The story "Taras Bulba" was written by N.V. Gogol in 1835. His interest in the history of Ukraine (Little Russia), namely the struggle of the Zaporizhzhya Cossacks for independence from the Poles, prompted Gogol to write this story. His attitude to the role of Ukrainians in the political and cultural life of Russia was ambiguous.

But the story "Taras Bulba" is one of Gogol's favorite works, where he showed that the main force in accomplishing historical events people can come forward. The writer himself wrote about the story: “Then there was a poetic time, when everything was mined with a saber, when everyone, in turn, strove to be actor and not by the spectator.

Knowledge of the national character of the Cossacks, their customs helped Gogol to create vivid and expressive images of the heroes. The family of Taras Bulba became this example. Gogol showed the manners and customs of the Zaporizhian Cossacks of those years.

The main character Taras Bulba was not poor and could send his children to study. He believed that children should be educated and strong. There were severe morals in the Sich. Zaporizhian Cossacks taught their children discipline, shooting and horseback riding. But they won't be like that around their mother.

The two sons of Taras Bulba, who were brought up in the same conditions, are completely different types. It was difficult for Ostap to study. He repeatedly escaped from the bursa. He was flogged and again forced to study. Frightened by his father's threats that he would be sent to a monastery, Ostap decided to study, but he still got the rods.

By nature, Ostap was kind, straightforward, and at the same time stern and firm. He never "leaded others" and was a good comrade. And in daring enterprises and undertakings, he was always the first, and, if anything, he took all the blame on himself.

Ostap, brought up on the traditions of the Zaporizhian Sich, always honored them and always dreamed of becoming a successor to these traditions. Like his father, Ostap believes that it is his duty to defend the Motherland, so he has no choice who he will be. Ostap knows that his business is the business of a warrior.

Andriy was the complete opposite of his brother. He studied willingly and without tension, but he was more sensual, more romantic and softer than his brother. Unlike Ostap, he liked to lead friends on the surface, he was drawn to exploits. On the other hand, Andriy experienced some other feelings, and he left his friends and wandered alone.

Having got to the Sich after their father, they soon began to stand out "among other young people with direct prowess and luck in everything." The father rejoiced that he had raised his sons to match himself.

“Hey, there will be a good colonel,” old Taras admired his son. “Yes, even such that the dad will plug it into his belt.” This is what Taras said about his eldest son.

Ostap is the embodiment of courage, courage, love for the Motherland, close and dear people. These qualities are always inherent in the selfless defenders of their homeland, and many Cossacks possessed these qualities. Each of them, risking his own life, tried to come to the rescue of a comrade.

It was not in vain that his father Taras Bulba, addressing his soldiers, said: "There are no ties holier than camaraderie." He called to protect not only his people, but all Christians. And Ostap, brought up by his father in the traditions of his people, who did not bow his head before the invaders, did not disgrace his honor and did not drop his own. He fought like a hero next to his father and, dying, wanted his father to see that Ostap did not become a traitor. He endured all the inhuman torture, but did not flinch.

Comparing Andriy with his older brother, we consider him a traitor. His image stands apart, but this makes his fate no less tragic. Andriy fought as desperately as his brother, but without any calculation. He did things, guided only by "passionate passion." But fate decreed otherwise. Love for the Polish lady made the youngest son Taras Bulba a traitor. Taras could not forgive this to his son. Nothing can atone for treason, let alone justify it. Such a shame as the betrayal of his son, Taras Bulba could not bear. Andria was executed by his father himself, saying before that: "I gave birth to you, I will kill you."

Showing two brothers in his story "Taras Bulba", Gogol does not compare specific people. His story is a hymn to the fatherland, to the heroism of the people who stood up to defend their fatherland, a hymn freedom movement Zaporozhye Cossacks.

Ostap and Andrey are the sons of the protagonist of N. Gogol's story "Taras Bulba". They are almost the same age, young, strong guys. Studied at the Kiev Academy. Ostap dreamed of the Zaporizhzhya Sich almost from childhood, dropped out of school several times, and only his father's threat to make him a monk for twenty years made him become a conscientious student. By nature, he was harsh, did not forgive insults. Andrei studied easily, was a dreamer, appreciated beauty, was not indifferent to women.

He was also more affectionate towards his mother. Once the guy met a beautiful Polish woman, although he received it from her servants. When Taras Bulba brought his sons to the Zaporizhzhya Sich, “quickly both young Cossacks became in good standing with the Cossacks. ... They fired smartly and accurately at the target, swam the Dnieper against the current - a matter for which the newcomer was taken solemnly into the Cossack circles.

