Is Molchalin pitiful or terrible? (based on the comedy by A. S.
The appearance of Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit" at the beginning of the 19th century opened a new milestone in the history of Russian literature. All characters created by the writer have not only literary, but also social significance. The heroes of the comedy are divided into two camps: “past century” and “present century”, but there are also those who have nowhere to be classified. For example, Molchalin Alexey Stepanych, he is not yet a nobleman with lordly manners, but he is already actively aiming for this place. For him, the most important thing is to achieve some profitable rank, and in what way is a secondary question.
Molchalin is ready to lie, betray, flatter, ingratiate himself and resort to any tricks in order to achieve what he wants. The type of such people became one of the most common in Rus' after Patriotic War 1812. Society was still ruled by representatives of the “past century”, who proudly called themselves patriots of their country and at the same time used foreign words in their speech and wore clothes based on patterns from French milliners. Another disadvantage of the people of the so-called “Famus society” was their neglect of learning and education. People who held the highest ranks could be completely illiterate and ignorant.
However, this generation was replaced by a new movement of activists who brought with them the “light of learning,” love for the fatherland and freedom for the peasants. The author attributed these people to the “present century”, since in them he saw hope for a better future and the emergence of a just society. Unfortunately, as long as characters like Molchalin existed, the “past century” could calmly develop and prosper. This hero does not often express his opinion, behaves rather submissively and friendly, and only a very smart and insightful person can notice what lies behind this mask. A. A. Chatsky became such a whistleblower for him, but they did not want to listen to him.
It is enough to see Sophia’s genuine despair at the moment when she learned that her beloved Molchalin was courting her only because of the opportunity to climb the career ladder. After this scene, it is quite obvious that such types are not funny, as they may seem when they flatter at every opportunity and try to serve even a noble dog, but are scary and dangerous. In fact, by depicting Molchalin, the author wanted to show a generalized image of a minor official humiliating himself in front of high officials in order to advance in his career. As we can see, such an image is not only funny from the outside, but also tragicomic.
His act towards Sophia turned out to be the most vile and, from the reader’s point of view, deserves laughter and contempt. At the end of the work, we learn that he is secretly in love with Lisa, and all this time he himself has been caring for the owner’s daughter, in the hope of winning her heart and getting a promotion. His subsequent action does not deserve respect either, when he tries to deny and deny what was said, so as not to lose Sophia’s favor. In a word, this hero is entirely presented as vicious and vile. In my opinion, it is dangerous and far from harmless. People like him are quickly “reborn” and begin to implement their plans again, so they are more scary than funny.
Molchalin and Chatsky. Two poles in Griboyedov’s brilliant comedy. Next to the ardent Chatsky, a passionate fighter and a furious accuser, the wordless Molchalin is completely unnoticed. Therefore, probably, both readers and viewers do not pay so much attention to him. But behind the expressionless appearance and gray thinking lies a whole philosophy of life, very tenacious and persistent.
Let's think about what Molchalin is? Is he worthy of sympathy or condemnation?
In the beginning, we are introduced to him mainly through the characteristics given to him by other characters in the play.
Famusov is pleased with him, entrusting his timid but faithful assistant with the performance of his simple duties.
Loving Sophia notes that he
Compliant, modest, quiet,
Not a shadow of worry in your face
And there are no actions in my soul.
And Molchalin himself says that moderation and accuracy are his main talents.
And only once will Sophia burst out with regret:
Of course, he doesn’t have this mind...
Possibly referring to Chatsky's brilliant and sharp mind.
But how wrong she was! The inconspicuous Molchalin is smart, very smart, but prefers to hide it for the time being. After all, it is much more profitable to wear a mask, presenting yourself as others want to see him: tenderly submissive with Sophia, obsequiously devoted with Famusov, falsely humble with Chatsky, familiar with Lizonka.
It seems that only with the maid is he completely sincere, revealing his position in life:
My father bequeathed to me:
Firstly, to please all people without exception;
The owner, where he will live,
The boss with whom I will serve,
His servant, who cleans the dress,
The doorman, the janitor, in order to avoid evil,
To the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate.
Why pride and self-esteem for people like Molchalin: servility is the main thing in his philosophy.
