The topic of today's story is the history of the creation and analysis of Fonvizin's "Minor". The work of the author of Catherine’s era has not lost its relevance today. Fonvizin’s comedy “Nedorosl” was included in the fund classical literature. This work touches on a number of problems and issues that attract readers at all times.

Analysis of Fonvizin’s “Nedorosl” should include brief description heroes of this dramatic work. It is also worth talking about the idea of ​​the Russian writer. What inspired Fonvizin to write a comedy that has been popular for more than two hundred years? What shortcomings of society did the author primarily want to ridicule in his essay? And what was the reaction of contemporaries to this work? The answers to all these questions are contained in the article. But before we begin to analyze Fonvizin’s “The Minor,” we should talk about the main events depicted in the play.

Actions, as in any other dramatic work of the era of classicism, take place over the course of just one day.

The events take place in the village of the Prostakov landowners. What is the meaning of the title of the comedy “Minor” by Fonvizin? Even without knowing the meaning of this word, you can guess that it has a negative connotation. The meaning of the title of Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” should be sought in the realities of the 18th century. The writer's contemporaries used this term in relation to young nobles who did not receive a special certificate indicating that they had received an education. This document was issued by the teacher. If the young man did not have a certificate, he was not accepted into the service and was not allowed to marry.

The son is called a minor in the comedy main character- landowner Prostakova. The work begins with a scene taking place in her house. Prostakova is angry with Trishka because he sewed a caftan that was too wide for her son Mitrofanushka. She does not take into account the fact that the servant does not have the necessary skills in tailoring, and giving him such instructions was initially a mistake.

A sixteen-year-old boy does not show much zeal in his studies, which is facilitated by the lack of education and stupidity of his mother. We'll tell you more about these characters later. First, the author introduces readers to Sophia - positive heroine works.

The girl has not been living in Prostakova’s house for long. She is a relative of a landowner, and she has no fortune. At least that’s what Prostakova believes. But one day Sophia receives a letter from her uncle Starodum. Mrs. Prostakova is not able to read the message because she has not been taught to read and write. Pravdin, having read the letter, tells her summary. In Fonvizin’s “The Minor,” this hero, along with Starodum, is a supporter of enlightenment.

What is the letter Sophia received about? Starodum writes to his niece that he will bequeath her a huge fortune. This excites almost all the characters in the comedy. Prostakova believed that the girl was an orphan. But an unexpected turn of events suggests that Starodum’s niece can be married off to the careless Mitrofan.

Skotinin also begins to dream about marrying Sophia. However, Sophia's heart is occupied. She is in love with officer Milon, whom she met in Moscow before she was orphaned. Soon she will meet young man again, and he will save her from the claims of the selfish Skotinin and the despotic Prostakova.

IN small town, in which the main events take place, Starodum arrives. He recognizes one of Mitrofanushka’s teachers as his former coachman. The teachers of Prostakova’s son deserve special attention.

Kuteikin is a half-educated seminarian. Tsyfirkin is a retired sergeant. Vralman, whose surname speaks of his human qualities very eloquently, Mitrofanushka does not teach anything, because he himself knows little. As already mentioned, he previously worked as a coachman. But he was fired suitable job I couldn’t find one, so I became a teacher. Prostakova does not notice that Vralman is incompetent in teaching, since she herself is extremely ignorant.

History of writing

Fonvizin’s idea for the comedy “The Minor” arose in 1778. The Russian writer spent more than a year in France, where he studied jurisprudence and philosophy. He observed how European aristocrats lived and came to a rather disappointing conclusion: the Russian nobility was mired in inertia and ignorance. Upon returning home, Fonvizin began writing the work. It took him more than three years.

The idea of ​​the comedy “Minor” by Fonvizin was very original at that time. The writer sought to ridicule the shortcomings of typical representatives of the landowner class. It is not surprising that both Moscow and St. Petersburg refused to stage his comedy for a long time.

Criticism of contemporaries

The theme of Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" seemed interesting to the censors, but there were too many bold remarks in it. The premiere of the play took place in 1782. Fonvizin's work was a stunning success. True, the theater on whose stage the play was staged was almost closed. In addition, the comedy displeased Catherine II.

Idea of ​​the work

The spiritual decay of representatives of the nobility under serfdom is the main theme of the comedy, about which we're talking about In this article. According to Fonvizin, pedagogical methods determine the moral character of an entire generation. In the 18th century, landowners often entrusted the upbringing of their children to half-educated sextons, illiterate nannies, and foreigners with dubious education. Such “teachers” are only capable of teaching young men like Mitrofanushka, the central character of Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor.”

The author of this work is simple examples showed that the nobles for the most part do not remember either honor or dignity. They do not serve the interests of the state, do not comply with moral and state laws. The poignancy of Fonvizin’s dramatic work is given by the victory of good over evil, which, however, is of a random nature. If Starodum had not returned from Siberia on time, and Pravdin had not received orders to take Prostakova’s property, everything would not have ended so well for Sophia. She would not have left the city with the young, educated officer Milon, but would have become the wife of the stupid Mitrofanushka.

Characters

The system of images in Fonvizin’s “Nedorosl” is quite simple. The characters are divided into positive and negative, almost all of them have meaningful surnames: Vralman, Starodum, Pravdin. Negative characters are representatives of the old nobility, trying with all their might to hold on to the outdated ideas of the serf system. They are opposed by heroes who support the ideas of the Enlightenment - Pravdin, Sophia, Milon, Starodum.

Positive and negative heroes

Among the characters in the comedy, several dual pairs can be distinguished. So, Sophia is opposed to Mitrofanushka. Starodum is an adherent of educational views. This is a man of new times. And therefore he represents the opposite of the landowner Prostakova. Milon is opposed to Skotinin. If the first is educated and brought up and has sincere feelings for Sophia, then the second wants to marry the girl for selfish reasons. Skotinin dreams of acquiring land where he will be actively involved in livestock farming, namely raising pigs.

Mitrofanushka

An analysis of Fonvizin’s “Minor” cannot do without a description of this bright character. The stupid, spoiled young man is absolutely not prepared for an independent life. His mother, servants or nannies do everything for him. From Prostakova, the boy adopts an uncontrollable passion for money. He, like his mother, is rude and disrespectful to his family. Mitrofanushka inherited his weak-willedness from his father. A sixteen-year-old boy does not want to study, but wants to get married. He is the opposite of Sophia, an educated, serious, intelligent girl with a difficult fate.

Prostakova

When analyzing Fonvizin’s “Minor,” you should pay attention to the negative heroine. Prostakova is an uneducated, stupid woman, but at the same time very cunning. She is a practical housewife and loving mother. For Prostakova, Mitrofanushka’s carefree future and happiness come above all else. But in her upbringing she makes fatal mistakes, because she knows nothing about the correct pedagogical methods. She treats her son the way her parents once treated her. In running the household and raising her son, the landowner uses exhausted values ​​and ideas.

Starodum

When analyzing Fonvizin’s “Minor” Special attention should be given to a hero who symbolizes educational ideas, which few knew about in Russia in the 18th century. Starodum communicates with Sophia in a completely different way than Prostakova communicates with Mitrofanushka. He uses completely different methods of education. Talking with Sophia as an equal, she instructs and gives advice based on her wealth of experience. Knowing nothing about Sophia’s feelings for Milon, he does not make decisions for her. Starodum wants his niece to marry a smart, educated officer, but does not impose his views on her.

In this image, the author depicted his ideal of a teacher and parent. Starodum - authoritative strong personality, who has come a worthy way. For modern readers, this hero, of course, is not an ideal educator. But Fonvizin’s contemporaries, inspired by educational ideas, were greatly impressed by him.

Minor. Comedy in five acts. Events take place on the Prostakov estate.

Mitrofan tries on a caftan. Prostava decides that the caftan is too small, tight and a “fraudster.” And the “thief” Trishka specially narrowed it. Trishka says that he is not a tailor, but learned to sew himself.

Prostakova objects that this is a “bestial” reasoning, because no one taught the one who was the first to sew in this world. She calls her husband to see how the caftan is sewn. But Prostakov, stuttering from timidity, not knowing what his wife thinks about this about the water, says the caftan is “baggy.” Prostakova scolds him, and he replies that his eyes see nothing in front of her. Skotinin appears, who thinks that the caftan is sewn “pretty well.”

Frustrated, Prostakova demands that “Trishka get out.” Eremeevna orders the “child” to have breakfast, and when the old woman replies that he has already “deigned to eat five buns,” she accuses her, the “beast,” of feeling sorry for the sixth. Mitrofan says that at night all sorts of “rubbish” got into his eyes - now his mother, now his father. And Mitrofan felt very sorry for his mother, because she was tired, beating the priest. Touched, Prostakova asks “my dear friend” Mitrofanushka to hug her.

A distant relative, Sophia, lives in the Prostakovs’ house, whose father and mother have died. Her only close relative, Uncle Starodum, left to serve several years ago. Since that time, nothing is known about him, but the Prostakovs consider him dead. They took Sophia into their household and look after Sophia’s estate as “their own.” Skotinin, who loves pigs more than anything in the world, dreams of marrying a girl. He wants to get her estate, which contains many of them. Sophia receives a letter from her uncle. Prostakova doesn’t want to believe it: after all, she commemorated him for his death for several years. Is it really possible that she sinful prayers didn't get there? Prostakova herself cannot read the letter: she does not know how, just like her husband.

The letter is read by Pravdin, who stopped by to see the Prostakovs. At first he refuses, since he does not open letters without the permission of the addressee, but Sophia asks him about it. Prostakova interrupts reading the letter as soon as she hears that her uncle wants to make the girl the heiress of his wealth, which he acquired through hard work and honesty. Realizing that Sophia is a wonderful match for Mitrofanushka, Prostakova takes her to the bedroom to talk about it.

Without listening to the end, Prostakova rains down her curses on her. Taking the crying Eremeevna by the arms, Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin leave.

At this time, a servant brings news that soldiers are staying in the village. The officer who leads them turns out to be an old friend of Pravdin, who reveals to him the real reason of his presence with the Prostakovs: his goal is to find tyrant landowners, those “malicious ignoramuses” who do not know how to manage their power and use it to harm the serfs. Officer Milon leads soldiers to Moscow and decides to stop for a while in this village. He is looking for his beloved, with whom he lost contact six months ago. Suddenly Sophia enters. She turns out to be Milo's very beloved.

Both are happy to meet. Milon finds out how much Sophia suffered from Prostanova and what “smart” and “wonderful” groom was chosen for Sophia. Skotinin passes by and, getting involved in a conversation, talks about his plans for life together with Sophia: he would buy all the pigs in the world at the expense of the girl’s inheritance and they would live happily ever after! Here Pravdin destroys his dreams, informing him that he wants to marry Sofya Prostakova to his son. Skotinin in a rage attacks Mitrofanushka, who has just entered. Eremeevna defends him, and Mitrofan hides behind the nanny’s back. Skotinin has to retreat.

Prostakov and Prostakova enter, scolding her husband. She notices Milon and immediately begins to be nice to him, and sends Sophia to see the room prepared for her uncle. Mitrofan’s teachers appear: the sexton Kuteikin with a book of hours in his hands, who teaches literacy, and Tsyfirkin, an arithmetic teacher.