Has begun liberation campaign against oppression by Poland. “In one month, the chicks matured and completely reborn, which barely fledged, and became men. Their features, in which until that time some youthful softness was visible, now became formidable and strong. And it was dear to old Taras to see how both of his sons were among the first.” As if the path of battles and deeds had been written for Ostap. He was a brave, sensible and cold-blooded warrior, because of this, as his father dreamed of, he was chosen as a smoker in the battle of Dubno. The courageous warrior died, like a hero, without saying a word under the torture of his enemies.

Andrey at first, too, "was completely immersed in the magical music of bullets and swords." He did not know how to calculate and think in battle, he flew ahead and often performed miracles of military skill. But fate raised him again with his former beloved Pole, who ended up in a city under siege. The beauty of the girl so captivated him that he forgot about everything - about his father, about the oath and about the homeland. This is what ruined him. Andrei spoke in battle on the side of the Poles, against his Cossack comrades, and was punished. His father personally killed him for treason, not allowing his brother even to bury him in a Christian way.

So the young force, the Cossack flower, perished senselessly. There were sons of the same father, and not of the same character and not the same fate. Therefore, they died - one as a patriot, a hero for the glory of the fatherland, and the second as a traitor.

Perhaps this will interest you:

1. Loading... Having finished reading Gogol's book "Taras Bulba", I regretfully put it aside. I liked her very much. I read it in one breath in one evening....


2. Loading... The theme of N. V. Gogol's story "Taras Bulba" is not just an image of the life of the Ukrainian Cossacks in ancient times, not just an excursion into the history of the struggle of the best...


3. Loading... Ostap and Andriy are brothers, but they are very different from each other. Ostap has a strong character, it becomes clear even in the very...


4. Loading... Alexander Fadeev's novel was written at the beginning of the 20th century, at that time there were two views: social democrats and socialist-revolutionaries-maximalists. There are two heroes in the novel, Frost and...


5. Loading... The more truly human is in a person, the more important for him is his own life and the life of the people around him. V. Bykov Vasily Vladimirovich Bykov -...

In the story "Taras Bulba" N.V. Gogol not only depicts the life of the Ukrainian Cossacks, but also shows the soul of this people, the features of the formation of their national identity in the seventeenth century. Using the example of Ostap and Andrei, the author characterizes the life and fate of the younger generation. Both of them are sons of the glorious commander Taras Bulba. Ostap and Andria in the story makes it possible to understand how different people brought up in the same family can grow up.

How did the characters of the brothers manifest themselves during their studies?

So, Taras Bulba (Gogol notes this) is proud of his sons. They are strong, brave, stately - real Cossacks.
The characters of Ostap and Andrei are drawn during training in the bursa. Ostap is open, unsophisticated, straightforward, ready to be punished for pranks and misdemeanors, but he never betrays his comrades. Andrei has the ability to get away with it, although he often leads the bursaks with pranks. He seems to us at the beginning of the story more sensitive, refined, interesting, humane than his older brother, who does not notice beautiful girls and flowering gardens. Ostap thinks only of parties with friends and Cossack military campaigns.

Relationship between brothers and parents

Comparative and Andrey cannot be complete without considering their relationship with their parents.

During his arrival home from the bursa, the eldest son behaves too seriously, not allowing anyone to laugh at him. Ostap is ready to fight with his father because of his ridicule, and the younger one does not seem to hear the barbs.

Ostap is harsh, even rude, but, leaving for the Sich, he feels sorry for his mother and recalls his childhood. Subtly feeling younger brother immediately forgets about everything.

A comparative description of the images of Ostap and Andrey cannot be complete without an assessment of their behavior in the Sich. The father, Taras Bulba, understands that both sons are brave and dexterous, but notes that Andriy sees only the battle, entertains himself, and does not think over the result of his actions.

Ostap, on the contrary, quickly assesses the danger and instantly finds a way to remedy the situation. The father notices that his eldest son can become a "good colonel", and is not mistaken.

On the attitude of Taras to the fatherland and sons

A comparative description of Ostap and Andriy in the story "Taras Bulba", of course, is impossible without considering the episodes of the father's farewell to his sons.

Andriy betrays his homeland because of his love for a beautiful Polish woman and enters the battle against his fellow countrymen, against his father and brother. Taras Bulba, without hesitation, kills him with his own hand, because only in this way, in his opinion, can shame be avoided. He does not forgive betrayal. Taras throws the dead Andriy as an enemy without burying him.
With the last of his strength, his father makes his way to Warsaw to the betrayed homeland Ostap and is ready to give any money for his release. When it becomes clear that nothing can be done, he goes to the place of execution of his beloved son. Even in last minutes Ostap's life Taras sees before him a steadfast commander who sets an example for his comrades.

