STEP ONE

The action of the play "Woe from Wit" begins in the morning in the house of Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov. The maid Lisa wakes up and complains that she did not sleep well. The fact is that Sofia, Famusov's daughter, was expecting a friend to visit at night - Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin, Famusov's secretary. Lisa had to make sure that Famusov did not find out about this.

Lisa knocks on the door of the mistress's room, asking her to hurry up and say goodbye to Molchalin, because soon everyone in the house will wake up. Famusov finds her doing this and starts flirting with her. Lisa tells the owner that she is afraid that someone will come in, for example Sophia, who has just fallen asleep because she has been reading all night. Famusov wonders how you can read all night, because he falls asleep from reading. Then he leaves.

Lisa reproaches Sophia for being too careful while she says goodbye to Molchalin. At this moment Famusov enters. He wonders why Molchalin came so early.

He replies that he has just returned from a walk. Famusov scolds his daughter for being nice to a young man at such an hour. After all, he so cared about her upbringing after the death of her mother and is himself the best example of morality.

Sophia says that she had a dream: as if she was walking in a meadow, and a young man appeared to her - modest, smart, poor. Suddenly they found themselves In a dark room, and some forces, together with her father, want to separate Sophia and this young man… At this point, the dream was interrupted. Famusov advises her to put all kinds of nonsense out of her head and leaves with Molchalin.

Lisa asks Sofia to be careful. She believes that the father will not agree to the marriage of his daughter with Molchalin, because he is poor and ignorant. The best match for Sophia is Colonel Sergey Sergeevich Skalozub. Sophia says that she will never agree to this union: “I don’t care what for him, what’s in the water.” Lisa recalls Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, who was brought up in the Famusov house and with whom Sofia grew up together.

Sophia says that Chatsky has gone far and does not give any news about himself. Molchalin is nearby, he is helpful, modest, quiet and timid. Here Chatsky himself appears. He has just returned from abroad, where he spent three years. Chatsky is happy to meet, but surprised by Sophia's coldness. He asks if she is in love with someone. In a conversation with Famusov, Chatsky admires Sophia.

ACT TWO

Famusov asks the servant to give him a calendar and remembers which houses and which noble people he should visit this week. Chatsky appears. He is interested in what Famusov would answer if he wooed Sophia. Famusov says that first you need to serve and get a rank.

The ability to curry favor Famusov considers the most useful. He is proud of his uncle Maxim Petrovich, his wealth and orders. Maxim Petrovich, like no one else, knew how to curry favor, which won the praise and favor of the Empress herself. He fell on purpose, which caused her laughter, and for this he was called to receptions more often than others, received a solid pension and universal honor.

Chatsky despises servility and accuses Famusov and others like him of judging a person by rank and wealth. Famusov is afraid because of Chatsky's disrespect for those in power.

Skalozub comes to Famusov. Famusov respects him very much: after all, Skalozub has been serving recently, and already a colonel. He fawns over Skalozub and tries to please him. Famusov wonders if Skalozub is going to get married. They remember the cousin Skalozub, who had 'career prospects, but suddenly dropped everything and retired to the village.

Chatsky joins the conversation. He stigmatizes a society where only rank and wealth are valued, and condemns landowners who treat their serfs like property. Admiration for the uniform causes him contempt and indignation.

Sophia appears, frightened that Molchalin fell off his horse. She faints. Skalozub leaves to help Molchalin. Lisa and Chatsky bring Sophia to her senses. Everything is fine with Molchalin. But Chatsky understands who is busy
Sophia's heart

Enter Skalozub and Molchalin, who only bruised his hand. Skalozub promises to come in the evening. He and Chatsky are removed.

Molchalin reproaches Sofia for imprudence and excessive frankness, but the heroine is not worried about the opinions of others. Molchalin is most afraid of "evil tongues". Sophia promises to pretend to her father that she is cheerful and carefree in order to lull his vigilance. She leaves, and Molchalin, left alone with Lisa, begins to flirt with her, promises her gifts in exchange for favor. Lisa accuses him of duplicity.

ACT THREE

Chatsky is trying to find out from Sofia who is more to her heart - Molchalin or Skalozub. Sofia does not answer directly, saying that she appreciates Molchalin for his meekness and modesty. Chatsky mocks Molchalin and does not understand how one can admire such a person.

Chatsky talks with Molchalin to get to know him better. Molchalin is proud of such qualities as "moderation and accuracy." He boasts of his wealthy and noble patrons. Chatsky ridicules such life principles.

A ball is scheduled for the evening at the Famusovs' house. Guests arrive. These are the Gorichi spouses, the Tugoukhovsky family, Countess Khryumina with her granddaughter, the old woman Khlestova - rich and influential people. The guests are talking.

Chatsky is familiar with Gorichi - cutesy and flirtatious Natalia Dmitrievna and bored Platon Mikhailovich. He is unpleasantly surprised by how Platon Mikhailovich, a former brave military man, and now a lazy and submissive husband, has changed.

Ladies praise each other's outfits and ask which of the male guests is not married and whether the potential groom has rank and fortune. Anton Antonovich Zagoretsky, one of the guests, flatters the ladies and tries to please them. Platon Mikhailovich calls him a swindler.

The old woman Khlestova boasts of her new Arapka maid. Famusov is kind to the guests. Skalozub arrives. Molchalin praises Khlestova's dog, which deserves her approval.

Chatsky's behavior is not respectful. He is mocking, ironic, impudent with everyone. Everyone is outraged by his behavior. Molchalin's helpfulness evokes Chatsky's ridicule. Sofia is angry with him. Her accidentally dropped phrase that Chatsky is "out of his mind" instantly spreads among the guests.

Zagoretsky helps to ensure that all the invitees know about Chatsky's madness. The imaginary madness of Chatsky became the main event of the evening. Chatsky is uncomfortable among the guests. He says he is unhappy with Moscow and reflects on meeting a Frenchman who, once in Russia, feels at home.

Chatsky resents foreign influence in Russia and the worship of everything French:

But our North is a hundred times worse for me
Since I gave everything in exchange
in a new way:
And customs, and language, and holy antiquity,
And stately clothes for another ...

ACT FOUR

Ball ends. The guests are leaving. Chatsky is also going to leave Famusov's house. He does not understand why he was considered crazy and who started this rumor.

Chatsky accidentally witnesses Lisa's conversation with Molchalin. It turns out that Molchalin is not going to marry Sophia and that he does not love her.

He likes Lisa much more, and he takes care of Sophia only because she is Famusov's daughter. Sofia overhears this conversation. Molchalin tries to beg her forgiveness. But she tells him to leave the house immediately, otherwise she will tell her father about everything.

Chatsky appears. He rebukes Sofia. She justifies herself that she did not suspect such meanness and deceit in Molchalin. Famusov enters. From his speeches, Chatsky understands who first called him crazy. Famusov is indignant and threatens to send his daughter to the village.

Chatsky is disappointed. His hopes were not justified, and his best feelings were offended. He blames Sophia for keeping him convinced of her love. But now he does not regret their breakup. And there is no place for him in Moscow. He's leaving here forever.

HISTORY OF CREATION AND MEANING OF THE TITLE

Woe from Wit is a comedy in verse, the first realistic work of Russian literature. The idea for the play came from A. Griboyedov as early as 1820. By this time, he had already written other dramatic works.

Work on the text began in Tiflis after the return of the writer from Persia. In the summer of 1823, the first version of the play was completed, but it was still far from completion. In 1825 excerpts from Acts 1 and 3 of the comedy were printed. However, the author did not receive permission to stage in the theater. Despite this, the comedy was distributed in the lists and became widely known among the enlightened intelligentsia, who enthusiastically accepted the work. Woe from Wit was first published with large cuts in 1833, and in full only in 1861.

Initially, A. Griboyedov conceived to name the comedy "Woe to the mind." In this case, the meaning of the work would be transparent: Chatsky, an intelligent person, is opposed to the surrounding society, but in the end is rejected by him. The meaning of the name would boil down to the following: woe to an intelligent person among narrow-minded and narrow-minded people. But the author, choosing a different title, changed the meaning of the work.

Chatsky, who considers himself a smart person, often behaves stupidly and does not notice the obvious (he cannot believe that Sofia is in love with Molchalin, does not understand that others are laughing at him). From the point of view of Famusov and his guests, Chatsky is stupid (he does not know how to adapt, he is not ready to lie, flatter, trick, does not use his abilities to succeed). He even passed for a madman, which all the characters in the work willingly believed. But the concept of the mind for A. Griboedov does not include prudence (in this sense, Famusov can also be called smart), but implies freethinking, enlightening views, new, different from the established ones. Chatsky denounces the vices of the patriarchal society and opposes himself to it. From this all his troubles.

Chatsky suffers not so much from his mind, but from his own desire to change the world, to make it better. Therefore, he is comical in the Famus society. The author himself, who defined the genre of his work as a comedy, ironically over what is happening.

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Traditionally, the genre of "Woe from Wit" is defined as a comedy in verse. Formally, the play corresponds to the principles of a classical dramatic work. The action takes place in one place within one day. The characters are clearly divided into positive and negative, the position of the author is transparent, and his sympathies are immediately guessed. The plot is based on a love affair. However, comedy has become innovative in many ways. Public conflict relegates love affair to the background. The play raises many serious questions that can cause heated debate and give rise to deep thoughts. Therefore, the work combines the features of both a comedy of characters, and an everyday comedy, and a satirical work.

