryash, who immediately warns him that love for a married woman "quit it": "After all, this means you want to completely ruin her" - because for this in these parts Katerina "They will be driven into the coffin." Boris thinks only of himself, of his happiness, and all of Katerina's emotional experiences are alien to him, like Tikhon. If it were not for the indifference of her husband (“... you are still imposing ...”), Katerina would not have taken the fatal step by agreeing to a meeting with Boris. But Boris also thinks only of himself, brushing aside Katerina’s torment about the terrible dream she committed: “Well, what to think about it, it’s good for us now!” For him, meeting with Katerina is a secret romance that must be hidden: “No one will know about our love. Can't I pity you!" He did not understand at all that Katerina absolutely did not know how to lie, following the example of Varvara, so her behavior when her husband arrived was a complete surprise to him. He regrets everything that happened: “Who knew it that we should suffer so much with you for our love! I'd better run then!" But he is powerless to change anything, he cannot take Katerina with him - "I am not going of my own free will." Thinking about everything, he pities himself first of all, cursing the "villains" and "fiends": "Oh, if only there was strength!"
Tikhon also verbally pities Katerina: “... I love her, I’m sorry to touch her with my finger,” but he can’t contradict his mother: he beat his wife, as she ordered, and condemns, repeating mother’s words: “It’s not enough to kill her for this ". Most of all, he pities himself: “I am unhappy now, brother, man!” And only after the death of Katerina did he dare to object to Marfa Ignatievna: “Mother, you ruined her, you, you ...”
Both heroes, Boris and Tikhon, despite external differences, could not become reliable protection and support for Katerina: both are selfish, weak-willed, do not understand her anxious, restless soul. And both are to blame for her tragedy, unable and not even willing to prevent it.
The play "Thunderstorm" is the most famous creation of Alexander Nikolayevich Ostrovsky. Each hero of this work is a unique personality that takes its place in the system of characters. Noteworthy in this regard is the characteristic of Tikhon. The Thunderstorm, a play whose main conflict is based on the confrontation between the strong and the weak, is interesting for its oppressed heroes, including our character.
The play "Thunderstorm"
The play was written in 1859. The scene is the fictional city of Kalinov, which stands on the banks of the Volga. Time of action - summer, the whole work covers 12 days.
According to its genre, "Thunderstorm" refers to the social drama. Ostrovsky paid much attention to the description of the everyday life of the city, the characters of the work come into conflict with the established orders, which have long become obsolete, and the despotism of the older generation. Of course, Katerina (the main character) expresses the main protest, but her husband also occupies not the last place in the rebellion, which is confirmed by Tikhon's characterization.
"Thunderstorm" is a work that tells about human freedom, about the desire to break out of the shackles of outdated dogmas, religious authoritarianism. And all this is depicted against the backdrop of the failed love of the main character.
Image system
The system of images in the play is built on the opposition of tyrants who are used to commanding everyone (Kabanikha, Dikoy), and young people who want to finally find freedom and live by their own mind. Katerina leads the second camp, only she has the courage to open confrontation. However, other young characters also strive to get rid of the yoke of dilapidated and meaningless rules. But there are those who reconciled, and not the last among them is Katerina's husband (below is a detailed description of Tikhon).
"The Thunderstorm" draws the world of the "dark kingdom", only the heroes themselves can destroy it or die, like Katerina, misunderstood and rejected. It turns out that the petty tyrants who seized power and their laws are too strong, and any rebellion against them leads to tragedy.
Tikhon: characteristic
"Thunderstorm" is a work where there are no strong male characters (with the exception of Wild). So, Tikhon Kabanov appears only as a weak-willed, weak and intimidated by his mother man, unable to protect his beloved woman. The characterization of Tikhon from the play "Thunderstorm" shows that this hero is a victim of the "dark kingdom", he lacks the determination to live with his own mind. Whatever he does and wherever he goes - everything happens according to the will of the mother.
As a child, Tikhon was accustomed to follow the orders of the Kabanikh, and this habit remained in him in his mature years. Moreover, this need to obey is so ingrained that even the thought of disobedience plunges him into horror. Here is what he himself says about this: “Yes, mama, I don’t want to live by my own will.”
The characteristic of Tikhon ("Thunderstorm") speaks of this character as a person who is ready to endure all the mockery and rudeness of his mother. And the only thing he dares to do is the desire to break out of the house to have a spree. This is the only freedom and liberation available to him.