Gogol's attitude to the brothers

Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andrey must necessarily include

author's assessment of the characters. Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol fully shares the respect and endless love of the protagonist for his son. Andrey, according to the author, is not worth attention, so he forgets about him after Ostap respects him for a strong character, for his ability to love and honor his parents, countrymen, fatherland.

Strangers among their own

A comparative description of Ostap and Andrey cannot but touch upon the theme of the loneliness of both heroes.

Both brothers are brave, strong, smart. However, they are very different. On the first pages of the story, the author seems to sympathize with Andrei a little more, noting in him the liveliness and development of feelings. However, it is impossible not to notice that Gogol respects Ostap for his frankness and ability to bear punishment, but at the same time considers him simple-minded. Andrey is very inventive and can always avoid punishment, his soul is accessible to higher feelings, he felt the need for love early. Because of her, he dies.

Ostap also feels the need for love, but he needs the love of his parents, especially his father. At first glance, he is a stern warrior, but the fear of the father's punishment makes him, for example, take up his mind during training. That is why his father's ridicule hurts his heart so much. He does not feel the slightest pride when, as a young Cossack, he is appointed hut chieftain after the death of the Bearded. It is important for him to serve the fatherland, because he loves what is dear to his father's heart. Even his last words are addressed to the father.

Andrew is looking for another love. Among fellow countrymen all strangers to him. Love for a woman makes him commit a crime. The Cossacks are a simple, rude people, and the youngest son of Taras Bulba is not at all like that. He is very lonely. Rich imagination and a lively mind, probably, did not give him a simple Cossack life. The loneliness of the soul unites both brothers. One seeks to win the love of his father, the second tries to find it in the face of a beautiful Polish woman.

This is a comparative description of Ostap and Andrey.

Tragedy in the life of Taras Bulba

Taras Bulba is a brave and courageous chieftain. He lives in his fatherland, infinitely devoted to his homeland.

The tragedy of the protagonist is that he lost both sons. Ostap died for the fatherland, Andrei suffered for his love for a woman and died at the hands of his father. It is impossible that in the depths of his soul the father did not mourn for his youngest son, but he drowned out suppressed him in himself.

After the death of Ostap, the life of Taras Bulba actually ends. He celebrates a "bloody commemoration" for his eldest son. Taras is merciless to enemies. He lives with one thought - revenge.

The death of Taras Bulba comes absurdly. He returns to the battlefield for the lost cradle, which was considered a kind of soul of a Cossack. There was a sign that if you lost it, you could get sick or die. But, ironically (who knows, perhaps the ataman forgot it not by chance), the main character was seized precisely during the search for the cradle. Burning alive, Taras Bulba urged his compatriots to return and have a good walk. The tragic death united the father and such dissimilar sons.

The work of N.V. Gogol "Taras Bulba" reflects not only the historical past, but also shows the personal drama of the Cossack Taras Bulba and his sons - Ostap and Andriy. On the one hand, the two brothers are different, and on the other, they are very similar. Therefore, their comparison is quite interesting.

Review of the story "Taras Bulba"

A review of the story will make it possible to understand how it turned out that, having grown up in the same family and brought up in the same way, the children of Taras - Ostap and Andriy - are brothers and enemies. Taras Bulba loved his native Ukraine with all his heart. A lively, restless Cossack, he seemed to have been created for an abusive battle. The field is clean and a good horse is all that his soul asks for.

Merciless to the enemy, tender to his comrades, Taras protects the oppressed and destitute. His whole life is connected with the Zaporizhzhya Sich. Service native land he gave himself undividedly. The main thing for him is the freedom and independence of his people. An experienced and wise leader of the Cossack army, Taras led simple life and was no different from his comrades.

Severe and adamant, devoted to his homeland, he sends his sons to the Sich as soon as they returned home from Kyiv, where they studied military sciences. Taras Bulba proudly told all his friends - Ostap and Andriy would become real Cossacks. The brothers go to the Sich with their father.

On the way, they were more silent, worried about the imminent separation from their mother and home. Sich met them with a real revelry. Bulba is making efforts to raise an army on a campaign against Poland. Soon the Cossacks attacked the city of Dubno, where, as they believed, there were many rich inhabitants and gold. The Cossacks won the first battle, but could not enter the city.