The play is indeed a comedy. There are comic characters and situations here. The comedy is also based on the discrepancy between the character's idea of ​​himself and who he really is. So, Skalozub imagines himself significant and important, but in fact he is limited and narrow-minded. Myself the protagonist not comical. Chatsky, who was in the minority, seems defeated and misunderstood. He must back off, at least for a while. In the finale, there is no triumph of the positive hero, which is mandatory for a classic comedy: vice must be defeated by virtue.

The characters depicted by Griboyedov are close to real people. They are not as unambiguous as they seem at first glance. Each of them is endowed with both positive and negative qualities. For example, Sophia, a positive heroine and beloved of Chatsky, undoubtedly evokes sympathy. At the same time, she constantly lies, is carried away by Molchalin, realizing his insignificance. Famusov, Chatsky's ideological opponent, does not seem to be a sharply negative character. His disagreement with the ideas of Chatsky is determined by his upbringing and lifestyle, that is, by another generation.

Chatsky himself, the only positive character, cannot but arouse sympathy and slight condescension due to the fact that he does not understand the meaninglessness of his tirades in front of Moscow society. Thus, the play, which is based on the comedy of manners, is a mixture of several genres.

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PROBLEMS

The play touches on the most pressing issues that worried the enlightened society of that time: the plight of the Russian people, serfdom, autocratic power, the level of education of society, the principles of educating the younger generation, servility, bribery, etc. A real dispute unfolds between the characters about the meaning of education, the appointment of teachers , the need for knowledge. For Famusov, teachers are "tramps", he does not see the need to educate children and care too much about their development. Chatsky criticizes low level education of the Moscow nobility, understanding its superficiality and formality. The work depicts pictures of landlord arbitrariness in relation to serfs. One gentleman, like Famusov, traded a crowd of faithful servants for three greyhounds, another sells peasants, separating parents and children.

The old woman Khlestova, showing off her new Arapka maid, tells how she made this acquisition. At the same time, she is incredibly gentle with the dog. Chatsky is outraged that the landlords perceive the servants as useful things. Service attitudes are also subject to controversy. Famusov perceives his official duties formally, without delving into the details and not being interested in the details. Molchalin, on the other hand, wants to curry favor and treats Famusov's service as a means of achieving his own selfish goals. Chatsky does not recognize this approach to his duties. He believes that it is necessary to serve the cause, for the good of the Fatherland, and not for the sake of rank, the praise of his own boss or the approval of society. But not only social phenomena give rise to Chatsky's critical statements.

Personal and family relations, characteristic of a noble society, are also not accepted by him. The marital relations of the Gorichs seem artificial to Chatsky and evoke his irony. The fact that Platon Mikhailovich was under the heel of his wife is incomprehensible to Chatsky. Relations between Sophia and Molchalin could line up in a similar way. Husband's absence own opinion, external humility, constant boredom cannot cause positive emotions in the hero. Chatsky turned out to be the spokesman for the views of that part of the enlightened intelligentsia that did not want to put up with the established way of life.

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FEATURES OF THE CONFLICT

There are two lines in the work - love and social. The love conflict lies on the surface, and the work begins with it. Chatsky wants to marry Sophia, but is faced with a cold attitude from her father. He learns about another contender for Sophia's hand, more worthy, according to Famusov, Skalozub. In addition to him, there is Molchalin, who clearly enjoys the favor of Sofia herself.

The love affair is presented rather superficially. We do not observe the collision and struggle of Chatsky with his rival for the location of Sofia. And the final departure of the hero is connected not only with love failure. The peculiarity of the conflict of the play is that, having started as a love story, it develops into a public one. The heroes are divided into two unequal camps: the entire Famus Moscow and Chatsky himself. Famusov and his entourage are supporters of patriarchal traditions, the usual way of life.

In Famusov's house, everything is built on pretense: Sofia hides her love for Molchalin, Famusov puts on a virtuous look, Molchalin pretends to love Sofia, although he does it out of selfish motives. Famusova supports great amount characters are his allies. These are household members, guests, and even heroes who are simply mentioned, but who do not participate in the action. Due to this, the play turns out to be quite densely “populated” with characters, although the main action is connected with members of the same family. The very number of characters opposed to Chatsky speaks of the inequality of forces involved in the conflict. Chatsky is alone, and this is his tragedy.

The social conflict culminates in a scene at a ball in Famusov's house, when Chatsky is an outcast not only because of his views and impudent speeches, but because of imaginary madness. Other heroes readily believe in his madness. This turned out to be much more convenient to explain Chatsky's behavior than to delve into his speech and try to understand him. Thus, all the actions of Chatsky automatically become meaningless to others. The main conflict of the play is the clash of new progressive views in the person of Chatsky with the old patriarchal world of lordly Moscow.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF CHATSKY

The young nobleman Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, after spending three years outside Russia, returns to Moscow, to the house of Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov, where he was brought up after the death of his parents. Recalling Chatsky, Liza says: But be a military man, be he a civilian, Who is so sensitive, and cheerful, and sharp, Like Alexander Andreyich Chatsky! And Sofia adds: "Sharp, smart, eloquent."

Chatsky is ardent and hot, he appears before Sophia like a whirlwind and immediately disturbs the calmness of the inhabitants of the Famusovsky house. His loud and ardent speech, stormy joy, laughter, sincerity are out of place here. The impetuousness and enthusiasm of Chatsky confuses other heroes. From the lips of Famusov sound the words: “a dangerous person”, “does not recognize the authorities”, “freedom wants to preach”. Chatsky is dangerous in a society where you have to curry favor, pretend and lie. Chatsky's speech, first of all, testifies to his education and erudition. He quotes Derzhavin (And the smoke of the Fatherland is sweet and pleasant for us!), He refers to the images of world literature (Minerva, Amur, Nestor), in his speech there are both old Slavonicisms and high-style words (hungering, searching, daviche), and romantic pathetic expressions (I love you without memory, I am at your feet). Chatsky's speech is emotional, rich in comparisons, metaphors, combines sublime and purely colloquial vocabulary (black-haired, hoarse, strangled).

Chatsky's views are characteristic of an advanced person. They may seem idealistic and naive. Chatsky believes that it is necessary to serve the cause, and not the boss, that origin and wealth do not make a person better, and superficial education is smarter. The mind tells Chatsky that it is necessary to escape from Famusov's house, but the heart speaks of love for Sofia. He cannot come to terms with her attachment to Molchalin. It is not clear to Chatsky what such a smart girl found in Molchalin, how could she fall in love with such an insignificant and petty person, such an empty person.

Chatsky is a man of action, an enthusiast, energetic and active. But in Famusov's Moscow, no one needs him, because his ideas do not find a response, he only interferes, tries to disrupt the usual way of life.

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FAMUSOV CHARACTERISTICS

Famusov Pavel Afanasyevich - manager in a government place, Sophia's father, widower. The whole action of the comedy takes place in his house. Famusov is an opponent of enlightenment.

Everything new and progressive is perceived as hostile to them. This is a threat to his well-being and measured life. He calls teachers “tramps” and does not understand why they are hired at all: We take tramps both to the house and on tickets, To teach our daughters everything, everything, And dances, and laziness, and tenderness, and sighs, As if we are preparing them for wives buffoons. Books make him sad and sleepy: She can't sleep from French books, And it hurts me to sleep from Russians. Famusov selects a groom for his daughter, based solely on his position in society and wealth (I wish he had a son-in-law with stars and ranks ...). Wealthy Colonel Skalozub is an ideal candidate for suitors. Famusov says to his daughter: Whoever is poor is not a match for you. Only rich and noble people are invited to Famusov's ball.

The hero, himself not very well-born, is concerned about his own position in society. After the scandal with Molchalin, Famusov most of all laments what Princess Marya Aleksevna will say! Famusov is a hypocrite and a hypocrite. Inspiring his daughter with high moral ideals and positioning himself as a champion of morality, he flirts with the maid Liza, who tries to laugh it off:

Famusov treats the service formally, without delving into the details and not being interested in the details. Getting a rank is the main goal of the service. He does not even think about the benefit to society and the Fatherland: And what matters to me, what does not matter, My custom is this: Signed, so off my shoulders. Famusov is a representative of the patriarchal Moscow nobility. His views on education, education, behavior in society, attitude to service were typical for most nobles and landowners of that time.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF PUPPERS

Skalozub Sergey Sergeevich - Colonel, a good friend of Famusov, a candidate for Sofia's suitor. He is still young, but already has a rank. In addition, he is very rich: Here, for example, Colonel Skalozub: And a golden bag, and aims for generals. When Skalozub appears in Famusov's house, the owner begins to fawn on him and fawn: Sergey Sergeyevich, dear, Put down your hat, take off your sword, Here's a sofa for you, spread yourself out on your bed.

The puffer has all the qualities for an ideal groom. He is solid, noble, rich, has an enviable rank, prospects. However, rank is the only goal that Skalozub strives for: Yes, in order to get ranks, there are many channels; About them as a true philosopher, I judge, I just would have got into the generals. The puffer is limited and coarse. This is an example of a real martinet. Sophia is horrified at the thought that he could be her fiancé: How sweet! and fun to me fear To listen about the front and the ranks. He never uttered a clever word, - I don't care what for him, what's in the water. Skalozub is opposed by another representative of the army class. Together with Famusov, they discuss Skalozub's cousin, also a military man. He was the same campaigner as Skalozub, received awards and ranks.