Kuteikin was a seminarian, but left because he had no ability for science. Tsyfirkin is a retired soldier who spent his free time teaching children. Mitrofanushka declares that he does not want to study, complains about his uncle, that he offends him. Eremeevna retells the scene with Skotinin.

Starodum's carriage drives up to the Prostakovs' house. Pravdin meets him, old friend. They talk about the excesses of the Prostakov family. Sophia appears, and then Skotinin and Prostakova fight. Milon separates them. Seeing the guest and learning that it is Sophia’s uncle, Prostakova dramatically changes her behavior. She, her husband and son take turns hugging the “long-awaited” uncle.

Mitrofan, on his mother’s orders, wants to kiss his hand, but Staro does not allow it. He says that he intends to take Sophia to Moscow and marry him to a man of “great merit.”

This causes general confusion, but it is short-lived. Skotin begins to talk about his merits, or rather about the pig factory, Prostakova - about her family, where science was not revered and the desire for it was punished. But now she understands the need for education, and Mitrofanushka knows science.

Starodum, tired, goes to rest. Sophia accompanies him.

Prostakova persuades Mitrofan to study at least a little, or at least pretend that he is studying. Tsyfirkin gives him an easy problem that Mitrofan cannot cope with, and his mother dissuades him from solving it. Then Kuteinin tries to study with Mitrofan. After this, Vralman arrives. He speaks Russian poorly and claims that Mitrofanushka does not need science.

Prostakova is worried: the child needs to go to St. Petersburg, and there are a lot of “smart girls” there, she is afraid of them. But Vralman reassures: there is nothing to be afraid of, since clever man He will never argue with Mitrofan. The main thing is not to mess with smart people, then there will be God’s prosperity. And Mitrofan will always find company for himself: there are millions of people like him. When Prostakova leaves, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman, who runs away from them.

Sophia and Starodum talk about noble upbringing.

Starodum tells his niece how to behave with dignity in life, talks about duty, honor, and happiness. Their conversation is interrupted.

Starodum receives a letter from Count Chestan from Moscow, who reports that his nephew, Sophia’s intended fiancé, will soon be in Moscow. Then Milon and Pravdin enter, and it turns out that Milon is the nephew of Count Chestan. Everyone is happy. Starodum agrees to the marriage.

The idyll is interrupted by Skotinin. who, not paying attention to anyone, begins to ask Starodum for Sophia’s hand in marriage. But Prostavova appears and invites Starodum to arrange an exam for Mitrofanushka.

The latter, demonstrating his knowledge of grammar, says that the door that hangs is “adjective”, since it is attached to the place, and the one that stands near the closet is still a “noun”. History turns out to be the stories of the cowgirl Khavronya, whom Vralman listens to. Mitrofan had never even heard of geography. Starodum refuses both applicants and reports that Sophia has already made arrangements with someone else. But Prostakova doesn’t just back down and decides to kidnap the girl.

Pravdin receives a letter: he is assigned to take care of the Prostanovs’ house and villages. Pravdin shares this news with Starodum. Suddenly screams are heard. Milon saves Sophia from the hands of the kidnappers. Eremeevna gets excited: they wanted to marry Mitrofan.

An enraged Prostakova bursts in, followed by her husband and son. Pravdin says that he will have to answer in court for the kidnapping. The entire Prostanov family throws itself on its knees and begs for forgiveness. Starodum forgives.

Prostakova is going to punish her people for missing Sophia. But Pravdin stops her and informs her about the government’s instructions, as a result of which she does not have freedom over them. Prostakova refers to unfinished business, but Pravdin wants to solve them himself. They call teachers to settle accounts with them.

Vralman enters, and Starodum recognizes him as his former coachman. He became a teacher so as not to die of hunger. Pravdin decides to let him go. Kuteikin says that he is owed for his time and worn-out shoes, and Tsyfirkin, a conscientious and honest man, claims that he does not need anything, since he could not teach Mitrofan anything. Kuteikin becomes ashamed, and he leaves with nothing, and Tsyfirkin is given money as a reward by Starodum, Milon and Pravdin. Starodum again takes Vralman as his coachman.

Prostakova rushes to her son in despair: “You’re the only one left with me!” ..” Mitrofan rudely pushes her away. Prostanova faints, realizing that everything is lost. Pravdin is outraged by Mitrofan’s behavior and sends him to serve. Prostakova, waking up, screams in despair that now she has neither power nor a son. Starodum sums it up: “These are the worthy fruits of evil!”

Prostakov

Prostakov is a character in Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor.” Terenty Prostakov is the head of the family, the father of the main character of the comedy, the undergrown Mitrofanushka. This is a henpecked man who gave the reins to his wife. Prostakov is the bearer of the same speaking surname, as the main characters of the play are his son Mitrofanushka and his wife, Prostakova. He was as badly screwed and as simple as steel. He is henpecked, he does not dare say a word to his wife against her will, and he stumbles when speaking. He is so much at the mercy of his wife that he even says that he is unable to see anything if his wife is nearby, whom he trusts to look for him. Prostakov denies his will in everything, even the decision whether his suit is too big or too tight, he trusts his wife. But this is not trust in the wise, this is the relationship of a servile servant and mistress. The whole house rests on the brute force of Terenty Prostakov’s wife. Prostakov, although a master, is a servant in the house like everyone else; he even interprets his main function as “I am a wife’s husband,” introducing himself to a future relative.

Prostakova is his wife

Prostakova is illiterate and uneducated and considers literacy an unnecessary luxury that can only ruin a person. The concepts of conscience and honesty are not familiar to the heroine. Prostakova strives to look no worse than other landowners and wants to give her son Mitrofan, who is Prostakova’s main joy, an education worthy of a nobleman, she hires him a German teacher. But she does this only because of the capital’s fashion and does not care about how and what her son will be taught. The main thing for Prostakova is her own well-being and the well-being of her son. She will resort to any deception and meanness, using all tricks and tricks, just so as not to lose her well-being. She lives by her established principles, the main one of which is unscrupulousness. The image of Prostakova reflects duplicity, stupid inhuman power and ignorance - all those qualities that were inherent in Russian landowners of the eighteenth century

Mitrofan is their son, an undergrowth

Mitrofan is the son of the Prostakovs, an undergrowth - that is, a young nobleman who has not yet entered the public service. By decree of Peter I, all minors were required to have basic knowledge. Without this, they had no right to marry, and also could not enter the service. That’s why Prostakova hired teachers for her son Mitrofanushka. But nothing good came of it. Firstly, his teachers were a half-educated seminarian and a retired soldier. Secondly, Mitrofan himself did not want to study, and Mrs. Prostakova did not really insist on studying. Of course, family played a big role in laziness and immaturity. Since the mother did not consider education important, where could Mitrofanushka himself have a reverent attitude towards learning? The main character traits of Mitrofan are laziness and selfishness. He doesn't want to do anything at all. Mitrofan does not want to learn and does not understand the need for knowledge at all: “Well, give me the board, you garrison rat!” From childhood he was under the tutelage of his mother and Eremeevna, so it is not surprising that Mitrofan grew up to be such a slob. The selfishness with which Mitrofan treats those around him is simply amazing. The only authority for him is his mother Prostakova, and even she fulfills all his whims. He treats Eremeevna terribly: “Well, just say another word, you old bastard, and I’ll get you off! I'll complain to my mother again; so she will deign to give you a task like yesterday.” But in a moment of danger he always calls her for help: “Skotinin (throwing himself at Mitrofan) Oh, you damn pig... Mitrofan. Mother! Shield me." The minor did not think at all about his future, did not care about his fate. He lived one day at a time, every day he was fed, and he didn’t have to do anything. If a good life ended, then he would not be able to do anything, to adapt to life in any way. Of course he is funny, but it becomes sad when you think about what will happen to him next. After all, there are such Mitrofanushki in our time. We read books in order to avoid the troubles described in them. After reading “The Minor,” Mitrofan is a minor, a negative character in the comedy, a young nobleman. He is very similar to his mother, Mrs. Prostakova, and brother Taras Skotinin. In Mitrofan, in Mrs. Prostakova, in Skotinin one can notice such character traits as greed and selfishness. Mitrofanushka knows that all power in the house belongs to his mother, who loves him and allows him to behave the way he wants. Mitrofan is lazy, does not like and does not know how to work and study, he only frolics, has fun and sits in the dovecote. It’s not so much the mama’s boy himself who influences those around him, as they influence him, trying to raise the little boy as an honest, educated person, and he is like his mother in everything. Mitrofan treats the servants very cruelly, insults them and does not consider them people at all: Eremeevna. Yes, learn at least a little. Mitrofan. Well, say another word, you old bastard! I’ll finish them off; I’ll complain to my mother again, so she’ll deign to give you a task like yesterday. Mitrofan also has no respect for teachers. He strives only for his own personal benefit, and when he learns that Sophia has become the heiress of Starodum, he immediately intends to offer her his hand and heart, and the attitude towards Sophia in the Prostakovs’ house changes significantly in better side. And all this is only because of greed and cunning, and not because of the feat of the heart.

Eremeevna - Mitrofan's nanny

Eremeevna is an elderly woman, Mitrofan’s nanny, nurse, who has been caring for him since birth. Eremeevna has been serving in the Prostakov family for 40 years. Eremeevna receives little money, but suffers many insults from the Prostakovs. The Prostakovs call and beat Eremeevna, like the rest of their peasants. Eremeevna “with slavish servility” serves the Prostakovs, despite all their insults, Eremeevna loves Mitrofan and takes care of German She affectionately calls Mitrofan “child,” although he is already 15 years old. Ungrateful Mitrofan does not love or appreciate Eremeevna, despite all her care for him

Skotinin - Prostakova's brother

Taras Skotinin is a nobleman, Prostakova’s brother. Extremely ignorant, stupid. The only interest in his life was the pigs, which he was breeding. For the sake of money, he hoped to marry Sophia, Starodum’s niece. Because of this, he competed with his nephew Mitrofan, conflicted with Prostakova: “When things come to a breakdown, I’ll bend you and you’ll crack.” This hero is a “worthy” representative of his family: he has morally and morally degraded, turned into an animal, as his last name indicates. The reason for such degradation is ignorance, lack of proper education: “...if it weren’t for that Skotinin, he would want to learn something.” Taras Skotinin is a typical representative of small feudal landowners. He grew up in a family that was hostile to education. He is distinguished by ignorance and mental underdevelopment, although he is naturally smart. All his thoughts and interests are connected only with his barnyard. He shows warmth and tenderness only to his pigs. Skotinin is a ferocious serf owner, unusually greedy, rude (as evidenced by his speech), and ignorant.