Decisive battle

Near the walls of Dubno they set up camp and prepare for the second battle. Taras Bulba is proud of his sons. Ostap and Andriy fight with dignity. The eldest son is elected ataman of the Uman kuren. A born Cossack, in battle Ostap shows bravery and courage, acts coolly and boldly. The younger Andriy fights enthusiastically and bravely. With his characteristic fervor, he performs such actions that a reasonable Ostap would not have dared to do.

At night, the servant of his beloved sneaks to Andriy. Andriy abandons the army and goes over to the side of the enemy. In the second battle, Bulba saw his son Andriy leaving the city gates with Polish knights. The father cannot bear Andriy's betrayal. Having lured him into a trap, Taras kills his son.

In this battle, the Cossack army suffered heavy losses. Ostap was captured, where he died under torture. The father tried to save his son, but could not. Bulba lost both sons, but courageously continued to fight. The battle lasted four days. Taras lagged behind his army and was overtaken by haiduks. They tied him to an oak tree and lit a fire under it. And in the last moments he thinks about his comrades, about his native land.

Two brothers - two destinies

Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andriy will help to put together a complete image of the characters and understand their actions and behavior. But first, let's look at how their childhood passed, the features of education.

Ostap and Andriy grew up side by side, played the same games. Their favorite place was the meadow behind the house. The father was often not at home, the mother was engaged in the upbringing of the sons. The youngest son was a mother's joy. Ostap, from an early age, strove to be like his father in everything. The brothers received the same education. Taras understood that they had to study and sent them to the Kiev bursa. Already there, the brothers showed themselves in different ways.

They both dreamed of exploits and battles. When, on their return, the father said that his sons would go with him to the Zaporozhian Sich, both were delighted. Sich is a place where they will become real Cossacks. On the way, each of them thought about his own. Ostap is about military exploits, that he is in no way inferior to his illustrious father. Andriy - about the beloved beautiful Polish woman.

The author describes the appearance of Ostap and Andriy in a general way. Apparently, in order to note how close they are to each other. Two burly youngsters. The faces are covered with the first fluff of hair, which is still unknown to the razor. Both have long forelocks, for which any Cossack could tear them out. A little later, the author describes their faces, barely tanned. Why their young black mustaches set off the healthy color of youth even brighter.

After the arrival of the brothers in the Sich, they matured in a month. Barely fledged chicks became Cossacks. Youthful softness in facial features was replaced by confidence and determination.

Elder brother Ostap

The strong-willed character of Ostap manifested itself in childhood. He did not like to study, he buried the primer four times. He ran away from the bursa and stayed to study only under the threat of his father. When he was punished, he endured everything in silence. He lay down himself under the rods and never asked for mercy, did not betray anyone. Ostap was faithful comrade and his friends responded in kind. After the order of his father, Ostap did his best and became the best in his studies.

Ostap is a reliable comrade and an impeccable fighter. He is calm, silent and reasonable. Ostap honors the traditions of grandfathers and fathers. He does not face the problem of choosing between his feelings and duty. Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andriy will help to better and deeper understand both brothers.

Despite the fact that Ostap is a man of duty, death sibling hurts him badly. Kind by nature, it is very difficult for him to look at his mother's tears. But he tries not to show it. He loved his parents with all his heart, but his desire to serve the Ukrainian people and his native land made him related to his father.

An integral nature, Ostap unconditionally accepts the life, ideals and principles of the Cossacks from the Sich. At twenty-two, he is cold-blooded and sober about many things. My short life he lived well. Always respectful, but knows the limits - Ostap's respectfulness does not turn into obsequiousness.

He respects the opinion of the Cossacks, but he is categorically not interested in the opinion of foreigners. Ostap never lost his head in battle, never got embarrassed. The Cossacks with dignity appreciated his strength and dexterity, courage and courage in battle. Father Taras proudly said that he would become a good colonel.

The author notes that his body breathed strength and the knightly qualities of the young man acquired the strength of a lion. For a young Cossack, the world is harsh, but everything is simple in it: there are enemies - there are friends, there are friends - there are strangers. Ostap is not interested in politics, he is just a warrior - a brave, stern, loyal and straightforward Cossack. He remains true to his duty and homeland to the end. In captivity, he was subjected to terrible torments, Ostap did not say a word.

When the captured Cossacks are led to the scaffold, Ostap goes ahead of everyone. Proudly looks at the Poles and addresses only the Cossacks, so that they do not say a word to the Poles, do not shame the Cossack glory. Not a cry, not a single groan escaped from his chest. He died as a proud and faithful son of his land.