However, he suddenly left the service and retired to the village: Chin followed him: he suddenly left the service, In the village he began to read books. Skalozub and Famusov are sincerely surprised and do not understand why the person suddenly left a promising career, retired, began to read books, to think. Famusov is perplexed by the behavior of Skalozub's relative, but wholeheartedly approves of the behavior of Sergei Sergeevich himself: Here is youth! - read! .. and then grab it! .. You behaved properly, For a long time, colonels, but you serve recently. Such decisions in the society of Famusov and Skalozub are unacceptable. The image of Skalozub is satirical. He personifies the imperial army with its retrograde orders, drill, servility and blind obedience.

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CHARACTERISTIC MOLCHALIN

Molchalin Alexei Stepanovich is a young man, Famusov's secretary, who lives in his house. Taken by Famusov (although he tries to accommodate only relatives and friends) from Tver for diligence and accuracy. The surname Molchalin speaks for itself: to be silent is his main quality, which, nevertheless, hides many other negative features.

Molchalin courts Sophia because of her father's position and connections. He deftly deceives the girl, posing as a sensitive and timid young man: Molchalin is ready to forget himself for others, The enemy of insolence, always shyly, timidly, Who can you spend the whole night with? We sit, and the yard has long turned white ... Molchalin's shyness is opposed to Chatsky's vehemence, which frightens and embarrasses Sofia. Molchalin, on the contrary, is quiet, modest, sentimental: He takes his hand, presses it to his heart, He sighs from the depths of his soul, Not a free word, and so the whole night passes, hand in hand, and his eyes do not take his eyes off me ... Chatsky refers to Molchalin with ridicule and slight contempt, not perceiving him as a rival in the struggle for the girl's heart: It used to be that songs where brand new notebooks He sees, rises: please write off. And by the way, he will reach the known levels, After all, now they love the dumb.

At the ball, Molchalin shows his helpfulness to Famusov's noble guests, which causes Chatsky's contempt. In the actions of Molchalin, his admiration for rank and wealth is manifested. True face The reader sees Molchalin in the scenes when he is alone with Lisa. He is no longer shy and admits why he is caring for Sophia, outlining his philosophy of life: My father bequeathed to me: First, to please all people without exception, the Master, where I happen to live, the Chief, with whom I will serve, his Servant, who cleans dress, the doorman, the janitor, to avoid evil, the janitor's dog, so that it was affectionate. Upon learning of the duplicity of Molchalin, Sofia drives him away.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF SOFIA

Sofia Pavlovna Famusova - Famusov's daughter, a young girl. She secretly meets with her father's secretary Molchalin, attracted by his ostentatious modesty and helpfulness. Chatsky notes that Sophia has become very prettier, but not only this attracts Chatsky. The heroine herself is not distinguished by shyness and meek disposition. Sophia is smart, resourceful, brave. She is not afraid to show her feelings for Molchalin, but she tries to hide them from her father. Sofia has strong character, intelligence, sense of humour.

This is a passionate, ardent and disinterested nature. She is not interested in the rich Puffer. Sofia is in love with Molchalin, although he has neither a title nor a fortune. She is not afraid of public condemnation, she is open and sincere in her feelings. At the same time, Sophia is a product of the Famus society. Lies and hypocrisy are the atmosphere in which she grew up. Realizing that Molchalin will never be accepted by her father as a groom, she hides her love. Sophia adapts to the environment in which she lives. She hides her lover, lies to her father, avoids explanations with Chatsky. Probably, brought up in an atmosphere of patriarchal life, Sophia could not have grown up differently. She did not receive a deep and comprehensive education (although she loves to read).

The days of the heroine were occupied by endless balls and dances in the company of people like Famusov's guests. Sophia's character was formed in an atmosphere of lies and pretense. Even after learning about the duplicity of Molchalin, Sofia orders him to leave, while no one has found out anything. She rejoices that she revealed the truth under the cover of night, without witnesses: She herself is pleased that she found out everything at night, There are no reproachful witnesses in her eyes, Like a daviche, when I fainted, Chatsky was here ...

It is Sofia who, out of anger, spreads a rumor about Chatsky's madness, throwing a careless phrase: "He's out of his mind." It was she who contributed to his alienation from the whole society, all guests, without exception, turn away from him. Even Sophia, by nature positive, benevolent and honest, is unable to understand Chatsky and respond to calls, be inspired by his ideas.

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FAMUSOVSKAYA MOSCOW

The play reflects the irreconcilable struggle between the conservative local nobility and bureaucracy, on the one hand, and the progressive intelligentsia, on the other. Barskaya Moscow is presented not only in the images of Famusov, Skalozub and Molchalin. A string of images of Famusov's guests flashes before us: Gorichi, princes Tugoukhovsky, Countess Khryumina with her granddaughter, old Khlestova.

They gather at Famusov's for a ball. Here they are proud of a noble family, they boast of ranks and titles. Ladies are coquettish and cutesy, mothers are looking for potential suitors for their daughters. Old women are grouchy and arrogant. Natalya Dmitrievna conducts secular conversations with Chatsky. Her husband is a reason to brag, an object that is pleasant to flaunt. Platon Mikhailovich, whom Chatsky knew before, now spends his time in idleness and boredom. Princesses Tugoukhovskaya are looking after the suitors. Khlestova grumbles and teaches everyone. This is patriarchal Moscow, accustomed to living the way its fathers bequeathed: leisurely, habitually, in the old way. And Chatsky, with his ideas, is not able to change the established way of life for centuries.

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THE LANGUAGE OF COMEDY

In the play "Woe from Wit" A. Griboedov turned out to be a true innovator in relation to the language. Language becomes a means of characterizing images. Correct speech Chatsky is betrayed by his education, at the same time interspersed with well-aimed and vivid colloquial words, reinforcing the ironic nature of his statements. Only Chatsky is characterized by monologues that are in the nature of sermons. They characterize the hero as a skillful speaker. The main participant in the disputes with Chatsky is Famusov. His lines are quite long, which emphasizes his talkativeness.

Famusov is rude to his subordinates, addresses them as you, and with Skalozub he is unctuously kind. Sophia's romanticism is emphasized by high-style words that could be borrowed from sentimental novels. Skalozub's speech is rich in "army" vocabulary, which determines not only his type of activity, but also his limitations and inertia. Molchalin kindly and obsequiously adds a particle -s to the words (short for the word sir). Most of the comedy characters have become household names, and many of their lines have become part of our everyday speech.

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A PLAY IN RUSSIAN CRITICISM

The comedy "Woe from Wit" was incredibly popular with its contemporaries and undoubtedly had a huge impact on all Russian literature. The work caused a lot of responses and criticisms. A. Pushkin was one of the first to express his opinion about comedy in a letter to A. Bestuzhev (1825). He writes that Griboyedov's goal was to depict a picture of morals. The only smart actor Griboedov himself appears in the work. Chatsky, ardent, noble and kind, “adopted” the thoughts and satirical remarks of the writer.

Pushkin refuses Chatsky's mind, because he wastes words and feelings in front of people like Famusov, Skalozub and Molchalin. At the same time, the poet notes the true talent of the creator of the play. One of the most profound analyzes of the play is presented in I. Goncharov's article "A Million of Torments" (1871). The author writes that the play "is distinguished by its youthfulness, freshness and< … >survivability." He pays special attention to the image of Chatsky, without whom "there would be no comedy itself, but, perhaps, there would be a picture of morals." Goncharov considers him not only smarter than other heroes. He writes that Chatsky is "positively intelligent."

In addition to the mind, the hero has a sensitive heart. At the same time, Chatsky is "impeccably honest." He is active, and in this he is better than Onegin and Pechorin. The critic notes that the comedy, which began with a love affair, develops into a clash of two worldviews: "the century of the past" and "the century of the present." As a result of this unequal struggle, Chatsky received his “million of torments”. He is forced to leave without finding sympathy. Goncharov analyzes in detail emotional condition Chatsky, noting his internal tension throughout the action. The hero's witticisms become more and more bilious, and the remarks become more caustic. The unequal struggle with the Famus society exhausted him. “He, like a wounded man, gathers all his strength, makes a challenge to the crowd - and strikes at everyone - but he did not have enough power against the united enemy.”

Chatsky is the most lively image in the work. This is a strong and deep nature that cannot be exhausted in comedy. This is a suffering character. “This is the role of all the Chatskys, although at the same time it is always victorious.” Unaware of their victory, such people "only sow, but others reap - and this is their main suffering, that is, the hopelessness of success." great attention Goncharov devotes himself to the ball scene in Famusov's house. Here is a real comedy - scenes from Moscow life. Sophia, according to Goncharov, is not so to blame for what is happening. He pays tribute to her good instincts, her ardor, tenderness.