Trishka - tailor

Trishka is one of minor characters Comedy "Minor". Trishka appears at the beginning of Act 1 and is not mentioned again in the play. Trishka is a serf peasant of the Prostakov family. Trishka is a self-taught tailor. Prostakova scolds him for a poorly sewn caftan, but Trishka rightly explains to the hostess that he did not study to be a tailor, therefore he is not responsible for the result. Trishka is a lively and, apparently, intelligent guy. Tailor Trishka is the only peasant who dares to argue with Mrs. Prostakova : Prostakova calls Trishka a fraudster, a thief, a beast, etc. Most likely, these words do not characterize Trishka himself, because the rude Prostakova calls all her serfs similar words

Starodum

Starodum is one of central characters“minor” Fonvizin. He is a positive comedy character, unlike Mitrofanushka, Prostakov, Prostakova, Skotinin and others. Starodum personifies an intelligent, proud, fair, loving person. He believes that the most important thing in a person is the education of his soul. “An ignoramus without a soul is a beast,” he says. And with this statement he explains the behavior of Mrs. Prostakova, Mitrofanushka and Skotinin. Starodum is Sophia's loving uncle. He wants only the best for her, and bequeaths all his money to his niece. His pride is proven by the fact that when he arrived at court, he preserved his honor and dignity and left there. “I fell behind the court without villages, without a ribbon, without ranks, yes< …>brought home my soul, my honor intact." You can call the old man ideal hero. His moral ideal- honest service to the Fatherland, intolerant attitude towards vice and injustice.

Sophia - Starodum's niece

Sophia is the niece of Starodum, who is her guardian. The heroine's name means "wisdom". In the comedy, Sophia is endowed with the wisdom of the soul, heart, and virtue. Sophia is an orphan. Her estate, in the absence of Starodum, is managed by the Prostakovs, who rob the girl. And when they find out that Sophia has a large dowry, they begin to fight for her hand and money. But Sophia has a lover - Milon, to whom she is engaged and to whom she remains faithful. Sophia despises and laughs at the Prostakov-Skotinin family. The girl comes from honest nobles who gave her a good education. Sophia is smart, mocking, sensitive and kind (at the end of the comedy she forgives Prostakov for the harm done to her). The heroine believes that honor and wealth should be achieved through hard work, that meekness and obedience to elders are appropriate for a girl, but she can and should defend her love. All the positive characters in the play are grouped around Sophia. They help her free herself from the tutelage of the Prostakovs and unite with Milon at the end of the comedy.

Milon - Sophia's fiance

Milon is one of the positive heroes of the comedy “The Minor,” introduced by the author to create a contrast of characters with the Prostakovs and Skotinin. Milon is an officer whom we first meet at the head of a detachment of soldiers in the comedy in the village of Prostakov. Milo is an educated, noble man who responsibly fulfills his duties to the state. Milon is outraged by the way the Prostakovs behave towards Sophia, especially by the hypocrisy of Prostakova, who, having learned about Sophia’s inheritance, wants to get it by marrying them with their son Mitrofan - “Unworthy people!” - that's what he says about them. Milon is well-mannered, unobtrusive and will retain honor and face in all situations. During Mrs. Prostakova’s fight with Skotinin, Milon not only manages to separate them, but also instructs them on the path of reconciliation and is completely polite: “And you forgot that he is your brother!”, “Isn’t she your sister?”, “No, no.” Did she hurt you?” “I won’t let you in, madam. Don't be angry! When Milon and Starodum meet, Milon demonstrates modesty and dignity, respect for elders, responsibility: “At my age and in my position, it would be unforgivable arrogance to consider everything deserved, with which worthy people encourage a young man.” Milon believes that the fearlessness of an officer is not a blind and irresponsible willingness to die on the battlefield for the sake of glory, but an awareness of all the danger to which his life is exposed, an understanding of the value of his life, and only then courage is the willingness to sacrifice his life in the name of the Fatherland. In addition, according to Milo, courage is needed in every life situation. When Prostakova tries to take Sophia down the aisle by force, Milon defends her with a drawn sword; he expresses indignation and contempt towards Prostakova’s behavior. IN perfect image Milona Fonvizin put in all the positive qualities that should be inherent in a real officer, a nobleman, a noble man of honor.

In the comedy "Minor" Pravdin is positive hero, an honest official with humane views on estate management. According to the plot of the work, a man on duty ends up in the village of Prostakova in order to expose and stop the atrocities occurring there, punish the cruel landowners and take the estate under his own guardianship. The official successfully resolves an acute situation, punishing the guilty and helping those in need. In “The Minor” as a classic play, the names of the characters largely determine their personal qualities and role in the work. Pravdin was no exception. In “The Minor,” the character’s personality characteristics fully correspond to the meaning of his last name – “Pravdin” from “truth,” that is, the hero is the bearer of truth and impartial justice. In the comedy, the official acts as an auditor, personifying the letter of the law, the highest justice and severity in decisions - he punishes the guilty, taking the village from the Prostakovs, finds out which of the teachers served honestly and who only deceived Prostakova. The man also decides Mitrofan’s fate, taking him into his service. The character Pravdin plays an important role in ideological plan comedies. In his image, Fonvizin portrayed the ideal of a humane and educated education official who deservedly rewards and punishes. For the author, Pravdin is the personification of humane, rational truth in the last instance.

Kuteikin

In another light, Fonvizin gave the teacher of Russian and Church Slavonic languages ​​Kuteikin. This is a half-educated seminarian who left the first classes of theological seminary, “fearing the abyss of wisdom.” But he is not without cunning. Reading the Book of Hours with Mitrofan, he deliberately chooses the text: “I am the seven worm, and not a man, a reproach of men,” and he also interprets the word worm - “that is, (i.e.) animal, cattle.” Like Tsyfirkin, he sympathizes with Eremeevna. But Kuteikin differs sharply from Tsyfirkin in his greed for money. Kuteikin’s language strongly emphasizes Church Slavonicisms, which he brought from the spiritual environment and theological school.

Tsyfirkin

Retired soldier Tsyfirkin is a man with a number of good qualities. He is hardworking: “I don’t like to live idlely,” he says. In the city, he helps clerks “either check the meter or sum up the results,” and “in his spare time he teaches the guys.” (Fonvizin painted the image of Tsyfirkin with obvious sympathy. Mitrofan’s upbringing and education corresponds to the “fashion” of the time and the understanding of his parents. He is taught French by the German Vralman, exact sciences by retired sergeant Tsyfirkin, who “speaks a little of arithmetic”, grammar by seminarian Kuteikin, dismissed from “all teaching." The speech is based on the fact that he was a soldier in the past, and now teaches arithmetic. Hence, in his speech there are constant calculations, as well as military terms and phraseological phrases. In the city, he helps clerks “either check the counter, or sum up the results”, and “he teaches the children in his spare time”

Action 1

Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin

Act 2

The officer of the unit that came to the village turns out to be none other than Milon. Having met Sophia here, he is beside himself with joy.

Milon also knows Pravdin. It turns out that he is a government official sent to tour the province in order to curb the arbitrariness of the nobles. Pravdin has already decided to inform the authorities about the Prostakovs’ tyranny. Sophia complains that the Prostakovs treat her rudely and looks forward to her uncle's arrival. Pravdin, who knew Starodum before, praises his direct and honest character.

Skotinin comes to persuade Sophia to marry herself. He promises that with ten thousand of her income he will “buy back pigs from the world.” Hearing from Pravdin that Prostakova now wants to marry Sophia to Mitrofan, Skotinin becomes furious. Mitrofan and his nanny Eremeevna are just passing by. Skotinin rushes at his nephew with his fists. Mitrofan hides behind Eremeevna. She fights with Skotinin and drives him away with the threat of “scratching out his thorns.”

Mr. and Mrs. Prostakov appear. Having learned that Skotinin rushed at Mitrofan, Mrs. Prostakova scolds Eremeevna: why didn’t she “get into her brother’s mug and tear his snout up to his ears”? Prostakova promises to personally “conversate” with Skotinin.

Mitrofan’s teachers of “arihmetic” and grammar arrive: retired soldier Tsyfirkin and sexton Kuteikin. The lazy little guy refuses to go to class with them, saying that he can’t come to his senses after his uncle’s attack. Mitrofan also has a third teacher, the German Vralman, who teaches him “the French language and all other sciences.” Vralman receives a large salary from the Prostakovs, but it is of little use: he only indulges the idleness of the undergrowth.

Fonvizin. Minor. Maly Theater performance

Act 3

Starodum, a man, comes to the Prostakovs’ estate, raised by father in the customs of the courageous era of Peter the Great. In his youth, he managed to serve both in the army and at court, but, despite his talents, he did not gain honors or ranks anywhere, since he was always guided not by self-interest, but by conscience. Having left the vain courtyard, Starodum went to Siberia and through honest work became rich in this harsh land.

Sofya and Pravdin greet Starodum with great joy. He says that he came to snatch his niece from the hands of unworthy relatives.

A scream rises up nearby. It was Mrs. Prostakova who started a fight with her brother for offending Mitrofan. Prostakova grabs Skotinin’s neck with her nails and strives to “get to his face,” but the fighters are separated by Pravdin, who represents the arriving Starodum. Seeing the rich guest, Prostakova immediately changes her tone and calls the girls to prepare a treat. Mr. Prostakov and Skotinin rush to hug Starodum, and Mitrofanushka even kisses his hand and calls him “second father.”

Starodum announces that he is going to marry Sophia. Skotinin begins to offer himself as a husband, boasting: “As I am, there are really few of them, and my pork factory is not bad.” But Prostakova describes Mitrofan’s merits, especially emphasizing the fact that he receives an education from specially hired teachers.

Starodum leaves to rest, and Prostakova orders to quickly call Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin and begin classes with Mitrofan. She advises her son to answer the teachers as loudly as possible so that Starodum will hear the lesson and be convinced of his diligence. Mitrofan fights back, shouting: “I don’t want to study, I want to get married!”, but he is still seated in front of the teachers.

However, during the lesson, Mitrofanushka cannot divide three hundred by three or add ten and ten. The third teacher, the German Vralman, comes and begins to say that the “villains” Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin want to completely “kill the child” with their studies, which it is quite possible to do without in St. Petersburg. Prostakova takes her son away to rest, and Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin rush to beat the stupid German they hate.

Heroes of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth"

Act 4

Having rested from the road, Starodum talks with Sophia, advising her to adhere to hard work and good morals in life, and always observe family virtues. Sophia accepts her uncle's teachings with gratitude.

Starodum receives a letter from Moscow from Count Chestan. He renews the proposal he made earlier about Sophia’s marriage with his nephew Milo, a young man who, despite his youth, has already shown great courage in battles. Starodum unexpectedly learns that Milon is an officer whom he had already seen at the Prostakov estate. Starodum really likes Milon. Sophia says that she has long been connected with this young man by deep mutual feelings. Starodum joins the hands of Sophia and Milon, giving consent to their marriage.

But Skotinin and Mitrofan resume their matchmaking with Sophia. The Prostakovs claim that their son is “trained in all sciences.” Pravdin and Starodum give Mitrofanushka a short exam. When asked about grammar, he shamefully replies that the word “door” is an adjective, because “it is attached to the place.” It turns out that Mitrofan had never even heard of the science of geography. In response to the explanation: geography is a description of the land, “it would be suitable if it happened to go somewhere,” Prostakova remarks: “And what about cab drivers? They themselves will take you where you need to go!”