Katerina and Tikhon: characteristics
"Thunderstorm" is a play where one of the main storylines is love, but how close is it to our hero? Yes, Tikhon loves his wife, but in his own way, not in the way that Kabanikha would like. He is affectionate with her, does not want to dominate the girl, intimidate her. However, Tikhon does not understand Katerina and her mental suffering at all. His softness has a detrimental effect on the heroine. If Tikhon had been a little more courageous and possessed at least some will and ability to fight, Katerina would not have needed to look for all this on the side - in Boris.
The characterization of Tikhon from the play "Thunderstorm" exposes him in a completely unattractive light. Despite the fact that he reacted calmly to his wife's betrayal, he was unable to protect her either from his mother or from other representatives of the "dark kingdom". He leaves Katerina alone despite his love for her. The non-intervention of this character was largely the cause of the final tragedy. Only realizing that he lost his beloved, Tikhon ventures into an open rebellion against his mother. He accuses her of the death of the girl, no longer fearing her tyranny and power over him.
Images of Tikhon and Boris
Boris and Tikhon ("Thunderstorm") allows us to conclude that they are in many ways similar, some literary critics even call them twin heroes. So, what do they have in common, and how are they different?
Not finding the necessary support and understanding from Tikhon, Katerina turns to Boris. What was it about him that attracted the heroine so much? First of all, he differs from other residents of the city: he is educated, graduated from the academy, dresses in a European manner. But that's just the outside, what's on the inside? In the course of the story, it turns out that he depends on the Wild in the same way as Tikhon depends on the Boar. Boris is weak-willed and spineless. He says that he keeps only his inheritance, having lost it, his sister will become a dowry. But all this seems like an excuse: he endures all the humiliations of his uncle too humbly. Boris sincerely falls in love with Katerina, but he does not care that this love will destroy a married woman. He, like Tikhon, worries only about himself. In words, both of these heroes sympathize with the main character, but they do not have enough to help her, protect her.
Tikhon in the play "Thunderstorm" by Ostrovsky is one of the key characters. Thanks to this image, many of the problems highlighted in the work are realized. Tikhon is the eldest son of Marfa Ignatievna and the husband of Katerina. But neither as a son, nor as a husband, this character can realize himself. Even the name Ostrovsky chooses to match, following the tradition of "speaking" proper names. Quiet Tikhon. Quieter than water below the grass - that's what the motto of this character could be. In The Thunderstorm, Tikhon's characterization can be compiled on the basis of his behavior and attitude towards his mother and wife.
The image of Tikhon in "Thunderstorm" incorporates all the negatively colored synonyms for the word "infantility". Tikhon is too weak of character to have his own opinion and view of things. He admits this repeatedly: For all his spinelessness, Tikhon does not cause pity. Often the image of Tikhon is compared with the image of a child (because of the similarity in the way of thinking and behavior). His childish infantilism and inability to be independent every day more and more turns Tikhon into an overgrown idiot. Of course, the character of this character was formed under the strongest influence of the mother, but Kabanikha also has a second child. Barbara is completely different.
Tikhon cannot be sorry. He did nothing for which his mother could be proud. And Kabanikha herself, most likely, already sees in Tikhon not a son, but a kind of talking puppet, always assenting dummy. He agrees with every word of the mother and acts solely on her instructions.
It is hardly possible to say that Tikhon expressed a desire to find a wife for himself. Even despite the fact that at that time marriages were arranged by agreement, Tikhon did not want and would never want to start a family. His marriage to Katerina can hardly be called happy. Tikhon has warm feelings for Katya, feels sorry for her, but this cannot be called love. Tikhon cannot and does not want to defend his wife from Marfa Ignatievna's tantrums and insults. The fact that the spouses have no children is indicative. Tikhon would not be able to raise a child with dignity, because he himself is morally too weak. Instead of educating himself, Tikhon is trying to escape from the existing reality. In The Thunderstorm, two paths open up for Tikhon. The first is drunkenness. Kabanov Jr. often spends time with the merchant Diky, drinks with him and complains about life. The second is a business trip. Departure on business deprives Tikhon of "thunderstorms for several days." By “thunderstorm” here is meant the tense atmosphere and hopeless situation that has developed at home.
How does Tikhon behave with other acting heroes?