Goncharov's sympathies are clearly on the side of the heroine. No wonder he compares her with Tatyana Larina. Sophia, like Tatyana, begins an affair herself and is just as passionate about the first love feeling. Goncharov explains the choice of Sofia Molchalin solely by chance. Sophia's trouble is in her upbringing, typical for a girl of noble birth of that time. Goncharov's article notes the bright and original language of the play, which distinguishes it from other works. Such plays "the audience knows by heart", so the actors in the theater should pay special attention to the manner of pronunciation of the lines. In conclusion, I. Goncharov describes in detail the acting of the actors, analyzes the staging of the play and gives instructions for those who will play in the next performances.

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APHORISMS GRIBOYEDOV

Chatsky: There is still a mixture of languages: French with Nizhny Novgorod? After all, today they love the dumb. The legend is fresh, but hard to believe ... I would be glad to serve, it is sickening to serve. Ranks are given by people, And people can be deceived. Houses are new, but prejudices are old. And who are the judges? Women shouted: hurrah! And they threw caps into the air! Get out of Moscow! I don't come here anymore. Carriage for me, carriage! Famusov: What kind of commission, creator, To be a father to an adult daughter!

Teaching is a plague ... If evil is to be cut: Take away all the books and burn them. Hey, tie a knot in memory, I asked you to be silent, not a great service. Sofia: Happy hours are not observed. Molchalin: At my age, you should not dare to have your own judgment. Ah, evil tongues are worse than a gun. Liza: Bypass us more than all sorrows And the lord's anger, and the lord's love.

The third act of Alexander Griboyedov's play "Woe from Wit" begins in the house of the nobleman Famusov with a conversation between a pretty young lady Sofya Pavlovna Famusova and an educated and eloquent nobleman Alexander Andreyevich Chatsky.

At first, Chatsky is tormented by doubts about who is still dear to the heart of his beloved, and then, when Sophia enters, a stormy explanation takes place between them. Chatsky tries to find out from Sophia the name of her new lover, along the way confessing to her passionate love. At this point in the play, Sophia just hints to Chatsky about the uselessness and even harmfulness to the life of his mind, his defiant speeches, and sets Molchalin as an example to him, as a model of humility, tolerance, compliance, modesty. Sophia admits Molchalin's lack of a brilliant mind, however, says that for family life the mind is just not required, since it is only a source of unrest and unnecessary worries.

Chatsky, on the other hand, sees all the listed virtues of Molchalin in a completely different light; for him, Molchalin is simply an insensitive, obsequious and dumb fool, incapable of either his own judgments or deep emotions. Just in this conversation, Chatsky tells Sophia that he is going crazy with love for her, and for the first time she voices the idea that she drove him crazy. Then there is a discussion of the candidates for the suitors of Sergei Sergeevich Skalozub, about whom Chatsky, like Molchalin, cannot speak without mockery and irony. Sophia just says about him that he is "the hero of not my novel." Then the young lady leaves, and Molchalin enters.

An interesting conversation takes place between young people, which is almost all dispersed into well-known quotes.

Molchalin announces to Chatsky his two main talents: "moderation and accuracy", which makes him laugh and hail witticisms.

Then Molchalin asks Chatsky why he does not have any significant ranks, to which Chatsky answers him that "ranks are given by people, but people can be deceived." Then Molchalin kicks Chatsky that he does not go to a certain Tatyana Yuryevna to seek patronage and favor in the service, to which Chatsky answers him that, of course, he goes to women, but not for this. Then the men discuss the writings of a certain Foma Fomich, whom Molchalin considers a genius of the pen, and Chatsky considers an empty and useless person.

From the conversation, the reader understands that for Chatsky there are no authorities, he judges people solely by their merits, and not by rank and wealth, while for Molchalin a high rank is already a sign of the greatest talents and virtues, and the personal qualities of its owner are not play no role.

In addition, Molchalin declares that "one must depend on others," and "one must not dare to have one's own judgment," which infuriates Chatsky.

After that, guests come to Famusov's house for the ball. The first to arrive are Natalya Dmitrievna and Platon Mikhailovich Gorichev, with whom Chatsky is having a nostalgic conversation. Then the prince and princess Tugoukhovsky arrive with six daughters, who at first consider Chatsky as a promising groom for their daughters, however, having learned that he is not noble and not rich, they immediately forget about him.

Following is the countess, grandmother and granddaughter Khryumina. The granddaughter and Chatsky also have a conversation in which she extols everything foreign, both fashion and milliners, and Chatsky answers her that everything domestic is much more original. Then Zagoretsky arrives, a "swindler" and "rogue", as Platon Mikhailovich characterizes him.

The last to arrive is the old woman Khlestova, a grump and a gossip, who, after talking with all the guests, remains dissatisfied, and only Molchalin causes her favor, as he praises her dog.

Chatsky, having met Sophia, again cannot resist taunting Molchalin, calling him a lightning rod for old woman's bile and bad mood.

Public sentiments of the Russian nobility at the end of the 19th century

This is already the last straw that overflowed Sophia's patience and she immediately, in a conversation with another guest, hints that Chatsky has gone crazy. News at the speed of light flies around the society gathered at the ball, acquiring facts and details. Zagoretsky is already readily reporting how Chatsky was "taken to the yellow house and put on a chain", although for the time being they have been temporarily released. And each of the guests has confirmation of the fact of the hero’s insanity, they seek out in past conversations with Chatsky those moments when he gave them some advice, or frankly and shamelessly expressed his own point of view about something. This, according to the guests, can only testify to the mental illness of the hero, and not about his mind and courage of judgments. This general opinion is voiced by Famusov, saying that “learning is the plague, learning is the reason” that many crazy people have divorced, daring to form their own opinions and their own affairs, which run counter to the interests of society.

Everyone gets it: professors, chemists, botanists, and fabulists, a proposal is made to preserve the mental health of the nation by burning all books. Khlestova says that Chatsky was once a worthy person, since he had "three hundred souls", of course, a person cannot have great virtues.

Here Chatsky enters and the lively conversation subsides. Famusov is interested in his well-being, and Chatsky says that "his head is tired of trifles, shuffles and exclamations."

The action ends with a monologue by Chatsky about how foreign influence is alien to him, how upset and annoyed he is by the thoughtless admiration of the Russian nobility for everything foreign, how oppressive he is that the nobles do not want to recognize the mind, dignity and originality of their own people, but are mired only in blind imitation Europe.

We invite you to get acquainted with the comedy in verse "Woe from Wit". The retelling of this play by Griboyedov is presented in the article. The work describes the period of serfdom. Life in Russia in 1810-1820 is shown in the comedy Woe from Wit.

The retelling of the work begins with the fact that the maid Lisa, who works for the Famusovs, wakes up complaining of a bad dream. The reason is that Sofya, her mistress, was waiting for the arrival of her friend Molchalin to visit. Lisa's task was to keep this meeting a secret from others. These events begin the retelling of 1 action ("Woe from Wit").

Lisa changes the clock

Lisa knocks on Sofya's room. The sounds of the piano and flute are heard from there. Lisa informs the hostess that it is already morning, and she needs to say goodbye to Molchalin, otherwise her father will see them. The maid changes the clock so that the lovers can say goodbye as soon as possible.

Sophia's father, Famusov, finds the maid doing this. During the conversation, he is clearly flirting with her. Sophia's voice interrupts their conversation. The girl calls Lisa. Sophia's father hastily leaves.

Famusov scolds Sophia

The maid reproaches her mistress for carelessness. Sophia does not have time to say goodbye to her lover, and now Famusov enters. He asks why Molchalin, his secretary, turned up with Sophia so early. He says that he was returning from a walk and just went to her. Famusov scolds his daughter.

What else should be told, making up a retelling of 1 action? "Woe from Wit" cannot be summarized without describing the next scene.

Talk about Chatsky and his arrival

Lisa recalls the story of the former love of Sophia and Chatsky Alexander Andreevich. He was different and extraordinary mind, and gaiety. But now it's gone. Sophia says that it could not be called love. Between her and Chatsky was only because they grew up together.

The retelling continues with the arrival of Alexander Chatsky. "Woe from Wit", according to the actions set forth by us, is a work whose main character is Chatsky. He is delighted to meet his lover, but surprised to be received so coldly. Sophia says that she is glad to see him. Alexander Andreevich begins to remember the past. The girl says that their relationship was childish. Alexander Chatsky asks if she is in love with someone else as she is confused. However, Sophia replies that she is embarrassed by Alexander's views and questions.

Chatsky, in a conversation with Famusov, admires his daughter. He says that he has never met the likes of this girl anywhere. Famusov fears that Alexander will want to woo Sophia. After Chatsky leaves, he reflects on which of the two men holds the heart of his daughter.

Second act

We present you a retelling of 2 actions ("Woe from Wit"). In the 2nd apparition, Alexander Chatsky talks to Famusov and wonders what his reaction would be if he wooed his daughter. Famusov says that it would be good to first serve the state in order to get a high rank. Then Alexander says: "I would be glad to serve, it is sickening to serve." Famusov replies that Chatsky is proud. He uses Maxim Petrovich, his uncle, as an example.

History of Maxim Petrovich

Let's continue with step 2. "Woe from Wit" is a play representing a whole gallery of depraved morals. One of these people is Maxim Petrovich. This man served at court and was very rich. And all because of the fact that he knew how to "serve". During a reception with Catherine II, Maxim Petrovich stumbled and fell. Catherine laughed. Seeing that he caused her smile, Maxim Petrovich decided to repeat the fall twice more, giving pleasure to the empress. The ability to turn this incident to his advantage played into his hands - he was held in high esteem. Famusov considers the ability to "serve" very important in order to achieve a high position.