Starodum says that Sophia has already been arranged for marriage and tomorrow morning he will take her away from the estate. Skotinin and Prostakovs are annoyed and planning evil.

Action 5

Pravdin receives a package with a decree from the governor to take the house and villages of the unworthy nobles Prostakovs under government guardianship. Starodum warmly approves of this order, rejoicing that the current Russian Tsarina Catherine realizes: “it is unlawful to oppress one’s own kind through slavery.”

Meanwhile, the Prostakovs’ people, on the orders of their masters, are trying to force Sophia into a carriage and take her to the wedding with Mitrofan. Milon, drawing his sword, defends his bride, and Pravdin, who runs up, threatens to present the Prostakov family “before the court as violators of civil peace.” Sophia and Starodum, taking pity on their offenders, ask not to bring the matter to trial, but Mrs. Prostakova immediately rushes to punish the servants who let Sophia go. Pravdin then announces that, by order of the supreme power, the Prostakovs are being deprived of their estates.

Skotinin is in a hurry to quickly leave for his own estate. Pravdin orders Mitrofan’s teachers to be brought in to pay them their unpaid salaries. Starodum, seeing Vralman, recognizes him as a German who previously served as his coachman. When asked how he got into teaching, Vralman replies: for three months he couldn’t find a coachman’s job in Moscow, and “I just had to die and die.”

The crying Mrs. Prostakova seeks consolation from her son, but Mitrofan rudely pushes her away: “Let it go, mother, you forced yourself on me.” Pravdin orders Mitrofan to immediately go to work. Prostakova is crying: she has lost both her estate and her son. Starodum, pointing at her, sums up the moral conclusion of the play with the words: “These are the worthy fruits of evil!”

Classicism - literary direction, developed in the eighteenth century. A striking example of this is the comedy “Minor.” The characters in this work are the topic of the article.

Issues

What is the comedy “The Minor” about? The characters are typical representatives of social strata in Russia in the eighteenth century. Among them are statesmen, nobles, servants, serfs, and even self-proclaimed teachers. Affected social theme in the comedy "Minor". The characters are Mitrofanushka and his mother. Mrs. Prostakova tightly controls everyone. She doesn't consider anyone, not even her husband. In terms of its problematics, the work “Minor” is straightforward. The characters in comedy are either negative or positive. There are no complex contradictory images.

The work also affects social political problems. Even today, more than two centuries later, it remains relevant. The characters in Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” utter phrases that literally scatter into quotes. The names of the heroes of this dramatic work have become household names.

History of creation

It’s worth saying a few words about how the work was created before describing the characters. Fonvizin wrote “The Minor” in 1778. By that time, the writer had already visited France. He spent more than a year in Paris, where he studied law, philosophy, and met 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 landowner 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 “Minor” took place in one of the capital’s theaters.

List of characters

1. Prostakova.
2. Prostakov.
3. Mitrofanushka.
4. Sophia.
5. Milo.
6. Pravdin.
7. Starodum.
8. Skotinin.
9. Kuteikin.
10. Tsiferkin.
11. Vralman.
12. Trishka.

Sofia, Mitrofanushka, Prostakova are the main characters. A minor is a concept denoting a young nobleman who has not received an education. As you know, in the comedy he is Mitrofan, one of the main characters. 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 classical era, reflect events taking place during one day. The characters in the comedy "The Minor" are given names. And this is another typical feature of works of classicism.

Plot

Fonvizin's comedy tells the story of cruel and stupid landowners, who are opposed to educated aristocrats. The plot centers on the story of an orphan girl who suddenly finds herself the heir to a large fortune. in the comedy they try to take over her dowry by forcing her into marriage. The positive ones come to the rescue, getting rid of treacherous relatives.

In the Prostakovs' house

More detailed characteristics characters in "The Minor" are 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 angrily 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 died. IN Lately she lived in Moscow with her mother. But several months have passed since she became an orphan. Prostakova took her to her place.

Rich heiress

Prostakova's brother Skotinin appears on stage. Characteristics of the characters in the comedy “Minor” - a description of the heroes who can be divided into two groups. The first includes the noble, honest and educated. The second is ignorant and rude. Skotinin should be classified as 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 pig hunter, as his last name eloquently speaks of. And Sophia inherited several villages, in whose farms these animals live in great abundance.

Meanwhile, Prostakova learns exciting news: Sophia’s uncle is alive. Mitrofan's mother is angry. After all, she believed that Starodum had long been dead. It turned out he was alive. Moreover, he is going to make his niece the heiress of the fortune that he made in Siberia. Prostakova accuses Sophia of hiding news about a rich 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 separate. Milon, having learned about Sophia's engagement, is at first tormented by jealousy, but later he learns what Mitrofan is like and calms down somewhat.

Prostakova loves her son very much. She hires him teachers, but by the age of sixteen he had not even learned to read and write. The boy constantly complains to his mother that teaching makes him sad. To which Prostakova consoles her son, promising to marry him soon.

The appearance of Starodum

Finally, Uncle Sophia comes to the village. Starodum tells the story of his life about how he was forced to leave government service, went to Siberia, and then decided to return from his native land. Starodum meets with Sophia and promises to rid her of her unpleasant relatives and marry her to a worthy man, who turns out to be her beloved Milon.

Description of the characters

The minor, that is, Mitrofanushka, studies, observing the tsar’s decree, but does it with great reluctance. Character traits This hero is stupidity, ignorance, laziness. Besides, he is cruel. Mitrofanushka does not respect his father and mocks his teachers. He takes advantage of the fact that his mother selflessly loves him.

Sophia gives a good description of her would-be groom. The girl claims that, although Mitrofanushka is only sixteen years old, he has reached the peak of his perfection and will not develop further. This character from Fonvizin's comedy is quite unpleasant. It combines such traits as servility and a tendency towards 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 rich relative, he radically changes his behavior, humbly asks for forgiveness from Sophia, and shows humility towards Starodum. Mitrofanushka is a representative of the world of the Prostakovs-Skotinins, people devoid of all concepts of morality. The undergrowth symbolizes the degradation of the Russian nobility, the reason for which is improper upbringing and lack of education.

The surname Prostakova symbolizes lack of education and ignorance. The main feature of this heroine is blind love for her son. At the end of the work, Mitrofanushka’s mother descends to the point that she begins to use assault towards Skotinin. Prostakova is 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.

Sophia

Prostakova's niece is a representative of a noble family. But, unlike her relatives, she is educated and has a concept of honor. Sophia 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 traits of this hero are honesty, wisdom, kindness and respect for other people. This character is opposed to Prostakova. Both of them wish the best for their students. But their approach to education is completely different. If Prostakova sees in her son a 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 as her husband. A few words should be said about this character.

Milo

The characteristic features of this hero are sincerity, nobility, and prudence. Even in difficult situations, he does not lose his sanity. Hearing about Sophia's engagement, he imagines Mitrofan as an educated and worthy man. And only later does his opinion regarding his opponent change. It is this hero, in one of his last actions, who tries to reconcile Prostakova with her brother, reminding them that they are close people.

CHARACTERS

Prostakov.
Mrs. Prostakova, his wife.
Mitrofan, their son, is an undergrowth.
Eremeevna, mother of 2 Mitrofanova.
Pravdin.
Starodum.
Sophia, Starodum's niece.
Milo.
Skotinin, brother of Mrs. Prostakova.
Kuteikin, seminarian.
Tsyfirkin, retired sergeant.
Vralman, teacher.
Trishka, tailor.
Servant Simpleton.
Starodum's valet.

Action in the village of the Prostakivykhs.

1 This was the official name given to nobles, mostly young people who had not received an education document and had not entered the service. At the same time, the word “minor” meant any nobleman who had not reached the age of majority.

2 Mom, i.e. nurse.

ACT ONE

PHENOMENON I

Mrs. Prostakova, Mitrofan, Eremeevna.

Mrs. Prostakova (examining Mitrofan’s caftan). The caftan is all ruined. Eremeevna, bring the swindler Trishka here. (Eremeevna moves away.) He, the thief, has burdened him everywhere. Mitrofanushka, my friend! I'm guessing you're dying. Call your father here.

Mitrofan leaves.

SCENE II

Mrs. Prostakova, Eremeevna, Trishka.

Mrs. Prostakova (Trishchke). And you, brute, come closer. Didn’t I tell you, you thieving mug, that you should make your caftan wider? The first child grows; another, a child and without a narrow caftan of delicate build. Tell me, idiot, what is your excuse?

Trishka. Yes, madam, I was self-taught. I reported to you at the same time: well, if you please, give it to the tailor.

Mrs. Prostakova. So is it really necessary to be a tailor to be able to sew a caftan well? What bestial reasoning!

Trischka. Yes, I learned to be a tailor, madam, but I didn’t.

Mrs. Prostakova. Looking for 2, he also argues. A tailor learned from another, another from a third, but who did the first tailor learn from? Speak up, beast.

Trishka. Yes, the first tailor, perhaps, sewed worse than mine.

Mitrofan (runs in). I called my father. I deigned to say: immediately.

Mrs. Prostakova. So go and get him out if you don’t get the good stuff.

Mitrofan. Yes, here comes the father.

1 Vit (colloquially) - after all.
2 Looking (colloquially) - yet.
3 Pervoet (popular expression) - instead of “first”

SCENE III

Same with Prostakov.

Mrs. Prostakova. What, why do you want to hide from me? This, sir, is how far I have lived with your indulgence. What's a new thing for a son to do with his uncle's agreement? What kind of caftan did Trishka deign to sew?

Prostakov (stammering out of timidity). Me... a little baggy.

Mrs. Prostakova. You yourself are baggy, smart head.

Prostakov. Yes, I thought, mother, that it seemed so to you.

Mrs. Prostakova. Are you blind yourself?

Prostakov. With your eyes, mine see nothing.

Mrs. Prostakova. This is the kind of hubby the Lord gave me: he doesn’t know how to figure out what’s wide and what’s narrow.

Prostakov. In this, mother, I believed and believe you.

Mrs. Prostakova. So believe also that I do not intend to indulge the slaves. Go, sir, and punish now...

PHENOMENA IV

Same with Skotinin.

Skotinin. Whom? For what? On the day of my conspiracy! I ask you, sister, to postpone for such a holiday: rendering until winter; and tomorrow, if you please, I myself will willingly help. If I weren’t Taras Skotinin, if not every fault is my fault. In this, sister, I have the same custom as you. Why are you so angry?

Mrs. Prostakova. Well, brother, I’ll go crazy on your eyes. Mitrofanushka, come here. Is this caftan baggy?

Skotinin. No.

Prostakov. Yes, I can already see, mother, that it is narrow.

Skotinin. I don't see that either. The caftan, brother, is well made.

Mrs. Prostakova (Trishke). Get out, you bastard. (Eremeevna.) Come on, Eremeevna, let the child have breakfast. Vit, I’m having tea, the teachers will come soon.

Eremeevna. He already, mother, deigned to eat five buns.

Mrs. Prostakova. So you feel sorry for the sixth one, beast? What zeal! Please take a look.

Eremeevna. Cheers, mother. I said this for Mitrofan Terentyevich. I missed 1 until the morning.