He agrees with his mother, convinces Katya that you should not pay attention to the words of Kabanikha, but at the same time it is better not to argue with her. Tikhon is trying to get away from talking with his sister as soon as possible, because Varvara is telling the bitter truth. In the finale of the work, Tikhon behaves quite atypically. It seems that the news of his wife's betrayal worries him much less than Kabanikha. Tikhon can “and would have forgiven, but mama…” Once again, a man is not able to defend his point of view, family happiness, to defend the honor of his wife. He seemed to justify himself to Kuligin, as if there was no fault in that incident for him, Tikhon, as if only Kabanikha was to blame for what happened, because with her reproaches she almost forced Katya to see Boris. Here the previously traced idea takes on a more real shape.
Although in the “Thunderstorm” Kabanov Tikhon blames his mother for all the failures, he will agree with her and endure her humiliation. He is comfortable in this narrow vicious circle, and in fact Tikhon does not want to change anything at all. But Katya's suicide changes the situation. No, Tikhon does not rush at his mother with accusations, does not destroy the kingdom of petty tyrants, he utters a sharp accusatory remark: living here is much worse than laying hands on yourself. The word, as you know, is the most powerful weapon. It is in the final phrase of Tikhon: “It’s good for you, Katya! Why am I left to live in the world and suffer!” the protest against the old order, against the foundations that are becoming obsolete, against violence against man and freedom is heard most clearly and most strongly. The paradox is that only the weakest person in the entire work had the strength to take such a step. But then we also understand something else: in this phrase, screaming with doom, Tikhon remains true to himself. He is still that ruined soul who will not dare to end his earthly existence.
The characterization of Tikhon in the play "Thunderstorm" is notable for the fact that in this character, along with the negative qualities of character, a transitional position from the patriarchal way of life to the new one is displayed. Tikhon does not consider it necessary to follow outdated rules in everyday life (for example, in the scene of farewell to his wife, he was against Katya throwing herself at his feet), but Tikhon is too weak to decide not to follow them.
Artwork test
Tikhon in the play "Thunderstorm" by Ostrovsky is one of the key characters. Thanks to this image, many of the problems highlighted in the work are realized. Tikhon is the eldest son of Marfa Ignatievna and the husband of Katerina. But neither as a son, nor as a husband, this character can realize himself. Even the name Ostrovsky chooses to match, following the tradition of "speaking" proper names. Quiet Tikhon. Quieter than water below the grass - that's what the motto of this character could be. In The Thunderstorm, Tikhon's characterization can be compiled on the basis of his behavior and attitude towards his mother and wife.
The image of Tikhon in "Thunderstorm" incorporates all the negatively colored synonyms for the word "infantility". Tikhon is too weak of character to have his own opinion and view of things. He admits this repeatedly: For all his spinelessness, Tikhon does not cause pity. Often the image of Tikhon is compared with the image of a child (because of the similarity in the way of thinking and behavior). His childish infantilism and inability to be independent every day more and more turns Tikhon into an overgrown idiot. Of course, the character of this character was formed under the strongest influence of the mother, but Kabanikha also has a second child. Barbara is completely different.
Tikhon cannot be sorry. He did nothing for which his mother could be proud. And Kabanikha herself, most likely, already sees in Tikhon not a son, but a kind of talking puppet, always assenting dummy. He agrees with every word of the mother and acts solely on her instructions.
It is hardly possible to say that Tikhon expressed a desire to find a wife for himself. Even despite the fact that at that time marriages were arranged by agreement, Tikhon did not want and would never want to start a family. His marriage to Katerina can hardly be called happy. Tikhon has warm feelings for Katya, feels sorry for her, but this cannot be called love. Tikhon cannot and does not want to defend his wife from Marfa Ignatievna's tantrums and insults. The fact that the spouses have no children is indicative. Tikhon would not be able to raise a child with dignity, because he himself is morally too weak. Instead of educating himself, Tikhon is trying to escape from the existing reality. In The Thunderstorm, two paths open up for Tikhon. The first is drunkenness. Kabanov Jr. often spends time with the merchant Diky, drinks with him and complains about life. The second is a business trip. Departure on business deprives Tikhon of "thunderstorms for several days." By “thunderstorm” here is meant the tense atmosphere and hopeless situation that has developed at home.
How does Tikhon behave with other acting heroes?
He agrees with his mother, convinces Katya that you should not pay attention to the words of Kabanikha, but at the same time it is better not to argue with her. Tikhon is trying to get away from talking with his sister as soon as possible, because Varvara is telling the bitter truth. In the finale of the work, Tikhon behaves quite atypically. It seems that the news of his wife's betrayal worries him much less than Kabanikha. Tikhon can “and would have forgiven, but mama…” Once again, a man is not able to defend his point of view, family happiness, to defend the honor of his wife. He seemed to justify himself to Kuligin, as if there was no fault in that incident for him, Tikhon, as if only Kabanikha was to blame for what happened, because with her reproaches she almost forced Katya to see Boris. Here the previously traced idea takes on a more real shape.