Alexander Chatsky from the work "Woe from Wit", a retelling of the chapters of which we are compiling, says his monologue, where he compares two centuries - "present" and "past". The hero believes that Famusov's generation is accustomed to judging a person by money and rank. Chatsky calls this century the age of "fear" and "submission." Even in front of the sovereign, Chatsky would not have become a jester. He wants to serve not "persons", but "cause".

Skalozub's arrival, his conversation with Famusov

In the meantime Skalozub comes to visit Famusov. The owner of the house is very glad to meet this colonel. He warns Alexander Chatsky from expressing his free thoughts in front of this person.

Skalozub and Famusov's conversation turns to cousin colonel. Thanks to Skalozub, he received great benefits in the service. But suddenly, just before receiving a high rank, he left the service and went to the village. Here he began to read books and lead a measured life. Skalozub speaks about this with an evil mockery. He believes that this way of life is unacceptable for him.

The owner of the house admires Skalozub due to the fact that he has long been a colonel, although he has not served so long. Skalozub dreams of the rank of a general who wants to "get" and not deserve. Famusov asks him if he intends to marry.

Chatsky joins the conversation. Famusov condemns Alexander's unwillingness to serve and his free-thinking. Chatsky says that it is not for Famusov to judge him. According to Alexander, there is not a single role model in his society. The Famus generation expresses outdated judgments and despises freedom. Chatsky is alien to their manners. He does not intend to bow his head before this society. Chatsky is outraged that everyone is afraid of those who are engaged in art or science, and not in the extraction of ranks. In the Famus society, the uniform covers up the lack of intelligence and morality.

Sophia pretends to be

Further, a curious scene was described by Griboyedov, and we compiled a retelling of it. "Woe from Wit" for actions continues with the appearance of Sophia. She is very frightened that Molchalin, having fallen from a horse, crashed. The girl faints. While the maid brings her to her senses, Alexander sees a healthy Molchalin through the window. He understands that Sophia worried about him in vain. Waking up, the girl asks about Molchalin. Alexander coldly replies that everything is fine with him. Sophia accuses Chatsky of indifference. He finally understands who won the heart of his beloved.

Molchalin reproaches Famusov's daughter for expressing her feelings too frankly. The girl replies that she does not care about someone else's opinion. Molchalin is cowardly, so he is afraid of rumors. The maid advises the girl to flirt with Alexander Chatsky in order to avert suspicion from her lover.

Molchalin, alone with Lisa, flirts with her. He offers gifts, compliments her.

Third act

Now we have come to the third act. Let's make a retelling of it. "Woe from Wit" consists of four acts, so it's not that long before the finale. Chatsky is trying to find out who is nice to Sophia: Skalozub or Molchalin. The girl leaves the answer. Alexander says he still loves her. Sophia admits that she appreciates Molchalin for modesty, meek disposition, and quietness. However, she again avoids direct confession of her love for him.

Ball at the Famusovs

The ball that takes place in the evening at the Famusovs continues brief retelling. "Woe from Wit" is a play in which this episode is a key scene. The servants are preparing for the arrival of the guests. Here they come. Among those gathered are Prince Tugoukhovsky with his wife and 6 daughters, Khryumina's grandmother and granddaughter, Zagoretsky, a gambler, a master of service, and Sofya Khlestov's aunt. These are all prominent people in Moscow.

Molchalin praises the smooth coat of Khlestova's dog in order to earn her favor. This is noted by Chatsky, who laughs at his helpfulness. Sophia reflects on Alexander's anger and pride. In a conversation with Mr. N, the girl casually expresses that Alexander Chatsky is "out of his mind."

Rumor about Chatsky's madness, conversation with a Frenchman

Word of his madness spreads among the guests. Everyone backs away from Chatsky when he appears. Alexander says that grief overwhelms his soul, he is uncomfortable among those gathered. Chatsky is dissatisfied with Moscow. The meeting with the Frenchman in the next room angered him. Going to Russia, this man was afraid that he would end up in a country of barbarians, so he did not want to go. But he was greeted warmly, did not see Russian faces and did not even hear Russian speech. He felt like he was at home. Alexander condemns the fashion for everything foreign in Russia. He does not like the fact that everyone imitates the French and bows before France. While Alexander was finishing his speech, the guests gradually dispersed from him. They either went to the card tables, or spun in a waltz.

Such is the scene of the ball at Famusov's (its brief retelling). "Woe from Wit" in terms of actions presents us with a sad picture of the mores of the Famus society. Chatsky is simply doomed to loneliness among these people.

Fourth act (retelling)

"Woe from Wit" is steadily approaching the finale. The ball ends, everyone goes home. Alexander hurries the footman to bring the carriage as soon as possible. All the hopes and dreams of Chatsky are finally destroyed. The hero ponders why he was mistaken for a madman. Perhaps someone started a rumor about it. He wants to find out if Sophia knows about this. Alexander does not realize that it was she who declared his madness.

Molchalin's conversation with Lisa

Chatsky, when Sophia appears, hides behind a column. He hears Molchalin's conversation with Lisa. It turns out that this man is not going to marry Sophia. In addition, he does not have any feelings for the girl. He is much nicer to the maid Lisa. Molchalin pleases Sophia due to the fact that this is Famusov's daughter, and he serves with him. This conversation accidentally hears Sophia. Molchalin asks her forgiveness on her knees. However, the girl pushes him away and tells him to leave the house, otherwise the father will find out about everything.

Alexander Chatsky appears. He reproaches Sophia for betraying their feelings for the sake of Molchalin. The girl says that she could not even imagine that this man was such a scoundrel.

The appearance of Famusov

With the appearance of Famusov, along with a crowd of servants, a brief retelling continues. We briefly describe "Woe from Wit" in terms of actions, so we will say only a few words about this episode. He is surprised to see his daughter with Alexander, as she called him insane. Now Alexander understands who spread the rumor about his madness.

Sophia's father is indignant. He scolds his servants for neglecting his daughter. Famusov sends Lisa to "follow the birds", and threatens to send his daughter to her aunt in Saratov.

Final monologue

The concluding monologue of Chatsky ends with a brief retelling. "Woe from Wit" - this is the characteristic of the protagonist. In his final monologue, Alexander says that his hopes are destroyed. He went to Sophia, dreaming of happiness with this girl. He blames her for giving him hope. For her, it was just a childish love, and Chatsky lived with these feelings for 3 years. But he does not regret the breakup. He has no place in Famus society. The hero intends to leave Moscow forever. After his departure, Famusov is only concerned with what Princess Marya Aleksevna will say.

This ends "Woe from Wit" (retelling). The play is a satire on the Moscow aristocratic society. Immediately after the publication, the work "Woe from Wit" went into quotations. The retelling of the plot, unfortunately, does not give an idea of ​​the artistic merits of the play. We recommend that you get to know her in the original.

Characters:
Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov - manager in a government place
Sophia - his daughter Lizanka - maid
Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin - Famusov's secretary, lives in his house
Alexander Andreevich Chatsky
Sergei Sergeevich Skalozub - Colonel
Gorichi - Natalya Dmitrievna and Platon Mikhailovich, her husband

Prince Tugoukhovsky

Princess, his wife, with 6 daughters

Hryumins - Grandmother Countess and Granddaughter Countess

Anton Antonovich Zagoretsky

Old woman Khlestova - Famusov's sister-in-law
G.N.
G.D.
Repetilov
Parsley and some talking servants

The action takes place in Moscow, in Famusov's house.

Action 1

Yavl. one

Morning, living room. Lisa wakes up in a chair. Sophia did not let her sleep the day before, because she was waiting for Molchalin, and Lisa had to make sure that they were not caught together. Sophia asks what time it is, and in order to convince her that it's time for the lovers to leave, Lisa moves the clock. The clock strikes and plays.

Yavl. 2

Famusov appears. He flirts with Lisa. Lisa is trying to reason with him, saying that Sophia can come in, who fell asleep only in the morning, and “read the whole night” in French. Famusov: “And reading is not great: she can’t sleep from French books, but it hurts me to sleep from Russians.” Sophia calls Lisa, and Famusov tiptoes out of the room. Lisa (alone): "Bypass us more than all sorrows and master's anger, and master's love."

Yavl. 3

Lisa reproaches Sofya and Molchalin for being late. Sophia: "Happy hours are not observed." Leaving, Molchalin faces Famusov at the door.