Mrs. Prostakova. Ah, Mother of God! What happened to you, Mitrofanushka?

Mitrofan. Yes, mother. Yesterday after dinner it hit me.

Skotinin. Yes, it’s clear, brother, you had a hearty dinner.

Mitrofan. And I, uncle, almost didn’t have dinner at all.

1 I was sad - here, I felt bad.

Prostakov. I remember, my friend, you wanted to eat something.

Mitrofan. What! There are three salted slices, and 1 hearth slices, I don’t remember, five, I don’t remember, six.

Eremeevna. Every now and then he asked for a drink at night. Kvasy deigned to eat a whole jug.

Mitrofan. And now I’m walking around like crazy. All night such rubbish was in my eyes.

Mrs. Prostakova. What rubbish, Mitrofanushka?

Mitrofan. Yes, either you, mother, or father.

Mrs. Prostakova. How is this possible?

Mitrofan. As soon as I start to fall asleep, I see that you, mother, deign to beat father.

Prostakov (aside). Well, my bad! Sleep in hand!

Mitrofan (softened up). So I felt sorry.

Mrs. Prostakova (with annoyance) Who, Mitrofanushka?

Mitrofan. You, mother: you are so tired, beating your father.

Mrs. Prostakova. Surround me, my dear friend! Here, son, is my only consolation.

Skotinin. Well, Mitrofanushka, I see you are a mother’s son, not a father’s son!

Prostakov. At least I love him, as a parent should, he’s a smart child, he’s a sensible child, he’s funny, he’s an entertainer; sometimes I am beside myself with him and with joy I truly do not believe that he is my son.

Skotinin. Only now our funny man is standing there, frowning.

Mrs. Prostakova. Shouldn't we send for a doctor to the city?

Mitrofan. No, no, mother. I'd rather get better on my own. Now I’ll run to the dovecote, maybe...

Mrs. Prostakova. So maybe the Lord is merciful. Go and have some fun, Mitrofanushka.

Mitrofan and Eremeevna leave.

1 Hearth pies are sour dough pies that are baked on a hearth, i.e. on a brick deck inside the oven.

PHENOMENA V

Ms. Prostakova, Prostakov, Skotinin.

Skotinin. Why can't I see my bride? Where is she? There will be an agreement in the evening, so isn’t it time to tell her that they are giving her away to her husband?

Mrs. Prostakova. We'll make it, brother. If we tell her this ahead of time, she may still think that we are reporting to her. Although by marriage, I am still related to her; and I love that strangers listen to me.

Prostakov (to Skotinin). To tell the truth, we treated Sophia like an orphan. After her father she remained a baby. About six months ago, her mother, and my in-law, had a stroke...

Mrs. Prostakova (showing as if she is baptizing her heart). The power of the god is with us.

Prostakov. From which she went to the next world. Her uncle, Mr. Starodum, went to Siberia; and since there has been no rumor or news of him for several years now, we consider him dead. We, seeing that she was left alone, took her to our village and look after her estate as if it were our own.

Mrs. Prostakova. What, why have you gone so crazy today, my father? Looking for a brother, he might think that we took her to us out of interest.

Prostakov. Well, mother, how can he get it? After all, Sofyushkiyo’s real estate cannot be moved to us.

Skotinin. And although the movable has been put forward, I am not a petitioner. I don’t like to bother, and I’m afraid. No matter how much my neighbors offended me, no matter how much loss they caused, I didn’t hit anyone with my brow, and any loss, rather than going after it, I would rip off from my own peasants, and the ends and water.

Prostakov. It’s true, brother: the whole neighborhood says that you are a master at collecting rent.

Mrs. Prostakova. At least you taught us, brother father; but we just can’t do it. Since then, we took away whatever the peasants had, and we can no longer rip anything off. Such a disaster!

Skotinin. Please, sister, I will teach you, I will teach you, just marry me to Sophia.

Mrs. Prostakova. Did you really like this girl that much?

Skotinin. No, it's not the girl I like.

Prostakov. So next door to her village?

Skotinin. And not the villages, but the fact that it is found in the villages and what my mortal desire is.

Mrs. Prostakova. Until what, brother?

Skotinin. I love pigs, sister, and in our neighborhood there are such large pigs that there is not a single one of them that, standing on its hind legs, would not be taller than each of us by a whole head.

Prostakov. It’s a strange thing, brother, how family can resemble family. Mitrofanushka is our uncle. And he was a hunter of pigs, just like you. When I was still three years old, when I saw a pig, I used to tremble with joy.

Skotinin. This is truly a curiosity! Well, brother, Mitrofan loves pigs because he is my nephew. There is some similarity here; Why am I so addicted to pigs?

Prostakov. And there is some similarity here, I think so.

SCENE VI

Same with Sophia.

Sophia entered holding a letter in her hand and looking cheerful.

Mrs. Prostakova (Sofia). Why are you so happy, mother? What are you happy about?

Sophia. I got it now good news. My uncle, about whom we knew nothing for so long, whom I love and honor as my father, recently arrived in Moscow. Here is the letter I have now received from him.

Mrs. Prostakova (frightened, with anger). How! Starodum, your uncle, is alive! And you deign to say that he has risen! That's a fair amount of fiction!

Sophia. Yes, he never died.

Mrs. Prostakova. Didn't die! But shouldn't he die? No, Madam, these are your inventions to intimidate us with your uncle, so that we give you freedom. Uncle is a smart man; he, seeing me in the wrong hands, will find a way to help me out. That's what you're glad about, madam; However, perhaps, don’t be very happy: your uncle, of course, did not resurrect.

Skotinin. Sister, what if he didn’t die?

Prostakov. God forbid he didn't die!

Mrs. Prostakova (to her husband). How did you not die? Why are you confusing grandma? Don’t you know that for several years now I’ve been remembering him in memorials for his repose? Surely my sinful prayers didn’t reach me! (To Sophia.) Perhaps a letter for me. (Almost, vomiting.) I bet it's some kind of amorous. And I can guess from whom. This is from the officer who was looking to marry you and whom you yourself wanted to marry. What a beast gives you letters without my asking! I'll get there. This is what we have come to. They write letters to the girls! grandfathers can read and write!

Sophia. Read it yourself, madam. You will see that nothing could be more innocent.

Mrs. Prostakova. Read it for yourself! No, madam, thank God, I was not brought up like that. I can receive letters, but I always tell someone else to read them. (To my husband.) Read.

Prostakov (staring for a long time). It's tricky.

Mrs. Prostakova. And you, my father, were apparently raised like a pretty girl. Brother, read it, work hard.

Skotinin. I? I haven't read anything in my life, sister! God saved me from this boredom.

Sophia. Let me read it.

Mrs. Prostakova. Oh mother! I know that you are a craftswoman, but I don’t really believe you. Here, I’m having tea, teacher Mirofanushkin will come soon. I tell him...

Skotinin. Have you started teaching the youngster to read and write?

Mrs. Prostakova. Oh, dear brother! I've been studying for four years now. There’s nothing, it’s a sin to say that we don’t try to educate Mitrofanushka. We pay three teachers. The sexton from Pokrov, Kuteikhin, comes to him to read and write; Father alone teaches him arithmetics
retired sergeant, Tsyfirkin. Both of them come here from the city. The city is three miles away from us, father. He is taught French and all sciences by the German Adam Adamych Vralman. This is three hundred rubles a year. We seat you at the table with us. Our women wash his linen. Wherever needed - a horse. There is a glass of wine at the table. At night there is a tallow candle, and our Fomka sends the wig for free. To tell the truth, we are happy with him, dear brother. He does not bondage the child. Vit, my father, while Mitrofanushka is still in his infancy, sweat 1 and pamper him: and then in ten years, when he enters, God forbid, into the service, he will suffer everything. As for anyone, happiness is destined for them, brother. From our family of Prostakovs, look, lying on their sides, they are flying to their ranks 2. Why is their Mitrofanushka worse? Bah! Yes, by the way, our dear guest came here.

SCENE VII

Same with Pravdin.

Pravdin. I am glad to have made your acquaintance.

Skotinin. Okay, my lord! As for the last name, I didn’t hear it.

Pravdin. I call myself Pravdin so you can hear.

Skotinin. Which native, my lord? Where are the villages?

Pravdin. I was born in Moscow, if you need to know, and my villages are in the local governorship.

Skotinin. Do I dare ask, my sir—I don’t know my name and patronymic—are there pigs in your villages?

1 Sweat - until then.
2 Nobles in the 18th century could receive ranks and titles without serving, being on long-term leave.

Mrs. Prostakova. That's enough, brother, let's start about pigs. Let's talk better about our grief. (To Pravdin.) Here, father! God told us to take the girl into our arms. She deigns to receive letters from her uncles. Uncles write to her from the other world. Do me a favor, my father, take the trouble to read it out loud to all of us.

Pravdin. Excuse me, madam. I never read letters without the permission of those to whom they are written.

Sophia. I ask you this. You will do me a great favor.

Pravdin. If you order. (Reads.) “Dear niece! My affairs forced me to live for several years in separation from my loved ones: and distance deprived me of the pleasure of hearing about you. I am now in Moscow, having lived for several years in Siberia. I can serve as an example that through labor and You can make your fortune with honesty. With these means, with the help of happiness, I earned ten thousand rubles in income..."

Skotinin and both Prostakovs. Ten thousand!

Pravdin (reads), “...to whom, my dear niece, I make you heir...”

Mrs. Prostakova. You as heiress!
Prostakov. Sophia is the heiress! (Together.)
Skotinin. Her heiress!

Mrs. Prostakova (rushing to hug Sophia. I’m correcting, Sophia! Congratulations, my soul! I’m beside myself with joy! Now you need a groom. I, I don’t wish for a better bride for Mitrofanushka. That’s uncle! That’s my own father I myself still thought that God was protecting him, that he was still alive.

Skotinin (extending his hand). Well, sister, quickly deal with it.

Mrs. Prostakova (quietly to Skotinin). Wait, brother. First you need to ask her if she still wants to marry you?

Skotinin. How! What a question! Are you really going to report to her?

Skotinin. And for what? Even if you read for five years, you won’t get better than ten thousand.

Mrs. Prostakova (to Sophia). Sophia, my soul! let's go to my bedroom. I have an urgent need to talk to you. (Took Sophia away.)

Skotinin. Bah! So I see that today it is unlikely that there will be any agreement.<...>

ACT TWO

PHENOMENON I

Pravdin, Milon.

Milo. How glad I am, my dear friend, that I accidentally met you! Tell me in what case...

Pravdin. As a friend, I will tell you the reason for my stay here. I have been appointed a member of the local viceroy. I have orders to travel around the local district; and besides, out of my own heart, I do not allow myself to notice those malicious ignoramuses who, having complete power over their people, use it inhumanly for evil. You know the mental image of our governor. With what zeal does he help reflecting humanity! With what zeal does he thus fulfill the philanthropic forms of the highest power! In our region we ourselves have experienced that where the governor is such as the governor is depicted in the Institutions, there the welfare of the inhabitants is true and reliable. I've been living here for three days now. I found the landowner an infinite fool, and his wife a despicable fury, to whom the misfortune of their entire house makes a hell of a right. Are you thinking, my friend, tell me, how long did you stay here?