Although in the “Thunderstorm” Kabanov Tikhon blames his mother for all the failures, he will agree with her and endure her humiliation. He is comfortable in this narrow vicious circle, and in fact Tikhon does not want to change anything at all. But Katya's suicide changes the situation. No, Tikhon does not rush at his mother with accusations, does not destroy the kingdom of petty tyrants, he utters a sharp accusatory remark: living here is much worse than laying hands on yourself. The word, as you know, is the most powerful weapon. It is in the final phrase of Tikhon: “It’s good for you, Katya! Why am I left to live in the world and suffer!” the protest against the old order, against the foundations that are becoming obsolete, against violence against man and freedom is heard most clearly and most strongly. The paradox is that only the weakest person in the entire work had the strength to take such a step. But then we also understand something else: in this phrase, screaming with doom, Tikhon remains true to himself. He is still that ruined soul who will not dare to end his earthly existence.
The characterization of Tikhon in the play "Thunderstorm" is notable for the fact that in this character, along with the negative qualities of character, a transitional position from the patriarchal way of life to the new one is displayed. Tikhon does not consider it necessary to follow outdated rules in everyday life (for example, in the scene of farewell to his wife, he was against Katya throwing herself at his feet), but Tikhon is too weak to decide not to follow them.
Artwork test
Tikhon Ivanovich Kabanov - one of the main characters of the play "Thunderstorm", the husband of Katerina, the son of Kabanikh. He belongs to the younger generation of Kalinovites and, in a sense, marks the end of the patriarchal way of life. The young people of Kalinov no longer want to live according to the old order, but they all express this protest in different ways, each according to his character. Unlike Katerina, who is a maximalist and takes an uncompromising position, Tikhon, Varvara and Kudryash have learned to adapt to the established order and, despite the oppression of their elders, live by their own rules.
Formally, they recognize the traditional order, but in reality they act as they want.
Tikhon is a kind man, but weak. He does not see the need to adhere to old traditions in everyday life, but he is not going to openly go against his mother either. The hero tries in every possible way to avoid conflicts and is torn between sympathy for his wife and fear of his mother. He loves Katerina, but does not understand her suffering. The gentle nature of Tikhon does not allow him to help his own wife and support her. Kabanikha demands “male” actions from her son, but Tikhon does not want to show Katerina his power and demand blind obedience from her. He wants warmth, comfort and affection, but he does not receive this in his own home. Tikhon always has to play the role of an obedient son. Only long trips on business are an outlet for him: he forgets about constant humiliations, drowns them in wine. Secretly getting drunk, Tikhon, thus, expresses his protest against maternal oppression, he does not have the courage for more serious actions. He is also trying to teach Katerina to live by his own principles: to ignore reproaches and humiliation, to adapt to the prevailing conditions and not to express his point of view. In a patriarchal family, the husband should be not only the ruler, but also a reliable protection, support for his wife. Tikhon does not fit this role, he is not able to save his wife from sin, because he only evokes a feeling of pity in her. Constantly humiliated by his mother's reproaches, Tikhon is sometimes even ready to vent his annoyance and resentment on Katerina. He rejoices that he will break free for two whole weeks and does not notice at all what is happening to his wife. Tikhon refuses to take Katerina with him on the trip, not realizing that this request of hers is a plea for salvation. Yes, he could save her, but he did not want to. After returning, Tikhon learns about his wife's betrayal. He accepted this news quite gently: he did not get angry, he did not lose his temper. Tikhon should have supported his wife after her public repentance, protected her from the wrath of her mother-in-law and the ridicule of the household, but he did not do this. Only, bending over the body of the dead Katerina, Tikhon decides on an open rebellion against his mother, blaming her publicly for the death of his wife.
The ending of the play is tragic and ambiguous. Good does not triumph, but evil does not triumph either. The external conflict is resolved by the collapse of the family, which is very reminiscent of the consequences of a terrible thunderstorm that brings death and destruction. In addition to the external conflict, an active struggle takes place in the soul of some heroes of the play, which becomes the basis of the internal conflict. Tikhon all the time obeyed the influence of his mother, suppressing his own individuality. He loved Katerina, but was afraid to resist maternal oppression. The death of his wife awakened in Tikhon the spiritual strength for open protest. It is this public protest that deals Kabanikhe the most terrible blow.