Yavl. 4

Famusov is surprised and advises Molchalin "to choose a nook for walking further away." Shame on Sophia for her inappropriate behavior for a young girl. “And all the Kuznetsky Most and the eternal French, from there fashion to us, and authors, and muses: destroyers of pockets and hearts!” (during the time of Griboyedov, there were many shops on the Kuznetsk bridge owned by French merchants - ed.). Famusov says that after the death of Sophia’s mother, all the worries about raising his daughter fell on his shoulders and he tried very hard: “We don’t need a different model, when the father’s example is in the eyes ... Free, widows, I am my master ... Known for monastic behavior! » Expresses dissatisfaction with modern customs ("A terrible age"), teachers who teach girls only "dances and singing, and tenderness, and sighs." He reproaches Molchalin, whom he did good. Sophia intercedes: "Walked into the room, got into another." She tries to calm her father and tells a dream that she was gathering grass in a meadow, and “a nice person appeared”, “both insinuating and smart, but timid ... You know who was born in poverty.” Famusov: “Ah, mother, do not complete the blow! Who is poor, he is not a couple for you. Sophia continues to tell the dream - they ended up in a dark room, “the floor opened up” - from there Famusov, he drags Sophia with him, and monsters torment the “dear man”, who for Sophia is “more precious than all treasures”. Famusov sends his daughter to sleep, and Molchalin offers to deal with papers. "I'm afraid, sir, I'm deadly alone, so that a lot of them do not accumulate ... My custom is this: signed, so off my shoulders."

Yavl. 5

Sophia and Lisa together. Liza: “There will be no such use in love ... Your father is like this: he would like a son-in-law with stars and ranks ... For example, Colonel Skalozub: and a golden bag, and aims for generals.” Sophia: "I don't care what for him, what's in the water." Lisa recalls Chatsky, with whom Sophia was brought up together. He left about three years ago, shedding tears, because he had a presentiment that Sophia's attitude towards him would change. Lisa: "Who is so sensitive, and cheerful, and sharp, like Alexander Andreyich Chatsky?" Ho Sophia objects: “The desire to travel attacked him, oh, if someone loves whom, why look for the mind and travel so far?” Molchalin, according to Sophia, on the contrary, is “the enemy of insolence”, behaves very modestly. Lisa inappropriately recalls the story of Aunt Sophia, from whom a young French lover ran away. Sofya (with chagrin): "They will talk about me the same way later."

Yavl. 6

A servant enters and reports on the arrival of Chatsky.

Yavl. 7

Chatsky appears. He passionately assures Sophia that he rode seven hundred miles without rest to see her, but it seems in vain: she is cold. Sophia assures Chatsky that she is glad for him. Chatsky: “Let's assume that it is. Blessed is he who believes, he is warm in the world. He compliments Sophia: “At seventeen, you blossomed charmingly.” He asks if Sophia is in love. Ta is embarrassed. Chatsky assures that nothing else interests him: “What new will Moscow show me?” Sophia: “The persecution of Moscow. What does it mean to see the light! Where is it better? Chatsky: "Where we are not." Chatsky asks about mutual acquaintances, whose life during his absence probably has not changed at all. “You will get tired of living with them, and in whom can you not find spots? When you wander, you return home, and the smoke of the Fatherland is sweet and pleasant to us! Speaking about education, Chatsky notes that in Russia “They are busy recruiting regiments of teachers, more in number, at cheaper prices,” and “from an early age we got used to believing that there is no salvation for us without the Germans”; Chatsky says that at receptions, in order to demonstrate their education, the nobility is explained in "a mixture of languages: French with Nizhny Novgorod." Recalls the "wordless" Molchalin. Sophia (aside): "Not a man, a snake!" He asks Chatsky if he can talk about anyone without bile. Chatsky: "I love you without memory."

Yavl. eight

Sofya informs Famusov, who has appeared, that the dream she saw turned out to be "in her hand", and leaves.

Yavl. nine

Chatsky talks with Famusov about Sophia. Famusov also asks to tell about the journey. Chatsky: "I wanted to travel around the whole world and did not travel around a hundredth."

Yavl. ten

Famusov alone. He wonders which of the two - Molchalin or Chatsky - is the chosen one of Sophia's heart: “What a commission, creator, to be a father to an adult daughter!”

Action 2

Yavl. one

Famusov dictates to Petrushka a list of his tasks for the week ahead: Tuesday - lunch (“Eat three hours, and in three days it won’t be cooked”), on Thursday - burial (“The deceased was a respectable chamberlain, with a key, and he knew how to deliver the key to his son; rich, and was married to a rich woman; married children, grandchildren; died; everyone sadly remembers him, Kuzma Petrovich! Peace be upon him! - What kind of aces live and die in Moscow! ”, Friday or Saturday - the baptism of an unborn child.

Yavl. 2

Chatsky appears, asks Famusov about Sophia. Famusov wonders if Chatsky has decided to marry his daughter, because you need to ask him first, and he would advise Chatsky: “Do not be blissful, brother, don’t manage bluntly, but, most importantly, go and serve.” Chatsky: “I would be glad to serve, it’s sickening to serve.” Famusov delivers a monologue about his uncle Maxim Petrovich, who made a successful career, pleasing his superiors and fawning at court. Maxim Petrovich served under Catherine and, when it was necessary to "serve", Maxim Petrovich "bent into an inflection". One day, the old man slipped and fell during a reception at the palace, which caused the empress to smile and approve. Then Maksim Petrovich fell a second time, already on purpose, then a third time. All the courtiers laughed. "BUT? What do you think? In our opinion, smart. He fell painfully, got up great. But, it happened, who is more often invited to whist? Who hears a friendly word at court? Maxim Petrovich! Who knew respect before everyone? Maxim Petrovich! Joke! Who gives ranks and gives pensions? Maxim Petrovich! Chatsky: “The legend is fresh, but hard to believe”, “he was famous for whose neck was bent more often”, “now laughter frightens and keeps shame in check”, “the age of humility and fear was direct, all under the guise of zeal to the king. Famusov is frightened by Chatsky's speeches, and in an undertone he notes: “A dangerous person”, “What does he say! And he speaks as he writes!”, “He wants to preach liberty”, “Yes, he does not recognize the authorities!”

Yavl. 3

Skalozub comes to visit Famusov. Famusov is very happy. He believes that the colonel “is a solid person, and he picked up a lot of insignia; beyond his years and an enviable rank, not today or tomorrow a general. However, he adds that he is in no hurry to marry Sophia.

Yavl. 4

By the courtesy with which Famusov hurried to meet Skalozub, Chatsky suspected that Famusov would still be glad to marry his daughter to a colonel.

Yavl. 5

Famusov fusses around Skalozub. Skalozub: "I'm ashamed as an honest officer" (Puller's speech is rude and primitive). Famusov tries to talk to Skalozub about relatives, as well as Skalozub's brother, a hero. Ho Skalozub replies that he is not interested in relatives, because he did not serve with them, and his brother has changed for the worse (“he got some new rules firmly. The rank followed him: he suddenly left the service, began to read books in the village”). Otherwise, Skalozub can only talk about the service. Famusov hints that Skalozub's career is developing very well and "it's time to start talking about the general's wife." Puffer is not averse to getting married. Famusov talks about society: “Here, for example, it’s been said from time immemorial that it’s honor to the father and son: be poor, but if there are two thousand family souls, that’s the groom”, “The door is unlocked for the invited and uninvited, especially from foreign; either an honest person or not." Famusov notes that the current old men constantly find fault with “this, that, and more often nothing, they will argue, make noise and ... disperse”, ladies “judge everything, everywhere, there are no judges over them”, girls “A word in simplicity is not they will say, all with a grimace; French romances are sung to you and the upper ones bring out notes, they cling to military people. But because they are patriots”, “At home and everything in a new way”. Chatsky argues with Famusov ("Houses are new, but prejudices are old").

Chatsky delivers a monologue:

And who are the judges? - For the antiquity of years
To a free life their enmity is irreconcilable,
Judgments draw from forgotten newspapers
The times of the Ochakovskys and the conquest of the Crimea;
Always ready to churn
They all sing the same song
Not noticing about yourself:
What is older is worse.
Where, show us, fathers of the fatherland,
Which should we take as samples?
Are these rich in robbery?
They found protection from court in friends, in kinship,

Magnificent building chambers,
Where they overflow in feasts and extravagance,
And where foreign clients will not resurrect

The meanest traits of the past life.
Yes, and who in Moscow did not clamp their mouths
Lunches, dinners and dances?
Is it the one you are to whom I am still from the veil,
For some incomprehensible intentions,
Were the children taken to pay respects?
That Nestor of noble villains,
Crowd surrounded by servants;
Zealous, they are in the hours of wine and fight

And honor and life saved him more than once: suddenly
He traded three greyhounds for them!
Or the one over there, which is for pranks
He drove to the fortress ballet on many wagons
From mothers, fathers of rejected children?!
He himself is immersed in mind in Zephyrs and Cupids,

Made all of Moscow marvel at their beauty!
Ho debtors did not agree to the postponement:
Cupids and Zephyrs are all SOLD OUT!!!
Here are those who lived to gray hair!
That's who we should respect in the wilderness!
Here are our strict connoisseurs and judges!
Now let one of us
Of the young people, there is an enemy of quests,
Not demanding either places or promotions,
In the sciences, he will stick the mind, hungry for knowledge;
Or in his soul God himself will excite the heat
To creative arts, lofty and beautiful, -

They are the hour: robbery! fire!
And they will be known as a dreamer! dangerous! -

Uniform! one uniform! he is in their former life
Once sheltered, embroidered and beautiful,
Their weak-heartedness, reason poverty;
And we follow them on a happy journey!
And in wives, daughters - the same passion for the uniform!
Have I renounced tenderness to him for a long time?!

Now I can’t fall into this childishness;
Ho who wouldn't follow everyone then?
When from the guard others from the court
They came here for a while, -
The women shouted hurrah!
And they threw caps into the air!