Milo. I'm leaving here in a few hours.

Pravdin. What's so soon? Have a rest.

Milo. I can not. I was ordered to lead the soldiers without delay... yes, moreover, I myself am eager to be in Moscow.

Pravdin. What is the reason?

Milo. I will tell you the secret of my heart, dear friend! I am in love and have the happiness of being loved. For more than six months I have been separated from the one who is dearest to me than anything else in the world, and what is even sadder is that I have not heard anything about her during all this time. Often, attributing the silence to her coldness, I was tormented by grief; but suddenly, I received news that shocked me. They write to me that, after the death of her mother, some distant relatives took her to their villages. I don't know; no one, no where. Perhaps she is now in the hands of some selfish people who, taking advantage of her orphanhood, are keeping her in tyranny. This thought alone makes me beside myself.

Pravdin. I see similar inhumanity in the house here. I am striving, however, to soon put limits on the wife’s malice and the husband’s stupidity. I have already notified our boss about all the local barbarities and I have no doubt that measures will be taken to calm them down.

Milo. Happy are you, my friend, being able to alleviate the fate of the unfortunate. I don’t know what to do in my sad situation.

Pravdin. Let me ask about her name.

Milon (delighted) Ah! here she is.

SCENE II

Same with Sophia.

Sophia (in admiration). Milon! Do I see you?

Pravdin. What happiness!

Milo. This is the one who owns my heart. Dear Sophia! Tell me, how do I find you here?

Sophia. How many sorrows have I endured since the day of our separation! My unscrupulous relatives...

Pravdin. My friend! don’t ask about what is so sad for her... You will learn from me what rudeness...

Milo. Unworthy people!

Sophia. Today, however, for the first time the local hostess changed her behavior towards me. Having heard that my uncle was making me an heiress, she suddenly turned from being rude and scolding to the point of being affectionate to the very base, and I can see from all her circumlocutions that she intends me to be his son’s bride.

Milon (impatiently) And you didn’t show her complete contempt at the same time?..

Sophia. No...

Milo. And you didn't tell her that you had a commitment from the heart, that...

Sophia. No...

Milo. A! now I see my destruction. My opponent is happy! I do not deny all the merits in it. He may be reasonable, enlightened, kind; but so that you can compare with me in my love for you, so that...

Sophia (grinning). My God! If you saw him, your jealousy would drive you to the extreme!

Milo (indignantly). I imagine all its virtues.

Sophia. You can’t even imagine everyone. Although he is sixteen years old, he has already reached the last degree of his perfection and will not go anywhere.

Pravdin. How can it not go further, madam? He finishes studying the Book of Hours: and then, one must think, they will start working on the Psalter.

Milo. How! This is my opponent! And, dear Sophia, why do you torment me with a joke? You know how easily a passionate person is upset by the slightest suspicion.

Sophia. Think how miserable my condition is! I couldn’t answer this stupid proposal decisively. In order to get rid of their rudeness, in order to have some freedom, I was forced to hide my feelings.

Milo. What did you answer her?

Here Skotinin walks through the theater, lost in thought, and no one sees him.

Sophia. I said that my fate depends on my uncle’s will, that he himself promised to come here in his letter, which (to Privdin) Mr. Skotinin did not allow you to finish reading!

Skotinin. I!

SCENE III

Same with Skotinin.

Pravdin. How did you sneak up, Mr. Skotinin! I would not expect this from you.

Skotinin. I passed by you. I heard that they were calling me, and I responded. I have this custom: whoever screams - Skotinin! And I told him; I! What are you, brothers, and for the truth? I myself served in the guard and was retired as a corporal. It used to be that at the roll call they would shout: Taras Skotinin! And I’m at the top of my lungs: I am!

1The Book of Hours and Psalter are church books used to teach literacy, forcing people to memorize the text.

Pravdin. We didn’t call you now, and you can go where you were going.

Skotinin. I wasn't going anywhere, I'm wandering around, lost in thought. I have such a custom that if I get into my head, I can’t knock it out with a nail. In my mind, you hear, what came into my mind is stuck here. That’s all I think about, that’s all I see in a dream, as if in reality, and in reality, as in a dream.

Pravdin. Why would you be so interested now?

Scotnnin. Oh, brother, you are my dear friend! Miracles are happening to me. My sister quickly took me from my village to hers, and if she just as quickly takes me from her village to mine, then I can say with a clear conscience before the whole world: I went for nothing, I brought nothing.

Pravdin. What a pity, Mr. Skotinin! Your sister plays with you like a ball.

Skotinin (angry). How about a ball? God protect! Yes, I myself will throw it so that the whole village will not find it in a week.

Sophia. Oh, how angry you are!

Milo. What happened to you?

Scotnnin. You, smart man, judge for yourself. My sister brought me here to get married. Now she herself came up with a recusal: “What do you care about a wife, brother; If only you, brother, had a good pig.” No, sister! I want to have my own piglets. It's not easy to fool me.

Pravdin. It seems to me myself, Mr. Skotinin, that your sister is thinking about a wedding, but not about yours.

Skotinin. What a parable! I am not a hindrance to anyone else. Everyone should marry his bride. I won’t touch someone else’s, and don’t touch mine. (To Sophia.) Don’t worry, darling. No one will interrupt you from me.

Sophia. What does it mean? Here's something new!

Milo (screamed). What audacity!

Skotinin (to Sophia). Why are you afraid?

Pravdin (to Milo). How can you be angry with Skotinin!

Sophia (to Skotinin). Am I really destined to be your wife?

Milo. I can hardly resist!

Skotinin. You can’t beat your betrothed with a horse, darling! It's a sin to blame for your own happiness. You will live happily ever after with me. Ten thousand to your income! Eco happiness has arrived; Yes, I have never seen so much since I was born; Yes, I will buy all the pigs from the world with them; Yes, you hear me, I’ll do it so that everyone will blow the trumpet: in this little area around here there are only pigs to live.

Pravdin. When only your cattle can be happy, then your wife will have bad peace from them and from you.

Skotinin. Poor peace! bah! bah! bah! Don't I have enough light rooms? I’ll give her a coal stove and a bed for her alone. You are my dear friend! If now, without seeing anything, I have a special peck for each pig, then I’ll find a light for my wife.

Milo. What a bestial comparison!

Pravdin (to Skotinin). Nothing will happen, Mr. Skotinin! I will tell you that your sister will read it for her son.

Skotinin. How! The nephew should interrupt his uncle! Yes, I’ll break him like hell at the first meeting. Well, I’ll be a pig’s son if I’m not her husband or Mitrofan will be a freak.<...>

SCENE VI

Ms. Prostakova, Eremeevna, Mitrofan, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin.

Mrs. Prostakova. Well, now at least read your backs in Russian, Mitrofanushka.

Mitrofan. Yes, butts, why not?

Ms. Prostakova. Live and learn, my dear friend! Such a thing.

Mitrofan. How could it not be! Study will come to mind. You should bring your uncles here too!

Mrs. Prostakova. What? What's happened?

Mitrofan. Yes! just look at what the uncle is doing; and there from his fists and for the book of hours. No, thank you, I’m already done with myself!

Mrs. Prostakova (frightened). What, what do you want to do? Come to your senses, darling!

Mitrofan. Vit is here and the river is close. I’ll dive, so remember my name.

1Klev - barn, room for livestock.

Mrs. Prostakova (beside herself). Killed me! Killed me! God be with you!

Eremeevna. Uncle scared everyone. I almost grabbed him by the hairs. And for nothing... about nothing...

Mrs. Prostakova (angrily). Well...

Eremeevna. I pestered him: do you want to get married?..

Mrs. Prostakova. Well...

Eremeevna. The child didn’t hide it, it’s been a long time since he started hunting, uncle. How he will become furious, my mother, how he will throw himself up!..

Mrs. Prostakova (trembling). Well... and you, beast, were dumbfounded, and you didn’t dig into your brother’s mug, and you didn’t tear his snout head over heels...

Eremeevna. I accepted it! Oh, I accepted, yes...

Mrs. Prostakova. Yes... yes what... not your child, you beast! For you, at least kill the child to death.

Eremeevna. Ah, Creator, save and have mercy! If my brother hadn’t deigned to leave at that very moment, I would have broken down with him. That's what God wouldn't put in place. These would become dull (pointing to the nails), I 5 and did not take care of the fangs.

Mrs. Prostakova. All of you beasts are zealous in words only, but not in deeds...

Eremeevna (crying). I'm not zealous for you, mother! It’s such a pain to serve, you don’t know... I’d be glad it wasn’t so much... you don’t regret your life... but you don’t want everything.

Kuteikin. Will you command us to go home?

Tsyfirkin. Where should we go, your honor? (Together).

Mrs. Prostakova. You, you old witch, burst into tears. Go, feed them with you, and after dinner immediately come here again... (To Mitrofan.) Come with me, Mitrofanushka. I won't let you out of my sight now. As I tell you, little one, you will love living in the world. It’s not a century for you, my friend, it’s not a century for you to learn. Thanks to God, you already understand so much that you will take the children yourself, (To Eremevna.)

I won’t talk to my brother your way. Let all good people see that mother and that mother is dear. (He leaves with Mitrofan.)

Kuteikin. Your life, Eremeevna, is like pitch darkness. Let's go to dinner, and drink a glass of grief first...

Tsyfirkin. And there’s another one, and that’s multiplication.

Eremeevna (in tears). The difficult one won't clean me up! I have been serving for forty years, but the mercy is still the same...

Kuteikin. Is charity great?

Eremeevna. Five rubles a year, and five slaps a day.

Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin take her by the arms.

Tsyfirkin. Let's figure out at the table what your income is all year round.

End of the second act.

ACT THREE

PHENOMENON I

Starodum and Pravdin.

Pravdin. As soon as they got up from the table and I went to the window and saw your carriage, then, without telling anyone, I ran out to meet you and hug you with all my heart. My sincere respect to you...

Starodum. It is precious to me. Trust me.

Pravdin. Your friendship for me is all the more flattering because you cannot have it for others except such...

Starodum. What are you like? I speak without ranks. The ranks begin - sincerity ceases.

Pravdin. Your treatment...

Starodum. Many people laugh at him. I know it. Be so. My father raised me the way he did then, but I didn’t even find the need to re-educate myself. He served Peter the Great. Then one person was called you, not you. Back then they didn’t yet know how to infect so many people that everyone would consider themselves to be many. But now many are not worth one. My father at the court of Peter the Great...

Pravdin. And I heard that he is in military service...

Starodum. In that century, courtiers were warriors, but warriors were not courtiers. The education given to me by my father was the best in that century. At that time there were few ways to learn, and they still didn’t know how to fill an empty head with someone else’s mind.

True Education at that time really consisted of several rules...

Starodum. In one. My father constantly repeated the same thing to me: have a heart, have a soul, and you will be a man at all times. There is fashion for everything else: fashion for minds, fashion for knowledge, like fashion for buckles and buttons.

Pravdin. You speak the truth. The direct dignity in man is the soul...