The youngest son of Taras - Andriy

Comparative characteristics of Ostap and Andriy will answer many questions. It is noticeable that the author devotes more space to Andriy in the story. His appearance is described in more detail. And, besides, this is the only hero of the story, with whom the lyrical line is connected - the story of his love for the lady. But first things first.

While studying in the bursa, the youngest son of Bulba showed himself as a lively, developed, intelligent and inventive person. He liked to study, and knowledge was given to him easily. Andriy was a ringleader in "dangerous enterprises", but he skillfully got away with it. Easy-going and determined, he could find a way out of any situation. And managed to avoid punishment. Father was sure that in the future Andriy would become a glorious Cossack.

He had an early need to love. What he was ashamed to confess to his brother and comrades. Sensitive by nature, he loved to walk the streets of Kyiv and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. When he saw the beautiful lady, his heart was filled with warmth, and he could not forget it.

A few years later he meets this girl again. She has matured, changed, and Andriy seems even more beautiful. He tells her about everything he feels, tremblingly hugs her and understands that he does not want to part with her. Not only comparative characteristics Ostap and Andria, but also the description of the appearance of the brothers make it clear that they are completely different.

In describing the appearance of the older brother, the author focuses only on his strength. Unlike Ostap, more attention is paid to the description of Andrii: a handsome young man, a velvet eyebrow arched, his eyes sparkle with clear hardness, his cheeks glow with bright fire and his black mustache shines like silk.

Andriy loves nature, misses his mother a lot. But it can not be called weak-character. He understands that he committed a terrible crime - he betrayed his father and comrades in arms. And he knew what the consequences of his action would be. But he tries to remain himself to the end, fighting for his own happiness.

Two extremes coexist in him - a subtle sensitive nature and a brave warrior who is not afraid to look death in the face. He throws bread to a hungry man, but in battle his hand does not falter. The feelings of the young Cossack, which did not fade for several years, confirm how strong his love for the lady was. And the girl answered him the same.

To meet with the pannochka, Andriy penetrates into a strange city. But first he enters the Catholic Church. He is not embarrassed that this is a temple of a faith alien to him. He looks with amazement at the play of light, listens to the organ. In this episode, it is perfectly shown that the beauty of an alien religion, the suffering and sorrow of a warring people are available to him. But Andriy's spiritual beauty fades when he speaks "against his own", furiously and decisively, like a young greyhound dog.

Ostap and Andriy - brothers and enemies

The author introduces the reader to the brothers when they return home from school. Father ridiculed their ridiculous outfit. Ostap was offended by these words, and he wished to resolve the dispute with his fists. The father plays along with his son to see if he really will stop at nothing. Andriy is indifferent and does not show himself in this episode.

At dinner, the conversation turns to studies, the father starts talking about punishment with rods. The eldest son does not want to talk about this topic, while the younger one is determined to strike back. From this scene it becomes clear that Ostap is reasonable and calm, Andriy is an ardent young man who longs for exploits.

Ostap, who studied at the seminary without much pleasure, ran away from there several times. On his fifth escape, his father warned that he would send Ostap to a monastery. The words of his father had an effect on the young man, and he, thanks to his willpower and perseverance, becomes one of the best students. He took part in many tricks, but did not betray his comrades. He steadfastly endured punishment with rods.

Andriy studied with pleasure. Just like his brother, he participated in various adventures. But thanks to his resourcefulness, he successfully avoided punishment. Like all his comrades, Andriy dreamed of glory and exploits, but the feeling of love occupied a special place in his thoughts. Already in the Sich, when the lady's maid finds him, he, on pain of death, pulls out a bag of food from under his sleeping brother in order to save his beloved from starvation in the besieged city.

In battle, Andriy, without hesitation, rushed to the center of the battle, doing what other Cossacks could not do. Ostap, on the contrary, acted judiciously: he assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy before taking action. Both brothers enjoyed great respect among the Cossacks.

Two brothers - Ostap and Andriy - two destinies, two characters, two deaths. One brother dies heroically, like a glorious son of his people. Taras takes revenge for the execution of Ostap by burning cities and war. The second brother dies shamefully for apostasy and betrayal of his people at the hands of his father. Taras does not bury his son according to Cossack customs, he says that they will bury him without him.

Taras taught both of his sons to love their people, land and freedom. And I wished them to become worthy defenders of their native land and sincerely serve their people. That is why the betrayal of the youngest son Andriy outgrew the scale of the family drama and became a conflict between the two worlds. For Taras, his whole life consisted in the struggle for justice. The younger son preferred love for a girl to his father's values. The eldest remains faithful to everything that his father taught to the end.