Yavl. 6

Skalozub heard from Chatsky's passionate monologue only what was related to the military, but did not understand the meaning.

Yavl. 7

Sophia and Lisa enter. Sophia sees through the window how Molchalin fell off his horse, and faints. Skalozub calls Molchalin a "miserable rider".

Yavl. eight

Lisa and Chatsky bring Sophia to her senses. Ta is concerned about the state of Molchalin and does not pay attention to Chatsky. He guesses that Sophia is in love with Molchalin.

Yavl. nine

Skalozub and Molchalin appear. The last one is unharmed. Based on Sofia's reaction, Chatsky realizes that his guesses are correct and leaves.

Yavl. ten

Sophia invites Skalozub to the ball in the evening, and he takes his leave.

Yavl. eleven

Sophia asks Molchalin about his health. Molchalin reproaches her for being too frank with strangers. Sophia says that she is not interested in someone else's opinion. Molchalin: "Ah! evil tongues are worse than a gun." Lisa advises Sophia to play nice with Skalozub and Chatsky to divert her eyes. Sophia leaves.

Yavl. 12

Molchalin flirts with Lisa, assures that he loves Sophia only "by position", promises Lisa gifts, invites her to her place.

Yavl. thirteen

Sophia tells Lisa to tell Molchalin to come and visit her.

Yavl. fourteen

Lisa (alone): "She to him, and he to me."

Action 3

Yavl. one

Chatsky decides to get recognition from Sophia and find out who she is still in love with - Molchalin, "the most miserable creature", or her chosen one - Skalozub, "a hoarse, strangled man, bassoon, a constellation of maneuvers and mazurkas." Sofya replies that she does not like Chatsky, because he is “ready to pour out everyone with biliousness.” Chatsky decides to pretend, to say what Sophia expects to hear from him, Chatsky admits that he was wrong about Molchalin, but expresses doubt “does he have that passion, that feeling? Is that ardor? So that, besides you, the whole world seemed to him as dust and vanity? Sofya assures that Chatsky would have liked Molchalin if they had come closer - “he acquired the friendship of everyone in the house”, disarming even Famusov with humility and silence. Chatsky concludes that Sofya does not respect Molchalin and asks what she thinks of Skalozub. Sophia waves it off: "Not my novel."

Yavl. 2

Sofya goes "to the prikhmakher" and does not let Chatsky into her room.

Yavl. 3

Chatsky: “Is Molchalin chosen by her! Why not a husband? There is only little mind in him; but to have children, who lacked intelligence? Molchalin appears. In a frank conversation with Chatsky, Molchalin claims that he has two talents - "moderation and accuracy", retells the gossip about Chatsky of a certain Tatyana Yuryevna, recalls Foma Fomich, who "was the head of the department under three ministers." Chatsky believes that Foma Fomich is "the most empty person, one of the most stupid." He asks what Molchalin himself thinks about the writings of Foma Fomich. Molchalin evades the answer: "At my age, one should not dare to have one's own judgment" and argues that "one must depend on others."

Yavl. 4

The guests come to the ball at Famusov's house.

Yavl. 5

Chatsky meets with Natalya Dmitrievna, who wants to introduce him to her husband, Platon Mikhailovich, a retired military man.

Yavl. 6

Plafon Mikhailovich turns out to be Chatsky's old friend. A "happy" marriage has changed his lively character, he does not do anything new, he spends all his time in Moscow, his wife keeps him under his heel. Platon Mikhailovich: “Now, brother, I’m not the same,” as I was at the time of my acquaintance with Chatsky - “only morning - foot in the stirrup.”

Yavl. 7

Prince and Princess Tugoukhovsky enters with six daughters, the Princess, having learned from Natalya Dmitrievna that Chatsky is "retired and single", sends her husband to invite him to visit, but then finding out that he is not rich, she withdraws her invitation.

Yavl. eight

The Countess Grandmother and the Countess Granddaughter enter, "evil, in girls for a century." In a conversation with Chatsky, she disapproves of men who married foreign women of humble origin. Chatsky is surprised that he has to hear such reproaches from the lips of girls who are trying their best to imitate these foreigners.

Yavl. nine

Lots of guests. The obliging Zagoretsky gives Sofya a ticket for tomorrow's performance, which, according to him, he got with the greatest difficulty. Platon Mikhailovich recommends Zagoretsky to Chatsky: “A notorious swindler, a rogue: Anton Antonych Zagoretsky. Beware with him, endure much, and don’t sit down at cards: he will sell. Zagoretsky, however, is not at all embarrassed by such a recommendation.

Yavl. ten

Khlestova arrives with an Arab girl, whom Zagoretsky once presented to her, a “master of service,” whom, however, Khlestova herself considers “a liar, a gambler and a thief.”

Yavl. eleven

Famusov enters, who is waiting for Skalozub.

Yavl. 12

Skalozub and Molchalin appear. Khlestova does not like Skalozub's uncouth campaigner, but she is delighted with Molchalin's timely helpfulness.

Yavl. thirteen

In a conversation with Sofia, Chatsky notes how skillfully Molchalin smooths out tense situations - “Molchalin! - Who else will settle everything so peacefully! There he will stroke the pug in time, then he will wipe the card just right! Chatsky leaves.

Yavl. fourteen

In a conversation with G. N. Sofya drops, as if it seems to her that Chatsky has gone crazy.

Yavl. fifteen

G. N. conveys this news to G. D.

Yavl. sixteen

G. D. informs Zagoretsky that Chatsky is out of his mind.

Yavl. 17 and 18

Zagoretsky conveys the story with new details to the Countess-granddaughter.

Yavl. nineteen

Zagoretsky retells the news to the half-deaf Countess-grandmother. Ta decides that Chatsky is a criminal.

Yavl. 20

The countess-grandmother conveys the news to the deaf Tugoukhovsky - Chatsky is being taken into the soldiers.

Yavl. 21

All the guests are discussing Chatsky's madness. Everyone remembers that Chatsky's speeches seemed crazy to them before. Famusov: “Learning is the plague, learning is the reason that now more than ever, crazy divorced people, and deeds, and opinions”, “If you stop the evil: take away all the books and burn them.” He believes only Platon Mikhailovich.

Yavl. 22

Chatsky appears. In a conversation with Sophia, he describes the scene in the next room. The "Frenchman from Bordeaux", a complete nonentity, came to "barbarian" Russia and found that he was here at home - "Not a sound of a Russian, not a Russian face", and "feels like a little king here." Chatsky adds: “Ah! If we were born to adopt everything, at least from the Chinese we could borrow a little from their wise ignorance of foreigners. Will we ever be resurrected from the foreign power of fashion? So that our smart, peppy people, although by language, do not consider us Germans.

Action 4

Yavl. one

Departure of guests. The Countess-granddaughter is dissatisfied with those invited - "Some freaks from the other world, and there is no one to talk to, and with whom to dance."

Yavl. 2

Platon Mikhailovich and Natalya Dmitrievna are leaving. Platon Mikhailovich hates balls and rides them only to please his wife. Platon Mikhailovich: “A ball is a good thing, captivity is bitter; and who will not marry us!”

Yavl. 3

The footman cannot find Chatsky's carriage in any way. Chatsky is very disappointed with the evening spent.

Yavl. 4

Repetilov comes running. Exaggeratedly rejoices at the meeting with Chatsky. He loudly repents that used to live unrighteous, which irritates Chatsky very much. Repetilov had just come from the English Club, where he knew "the smartest people," calling Chatsky to go with him, saying that this was "a matter of state," but "you see, it hasn't matured." Repetilov informs Chatsky “in confidence” about “society and secret meetings on Thursdays. The most secret union ... "Chatsky tries to get rid of, going home, says that he is not interested in the club -" are you making noise? Only?" Repetilov talks about "the smartest people" - Prince Grigory, who imitates the British in everything, the writer Udushyev, who puts "an excerpt, a look and something" in magazines, and other members of the club about whom "you don't know what to say." Repetilov reports about himself: “God did not reward me with abilities, he gave me a good heart, that's why I am nice to people. I'll lie - forgive me.

Chatsky frankly tells Sofya that her love for Molchalin was inexpensive. Chatsky: “People with a soul are a persecutor, a scourge! Silencers are blissful in the world.

Yavl. fourteen

Famusov appears with servants, sees Sophia and Chatsky alone and decides that they have a secret date. He decides to send the shameless daughter "to the village, to my aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov." Chatsky forbids appearing in his house. Chatsky says that he was cruelly deceived in Sophia, wasted tender words in vain, advises her to make peace with Molchalin, who will make an excellent "husband-boy, husband-servant." Famusova assures that she is not going to marry them. Chatsky:

Everyone is racing! everyone curse! crowd of tormentors,
In the love of traitors, in the enmity of the tireless,

Indomitable storytellers,
Clumsy wise men, crafty simpletons,
Sinister old women, old men,
decrepit over fiction, nonsense, -

Insane you glorified me with all the chorus.
You are right: he will come out of the fire unharmed,
Who will have time to spend the day with you,
Breathe the air alone
And his mind will survive.
Get out of Moscow! I don't come here anymore.
I'm running, I won't look back, I'll go looking around the world,
Where there is a corner for the offended feeling! ..
Carriage for me, carriage!