Starodum. Without her, the most enlightened, clever girl is a pitiful creature. (With feeling.) An ignoramus without a soul is a beast. The smallest deed leads him into every crime. Between what he does and what he does for, he has no weight. From such and such animals I came to free...

Pravdin. Your niece. I know it. She is here.

Starodum. Wait. My heart is still seething with indignation at the unworthy act of the local owners. Let's stay here for a few minutes. My rule is: don’t start anything in the first movement.

Pravdin. Rare people know how to observe your rule.

Starodum. The experiences of my life have taught me this. Oh, if I had previously been able to control myself, I would have had the pleasure of serving my fatherland longer.

Pravdin. How? Incidents with a person of your qualities cannot be indifferent to anyone. You'd do me a huge favor if you told me...

Starodum. I don’t hide them from anyone so that others in a similar position will be smarter than me. Entered military service, I met a young count, whose name I don’t even want to remember, he was younger than me in service, the son of an accidental father 1, brought up in great society and had a special opportunity to learn something that was not yet included in our upbringing.

1 Random people in the 18th century they called people who enjoyed special favors from kings and queens.

I used all my strength to gain his friendship in order to compensate for the shortcomings of my upbringing by always treating him. Just as our mutual friendship was establishing itself, we accidentally heard that war had been declared. I rushed to hug him with joy. “Dear count! here is an opportunity for us to distinguish ourselves. Let us immediately join the army and become worthy of the title of nobleman that nature has given us.” Suddenly my count frowned heavily and, hugging me dryly: “Happy journey to you,” he said to me,
and I caress that the father will not want to part with me.” Nothing can compare with the contempt that I felt for him at that very moment. Then I saw that there is sometimes an immeasurable difference between random people and respectable people, that in the great world there are very small souls and that with great enlightenment it is possible to be very stingy 1 .

Pravdin. The absolute truth.

Starodum. Leaving him, I immediately went where my position called me. On many occasions I have distinguished myself. My wounds prove that I didn’t miss them. The good opinion of the commanders and the army about me was a flattering reward of my service, when suddenly I received the news that the count, my former acquaintance, whom I disdained to remember, had been promoted to rank, and I had been passed over, I, who was then lying from wounds in a serious illness. Such injustice tore my heart, and I immediately resigned.

Pravdin. What else should be done?

Starodum. I had to come to my senses. I did not know how to guard against the first movements of my irritated curiosity. My ardor did not allow me to judge then that a truly inquisitive person is jealous of deeds, and not of rank; that ranks are often begged for, but true respect must be earned; that it is much more honest to be bypassed without guilt than to be rewarded without merit.

Pravdin. But isn’t a nobleman allowed to resign under any circumstances?

1 Stingy - miser, miser; here: swear word.
2 Right here: truly, truly.

Starodum. In only one thing: when he is internally convinced that serving his fatherland does not bring direct benefit! then go.

Pravdin. You make one feel the true essence of a nobleman.

Starodum. Having accepted his resignation, he came to St. Petersburg. Then blind chance led me in a direction that never even occurred to me.

Pravdin. Where to?

Starodum. To the yard. They took me to the court. A? What do you think about this?

Pravdin. How did this side look to you?

Starodum. Curious. The first thing seemed strange to me: in this direction almost no one drives along the large straight road, and everyone takes a detour, hoping to get there as quickly as possible.

Pravdin. Even if it’s a detour, is the road spacious?

Starodum. And it is so spacious that two people, having met, cannot separate. One knocks the other down, and the one who is on his feet never picks up the one who is on the ground.

Pravdin. So that's why there's pride...

Starodum. This is not selfishness, but, so to speak, selfishness. Here they love themselves perfectly; they care about themselves alone; they fuss about one real hour. You will not believe. I saw here many people who, in all cases of their lives, had never once thought about their ancestors or descendants.

Pravdin. But those worthy people who serve the state at the court...

Starodum. ABOUT! those do not leave the courtyard because they are useful to the courtyard, and others because the courtyard is useful to them. I was not among the first and did not want to be among the last.

Pravdin. Of course, they didn’t recognize you at the yard?

Starodum. So much the better for me. I managed to get out without any hassle, otherwise they would have survived me in one of two ways.

Pravdin. Which ones?

Starodum. From the court, my friend, there are two ways to survive. Either they will be angry with you or you will be annoyed. I didn't wait for either one. I decided that it was better to lead life at home than in someone else’s hallway.

Pravdin. So, you left the yard empty-handed? (Opens his snuff box.)

Starodum (takes tobacco from Pravdin). How about nothing? The snuff box costs five hundred rubles. Two people came to the merchant. One, having paid money, brought home a snuff box. Another came home without a snuff box. And you think that the other one came home with nothing? You're wrong. He brought back his five hundred rubles intact. I left the court without villages, without a ribbon, without ranks, but I brought mine home intact, my soul, my honor, my rules.

Pravdin. With your rules, people should not be released from the court, but they must be called to the court.

Starodum. Summon? What for?

Pravdin. Then, why do they call a doctor to the sick?

Starodum. My friend! You're wrong. It is in vain to call a doctor to the sick without healing. The doctor won’t help you here unless you get infected yourself.

SCENE II

Same with Sophia.

Sophia (to Pravdin). My strength was gone from their noise.

Starodum (aside). Here are her mother's facial features. Here is my Sophia.

Sophia (looking at Starodum). My God! He called me. My heart does not deceive me...

Starodum (hugging her). No. You are the daughter of my sister, the daughter of my heart!

Sophia (throwing herself into his arms). Uncle! I'm overjoyed.

Starodum. Dear Sophia! I found out in Moscow that you are living here against your will. I am sixty years old in the world. It happened to be often irritated, sometimes to be pleased with oneself. Nothing tormented my heart more than innocence in the networks of deceit. I have never been so pleased with myself as when I happened to snatch the spoils of vice from my hands.

Pravdin. How nice it is to be a witness to this!

Sophia. Uncle! your kindness to me...

Starodum. You know that I am tied to life only by you. You must provide comfort to my old age, and my care is your happiness. When I retired, I laid the foundation for your upbringing, but I could not establish your fortune otherwise than by separating from your mother and you.

Sophia. Your absence saddened us beyond words.

Starodum (to Pravdin). In order to protect her life from the lack of what she needed, I decided to involuntarily retire for years to the land where money is obtained without exchanging it for conscience, without vile service, without robbing the fatherland; where they demand money from the land itself, which is more just than people, does not know partiality, but pays only for labor faithfully and generously.

Pravdin. You could get rich, as I heard, incomparably more.

Starodum. And for what?

Pravdin. To be rich like others.

Starodum. Rich! Who's rich? Do you know that all of Siberia is not enough for the whims of one person! My friend! Everything is in the imagination. Follow nature, you will never be poor. Follow people's opinions and you will never be rich.

Sophia. Uncle! What a truth you speak!

Starodum. I have gained so much so that during your marriage the poverty of a worthy groom will not stop us.

Sophia. Throughout my life, your will will be my law.

Pravdin. But, having given her away, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to leave her to the children...

Starodm. Children? Leaving wealth to children? Not in my head. If they are smart, they will manage without him; and wealth is no help to a stupid son. I saw fine fellows in golden caftans, but with lead heads. No my friend! Cash is not cash worth. The golden dummy is everyone's dummy.

Pravdin. With all this, we see that money often leads to ranks, ranks usually lead to nobility, and respect is given to the nobility.

Starodum. Respect! Only respect should be flattering to a person - spiritual; and only those who are in rank not by money, and in the nobility not by rank, are worthy of spiritual respect.

Pravdin. Your conclusion is undeniable.

Starodum. Bah! What a noise!<...>

ACT FOUR

SCENE III

Same with the valet.

The valet hands the letter to Starodum.

Starodum. Where?

Valet. From Moscow, by express. (Leaves.)

Starodum (printing it out and looking at the signature). Count Chestan. A! (Starting to read, he looks like his eyes can’t make it out.) Sofiushka! My glasses are on the table, in a book.

Sophia (leaving). Right away, uncle.

PHENOMENA IV

Starodum.

Starodum (one). He, of course, writes to me about the same thing about which he proposed in Moscow. I don't know Milo; but when his uncle is my true friend, when the whole public considers him an honest and worthy person... If her heart is free...

PHENOMENA V

Starodum and Sophia.

Sophia (giving glasses). Found it, uncle.

Starodum (reading). “...I just found out now... he is leading his team to Moscow... He should meet with you... I will be sincerely glad if he sees you... Take the trouble to find out his way of thinking.” (Aside) Of course. Without that, I won’t give her away... “You will find... Your true friend...” Okay. This letter belongs to you. I told you that a young man of commendable qualities has been presented... My words confuse you, my dear friend. I noticed this just now and now I see it. Your trust in me...

Sophia. Can I have something in my heart hidden from you? No, uncle. I'll tell you sincerely...

SCENE VI

The same, Pravdin and Milon.

Pravdin. Let me introduce you to Mr. Milo, my true friend.

Starodum (to the side), Milo!

Milo. I consider it true happiness if I am worthy of your kind opinion, your favors towards me...

Starodum. Isn't Count Chestan related to you?

Milo. He's my uncle.

Starodum. I am very pleased to be acquainted with your qualities. Your uncle told me about you. He gives you all justice. Special dignity...

Milo. This is his mercy to me. At my age and in my position, it would be unforgivable arrogance to consider all this deserved, with which a young man is encouraged by worthy people.

Pravdin. I am sure in advance that my friend will gain your favor if you get to know him better. He often visited the house of your late sister...

Starodum looks back at Sophia.

Sophia (quietly to Starodum and in great timidity). his mother loved him like a son.

Starodum (Sofya). I'm very pleased with this. (To Milo.) I heard that you were in the army. Your fearlessness...

Milo. I did my job. Neither my years, nor my rank, nor my position have yet allowed me to show direct fearlessness, should I have it.

Starodum. How! Being in battles and exposing your life...

Milo. I exposed her like the others. Here courage was such a quality of heart that a soldier is ordered to have by his superior, and an officer is ordered to have honor. I confess to you sincerely that I have never had the opportunity to demonstrate direct fearlessness, but I sincerely wish to test myself.

Starodum. I am extremely curious to know what you believe is direct fearlessness?

Milo. If you allow me to say my thought, I believe true fearlessness is in the soul, and not in the heart. Whoever has it in his soul, without any doubt, has a brave heart. In our military craft, a warrior must be brave, a military leader must be undaunted. He is with cold blood sees all degrees of danger, takes the necessary measures, prefers his glory to life; but most of all, for the benefit and glory of the fatherland, he is not afraid to forget his own glory. His fearlessness, therefore, does not consist in despising his life. He never dares her. He knows how to sacrifice it.

Starodum. Fair. You believe outright fearlessness in a military leader. Is it also characteristic of other conditions?

Milo. She is virtue; there is no investigative condition that could not be distinguished by it. It seems to me that the courage of the heart is proven in the hour of battle, and the fearlessness of the soul in all trials, in all situations of life. And what is the difference between the fearlessness of a soldier who, in an attack, risks his life along with others, and between the fearlessness of a statesman who speaks the truth to the sovereign, refusing to anger him. The judge, who was not afraid of revenge or the threats of the strong, gave justice to the helpless, are heroes in my eyes. How small is the soul of the one who challenges him to a duel for a trifle, compared to the one who stands up for the absent, whose honor is tormented by slanderers in his presence! I understand fearlessness this way...

Starodum. How should someone who has it in their soul understand? Surround me, my friend! Forgive my simple-heartedness. I am a friend of honest people. This feeling is ingrained in my upbringing. In yours I see and honor virtue, adorned with enlightened reason.

Milo. Noble soul!.. No...! I can no longer hide my heartfelt feelings... No. Your virtue brings with its power the whole mystery of my soul. If my heart is virtuous, if it is worth being happy, it depends on you to make it happy. I believe it is to have your dear niece as a wife. Our mutual inclination...

Starodum (to Sophia, with joy). How! Did your heart know how to distinguish the one whom I myself offered you? Here are my fiancé...

Sophia. And I love him heartily.

Starodum. You both deserve each other. (Joining their hands in admiration.) With all my soul I give you my consent.

Milon (embracing Starodum). My happiness is incomparable!

Sophia (kissing Starodumova’s hands). Who could be happier than me!

Pravdin. How sincerely I am glad!

Starodum! My pleasure is indescribable!

Milon (kissing Sophia's hand). This is our moment of prosperity!

Sophia. My heart will love you forever.<...>

ACT FIVE

Scene III

Milon, Pravdin, Mrs. Prostakova, Prostakov and Mitrofan.

Mrs. Prostakova. What a mistress I am in the house! (Pointing to Milo.) A stranger will threaten, my order is nothing!

Prostakov. Am I to blame?

(Together.):
Mitrofan. Take care of people!
Mrs. Prostakova. I don't want to be alive!
Pravdin. The crime, to which I myself am a witness, gives the right to you, as an uncle, and to you, as a groom...

Mrs. Prostakova. To the groom!
Prostakov. We are good! (Together.)
Mitrofan. To hell with everything!

Pravdin. Demand from the government that the offense done to her be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Now I present her before the court as a violator of civil peace.

Mrs. Prostakova (throwing herself on her knees.). Father! Guilty!

PHENOMENA IV

Same with Skotinin.

Skotinin. Well, sister, it was a good joke... EZA! What is this? Our weight is on our knees!

Mrs. Prostakova (kneeling). Ah, my fathers! A fault confessed is half redressed. My sin! Won't you destroy me? (To Sophia.) You are my dear mother, forgive me. Have mercy on me (pointing to my husband and son) and on the poor orphans.

Skotinin. Sister! Are you out of your mind?

Pravdin. Shut up, Skotinin.

Mrs. Prostakova. God will give you well-being with your dear fiancé. What do you want in my head?

Sophia (to Starodum). Uncle, I forget my insult.

Mrs. Prostakova (raising her hands to Starodum). Father! Forgive me too, I am a sinner. After all, I am a man, not an angel.

Starodum. I know, I know that a person cannot be an angel, and there is no need to be a devil.

Milo. Both the crime and her repentance are worthy of contempt.

Pravdin (to Starodum). Your slightest complaint, your one word before the government... and it cannot be saved.

Starodum. I don't want anyone to die. I forgive her.

Everyone jumped to their knees.

Mrs. Prostakova. Forgive me! Ah, father! Well, now I’ll give the dawn to the canals, my people! Now I'll take them all one by one! Now I’ll find out who let her out of his hands!

No, scammers! No, thieves! I will never forgive this ridicule!

Pravdin. Why do you want to punish your people?

Mrs. Prostakova. Ah, father! What kind of question is this? Am I not powerful in my people too?

Pravdin. Do you consider yourself to have the right to fight whenever you want?

Skotinin. Isn't a nobleman free to beat a servant whenever he wants?

Pravdin. Whenever he wants! What kind of hunt is this? You are straight Skotinin! (To Mrs. Prostakova.) No, madam, no one is free to tyrannize.

Mrs. Prostakova. Not free! A nobleman is not free to call upon his servants when he wants! Why have we been given a decree on the freedom of the nobility?

Starodum. A master at interpreting decrees.

Mrs. Prostakova. Please mock; and now I’m killing everyone... (He starts to go.)

Pravdin (stopping her). Stop, madam. (Taking out the paper and speaking in an important voice to Prostakov.) In the name of the government, you are ordered to immediately gather your people and peasants to announce to them a decree that for the inhumanity of your wife, to which your extreme weakness of mind allowed her, the government commands me to take custody of your house and villages .<...>

APPEARANCE V

Ms. Prostakova, Starodum, Pravdin, Mitrofan, Sofya, Eremeevna.

Mrs. Prostakova (to Pravdin). Father, don’t destroy me, what did you get? Is it possible to somehow cancel the decree? Are all decrees being implemented?

Pravdin. I will not step down from my position in any way.

Mrs. Prostakova. Give me at least three days. (Aside) I would make myself known...

Pravdin. Not for three hours.

Starodum. Yes, my friend! Even in three hours she can do so much mischief that you can’t help it with a century.

Mrs. Prostakova. How can you, father, get into the details yourself?

Pravdin. It's my business. Someone else's property will be returned to its owners, and...

Mrs. Prostakova. How about getting rid of debts?.. Teachers are underpaid...

Pravdin, Teachers? (Eremeevna.) Are they here? Enter them here.

Eremeevna. The tea that arrived. And what about the German, my father?..

Pravdin. Call everyone.

Eremeevna leaves.

Pravdin. Don't worry about anything, madam, I will please everyone.

Starodum (seeing Mrs. Prostakova in anguish). Madam! You will feel better about yourself, having lost the power to do bad things to others.

Mrs. Prostakova. Thankful for the mercy! Where am I good for when in my house my hands and will have no power!

SCENE VI

The same ones, Eremeevna, Vralman, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin.

Eremeevna (introducing the teachers to Pravdin). That's all our bastard for you, my father.

Vralman (to Pravdin). Your fisoko-and-plahorody. They fooled me to ask for it?..

Kuteikin (to Pravdin). The call came and came.

Tsyfirkin (to Pravdin). What will the order be, your honor?

Starodum (since Vralman arrives he peers at him). Bah! It's you. Vralman?

Vralman (recognizing Starodum). Ay! ah! ah! ah! It's you, my gracious master! (Kissing the floor of Starodum.) Are you going to cheat the old lady, my dear fellow?

Pravdin. How? Is he familiar to you?

Starodum. How come I don’t know you? He was my coachman for three years.

Everyone shows surprise.

Pravdin. Quite a teacher!

Starodum. Are you a teacher here? Vralman! I thought, really, that you are a kind person and you won’t bother about anything that’s not your own.

Vralman. What are you saying, my father? I’m not the first, I’m not the last. For three months in Moscow I was staggering around the place, kutsher nihte not nata. I got a lipo with a holot to measure, a lipo earplug...

Pravdin (to the teachers). By the will of the government, having become a non-kun over the local house, I am letting you go.

Tsyfirkin. Better not.

Kuteikin. Are you willing to let go? Yes, let's get upset first...

Pravdin. What do you need?

Kuteikin. No, dear sir, my account is very large. For six months for studying, for shoes that you wore out at the age of three, for the downtime that you came here, it happened, in vain, for...

Mrs. Prostakova. Insatiable soul! Kuteikin! For this?

Pravdin. Do not interfere, madam, I beg you.

Mrs. Prostakova. Come to think of it, what did Mitrofanushka teach?

Kuteikin. It's his business. Not mine.

Pravdin (to Kuteikin). Okay, okay, (to Tsyfirkin.) Is it too much to pay you?

Tsyfirkin. To me? Nothing.

Mrs. Prostakova. For one year, father, he was owed ten rubles, and for another year he was not paid a half ruble.

Tsyfirkin. So: with those ten rubles I wore out my boots for two years. We're even.

Pravdin. What about studying?

Tsyfirkin. Nothing.

Starodum. Like nothing?

Tsyfirkin. I won't take anything. He didn't adopt anything.

Starodum. However, you still have to pay less.

Tsyfirkin. You're welcome. I served the sovereign for more than twenty years. I took money for service, I didn’t take it for nothing and I won’t take it.

Starodum. What a good man!

Starodum and Milon take money out of their wallets.

True Aren't you ashamed, Kuteikin?

Kuteikin (downing his head). Shame on you, damned one.

Starodum (to Tsyfirkin). Here's to you, my friend, for your kind soul.

Tsyfirkin. Thank you, Your Highness. Thankful. You are free to give me. I myself, without deserving it, will not demand a century.

Milo. (giving him money). Here's more for you, my friend!

Tsyfnrkin. And thanks again.

Pravdin also gives him money.

Tsyfirkin. Why, your honor, are you complaining?

Pravdin. Because you are not like Kuteikin.

Tsyfirkin. AND! Your Honor. I'm a soldier.

Pravdin (to Tsyfirkin). Come on, my friend, with God.
Tsyfirkin leaves.

Pravdin. And you, Kuteikia. Perhaps come here tomorrow and take the trouble to settle accounts with the lady herself.

Kuteikin (running out). With myself! I'm giving up on everything.

Vralman (to Starodum). Starofa hearing is not ostafte, fashe fysokorotie. Take me back to the sepa.

Starodum. Yes, Vralman, I guess, have you fallen behind the horses?

Vralman. Hey, no, my dad! Shiuchi with great hospotam, it concerned me that I was with horses.

SCENE VII

Same with the valet.

Valet (to Starodum). Your carriage is ready.

Vralman. Will you kill me off this day? And Starodum. Go sit on the goats.

Vralman leaves.

THE LAST PHENOMENON

Ms. Prostakova, Starodum, Milon, Sofya, Pravdin, Mitrofan, Eremeevna.

Starodym (to Pravdin, hold the hands of Sophia and Milon). Well, my friend! We go. Wish us...

Pravdin. All the happiness to which honest hearts are entitled.

Mrs. Prostakova (rushing to hug her son). You are the only one left with me, my dear friend, Mitrofanushka!

Mntrofan. Let go, mother, how you imposed yourself...

Mrs. Prostakova. And you! And you leave me! A! ungrateful! (She fainted.)

Sophia (running up to her). My God! She has no memory.

Starodum (Sofya). Help her, help her.

Sofya and Eremeevna are helping.

Pravdin (to Mitrofan). Scoundrel! Should you be rude to your mother? It was her crazy love for you that brought her the most misfortune.

Mitrofan. It's like she doesn't know...

Pravdin. Rude!

Starodum (Eremeevne). What is she now? What?

Eremeevna (looking intently at Mrs. Prostakova and clasping her hands). He will wake up, my father, he will wake up.

Pravdin (to Mitrofan). With you, my friend, I know what to do. Let's go serve...

Mitrofan (waving his hand). For me, where they tell me to go.

Mrs. Prostakova (waking up in despair).

I'm completely lost! My power has been taken away! You can’t show your eyes anywhere out of shame! I don't have a son!

Starodum (pointing to Ms. Prostakova). These are the fruits worthy of evil!

THE END OF COMEDY.

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