Yavl. fifteen

After Chatsky's departure, Famusov worries only about public opinion: “Ah! My God! What will Princess Marya Aleksevna say!

The play is set in the house of Famusov, whose seventeen-year-old daughter Sofya is in love with her father's secretary Alexei Molchalin. The lovers can only meet at night, and the maid Lisa guards under the door to warn. Dozing off, Lisa wakes up and realizes that at any moment Father Pavel Afanasyevich, the manager at the state-owned place, may turn up. She admonishes the young lady to say goodbye to her darling as soon as possible, but in vain, because "happy hours are not observed." Then Lisa moves the hands of the clock forward so that they start ringing, the clock strikes, and Famusov appears in person.

The owner is trying to flirt with a pretty maid, but she makes it clear that Sophia can hear them, who fell asleep only in the morning, as she read French novels all night. The father is unhappy that his daughter spoils her eyes, because "there is no use from books." As soon as he leaves on tiptoe, Sophia and Molchalin leave the room. Famusov returns: he is shocked by the so early presence of the secretary near his daughter's room. Molchalin says that he is "with papers," and they leave to sort them out.

Lisa discusses Sophia's potential suitors, says that the priest will not allow her to marry Molchalin, because he needs a son-in-law "with stars and ranks", for example, like Colonel Skalozub. She fondly recalls Alexander Andreevich Chatsky, with whom Sophia grew up: "Sensitive, and cheerful, and sharp." She bitterly notices that he left three years ago and does not send any news about himself. At this time, the servant announces that Chatsky has arrived. He happily runs in, but is embarrassed by the cold reception of his childhood friend. He tries to remind them of their joint childhood fun, but Sophia is serious.

Then Chatsky sorts out common Moscow acquaintances, assuming that they have not changed, inadvertently offends Molchalin, causing an outburst of indignation in Sophia. Chatsky assumes that the girl is in love, but does not guess who exactly. Famusov, who appeared, is glad to see the return of his close friend's son and invites him to come in an hour with stories about the journey.

Act II

Famusov, together with his servant Petrushka, marks significant dates on the calendar: when and to whom he is invited to visit in the near future. Chatsky appears. He talks a lot about how Sophia has changed, how she has become prettier, and this makes her father suspicious: did a former childhood friend fall in love? Chatsky asks bluntly: can he ask for the hand of Sofya Pavlovna? Famusov does not directly answer, but invites him "not to manage the estate by mistake", and most importantly - to go to serve. The young man explains that he would be glad to serve, but he is disgusted with being served.

Famusov reproaches him with excessive pride and recalls the story of his late uncle Maxim Petrovich, who curried favor with the empress, but had ranks and awards and “went on silver, on gold.” Chatsky bursts into an angry monologue about the "age of humility and fear", and Sophia's father accuses him of preaching freethinking.

Colonel Skalozub arrives, whom Famusov would like to see as his daughter's fiance. Therefore, he convincingly asks Chatsky to be silent in the presence of an important guest. When Pavel Afanasyevich begins to praise the Moscow nobility with its conservative old men, high-society nobles, imperious wives who hold their husbands under their heels, girls who know how to present themselves in a favorable light, Chatsky again breaks down and utters a monologue about "strict connoisseurs and judges" from "times Ochakovsky and the Conquest of the Crimea”, who found protection in relatives and friends, and now “spills in feasts and extravagance”.

Famusov quickly goes to his office, and Skalozub, without understanding anything, tries to support the young man, but at this time Sophia, seeing something outside the window, faints. It turns out that Molchalin fell off his horse, causing a fright of a girl in love. Chatsky, having himself experienced concern for the health of Sofya Pavlovna, involuntarily exclaims that Molchalin would rather “break his neck”, thereby arousing even more anger in Sophia. Aleksey Stepanovich, who appeared, reassures everyone, and warns Sophia in private: "Evil tongues are worse than a gun."

When everyone disperses, the secretary pesters the maid Lisa, explaining to her that she is "a cheerful creature, alive," which is why he likes her. To Lisa's question about the young lady, not at all embarrassed, Molchalin admits that he loves her "according to her position", and invites Lisa to meet him at lunch.

Act III

Chatsky is surprised by Sophia's behavior. He ponders: is she in love with Molchalin? He can't believe that a smart girl could fall in love with such a nonentity. He asks her about the virtues of his father's secretary, and she highlights his modesty. Then Molchalin appears in person. Chatsky suits him with a kind of interrogation. The secretary, "who once burrowed in Tver", over the course of three years acquired acquaintances and connections, which he proudly tells his rival about. He singles out his two most important qualities - "moderation and accuracy", explaining to Chatsky that in his summer "one should not dare to have one's own judgment." All these rantings of the presumptuous secretary finally assure Chatsky that Sophia could not fall in love with a person with such qualities, which means that he still has hope for the girl's reciprocal feelings.

Meanwhile, guests are gathering at Famusov's house for a big ball. The Gorichi spouses appear first. Natalya Dmitrievna tells Chatsky about her husband as if this is her next acquisition, akin to a new outfit. In the husband who appeared, Platon Mikhailovich, Chatsky hardly recognizes his former colleague. His wife changed everything in him: a military suit, movements, habits, views, invented fashionable illnesses for him (“rheumatism and headaches”). And the former colleague with a sigh admits that he is no longer the same, causing displeasure in his wife, who so persistently takes care of his health.

The princes Tugoukhovsky appear with six marriageable daughters. Then Countess Hryumina arrives with her granddaughter. Natalya Dmitrievna switches to them, talking about her satin "turlyurl", and Gorich himself introduces Zagoretsky to Chatsky, recommending him as a "swindler" and "rogue".

The imperious old serf woman Khlestova, Famusov's sister-in-law, arrives. She boasts of her "Arap girl" and asks her to feed her in the kitchen along with her own dog. Molchalin admires her lovely Spitz, for which Khlestova shows a favorable attitude towards him. Chatsky, not without irony, notices that Molchalin will always succeed in everything, because he pleases everyone very well: “He will stroke the pug in time, he will rub the card at the right time!”

This sarcastic tone completely infuriates Sophia: when a conversation about Chatsky comes up among the guests, she at first inadvertently, and then specifically hints that he is supposedly out of his mind. The rumor instantly spreads among Famusov's guests. Everyone strives to find the cause of madness: someone remembers the deceased mother, as if insane, someone writes everything off for drunkenness. Famusov, joining the conversation, explains everything by the excessive "scholarship" of his old acquaintance.

Chatsky, who reappeared in the hall, causes fright among the guests, the fear that he can rush into a fight at any moment. And he complains to Sophia that everyone around is worshiping someone else, that some “Frenchman from Bordeaux” has captivated all the young ladies. When the young man finishes his angry monologue, he sees that everyone has dispersed, leaving him in splendid isolation.

Action IV

Repetilov, who appeared later than everyone else at the ball, is not yet aware of gossip and is talking animatedly with Chatsky, inviting him to “ secret alliance". Chatsky, tired of his chatter, moves away, and Zagoretsky tells Repetilov about breaking news. He does not believe in gossip about the madness of his old acquaintance for a long time, but everyone present assures that this is true. Chatsky accidentally hears the whole conversation. He is shocked by the betrayal of those whom he considered his good friends. He hurries to Sophia in the hope that she has not yet heard these vile gossip.

The guests are leaving, Chatsky is hiding behind a column, waiting for Sophia to go to her room. And Sofya has been at home for a long time and sends Liza, as usual, for Molchalin. The maid makes her way through the dark hall with a candle and knocks on the secretary's room. He again shows interest in the pretty maid, explaining that in Sofya Pavlovna there is not even half of the virtues that he appreciates in Lisa. Without embarrassment, he says that he does not even think about marrying the master's daughter, he only thinks how to "spend time." These words are heard by both Chatsky, who is hiding behind a column, and Sophia, who has gone down the stairs after her maid.

And Molchalin continues to argue that it was his father who once taught "to please all people without exception." Here, they say, he takes the form of a lover "to please the daughter of such a person." Sophia can no longer hear it, can not stand it and expresses everything that she thinks about his meanness. Molchalin is trying to beg forgiveness on his knees, explaining that all his words are supposedly just a joke, but Sofya remains adamant: she demands that he leave his benefactor's house forever today.

Chatsky bitterly tells Sofya how he was deceived in her and in his expectations: she exchanged him for the insignificant Molchalin. At this time, Famusov comes running with candles with a crowd of servants. He is shocked by the fact that Sophia, along with Chatsky, whom she called “crazy” just recently. These words become another blow for the young man: he calls himself a "blind man", a "squanderer of tender words", but all this was in vain, because Sophia did not respond to his feelings. He pronounces his farewell monologue, in which he reproachfully asks why the girl he loved did not immediately make it clear that he was disgusting to her. Then he would not have stayed in this house for a minute, because he was ready for anything for her sake.

Famusov is angry, even threatening to send his “shameful” daughter to her aunt in the village, “into the wilderness, to Saratov.”

But Chatsky is not sure that these threats will come true, he predicts that Sophia will still make peace with Molchalin, because people like him "are blissful in the world." And in Moscow society it is much more convenient to have a “husband-boy”, “husband-servant” (he already saw this on the example of Natalya Dmitrievna and Platon Mikhailovich), therefore Molchalin is the best suited for this role.