But all his behavior indicates that he is deeper than the characteristics given to himself.
He is resourceful and careful; he tries to hide his relationship with his master’s daughter from strangers, and having unexpectedly met Famusov at an inopportune time near Sophia’s room, he does not get lost and instantly comes up with a plausible explanation.
A conversation with Chatsky shows that Molchalin does not value an intelligent guest. Having humbly started the conversation, Molchalin soon goes on the offensive: he asks questions, condemns, advises
Have you not been given ranks, have you had no success in your career? -
He asks ironically, And here’s some advice:
Well, really, to serve you in Moscow And win awards and have fun?
Molchalin is not only not in love - he is not even passionate about Sophia. He says frankly and shamelessly:
Let's go share love with our deplorable theft...
And later Lizin’s question about a possible wedding calmly answers:
There is a lot of hope ahead,
We'll waste time without a wedding.
All his intelligence, cunning and resourcefulness are designed to serve one goal - to get a good, soft, sweet place in life.
And only the disaster that occurred at the end of the play prevents the implementation of his plans. After the scene in the hallway, Molchalin cannot remain the same: the mask is pulled off, and everyone sees his true face.
But the old Molchalin was too convenient for everyone, even for Sophia. And Chatsky correctly notes:
You will make peace with him, after sober reflection.
So, Molchalin’s defeat is apparently temporary. He will be forgiven, And achieving his life goal will become even sweeter.
Molchalin is the antithesis of Chatsky. But how correctly Griboyedov was able to foresee in these images the two paths that people would take: the Chatskys will always choose struggle and open battle, the silent ones - humility and peace.
So, we have no one to feel sorry for: not a pathetic one, but a cunning and resourceful, surprisingly tenacious guy in front of us. Take a look around. Are there no modern silent people among the people around you?!
IN early XIX century, Griboyedov wrote a comedy that opened new stage in the history of Russian literature. All the characters in “Woe from Wit” have historical, literary and universal significance. A special discovery of the Russian playwright was the creation of the image of Molchalin. This hero combines all the negative qualities of the socio-psychological type, which is still very common in Russia today. Is Molchalin funny or scary?
Slave servility
This type of character has become quite common in Russian literature. But for the first time, readers and theater audiences became acquainted with him thanks to Griboyedov’s comedy. The writer was able to generalize everything that he observed in society. With his light hand literary criticism concepts such as “Famusovism” and “silence” were included. They are not close in meaning, but in the comedy “Woe from Wit” they are connected with each other.
Molchalin is a small man. But unlike the Pushkin type, he does not resign himself to his social position and is ready to do anything to rise in society. His father instilled in him slavish servility as a means by which he could achieve his goal. Is Molchalin funny or scary? The answer to this question, at first glance, seems obvious. Famusov's secretary can only evoke contempt and irony. This is exactly how the reader perceives him. He appeared funny and pitiful in the eyes of the main character of the comedy. But there is no clear answer to the question: “Is Molchalin funny or scary?” An essay dedicated to Griboyedov’s characters requires a deeper reading of the work. Because only after reflection and some analysis does it come to mind that this hero is not so harmless.
Careerism
Is Molchalin funny or scary? Griboedov's work is not just a comedy in which the author skillfully ridiculed the vices of Moscow society. In it, the writer also raised the question of what feelings are evoked by a person striving for a career takeoff. Chatsky’s mistake was a misconception regarding Secretary Famusov. Molchalin is a “dumb” person, but is capable of achieving “known degrees.” There is nothing reprehensible in his desire to make a career, if not for his complete indifference to everything that happens around him.
One of the critics noted that Molchalin, having once decided to make a career, took a path from which he would never turn. Even if his mother dies, his beloved woman calls for help, and the whole world begins to spit in his face, he will not back down. The question of whether Molchalin is funny or scary, based on this point of view, presupposes an unambiguous answer. Cynical careerists are to be feared. Their servile manners are no reason for irony. After all, if such a Molchalin manages to deceive those around him, sooner or later he will show his true face. And his face will be terrible.
meanness
Famus's world is opposed to Chatsky. It cannot be said that Molchalin is part of his mentor’s society. He is just striving to become one. But the confrontation between the main character and secretary Famusov is especially striking because these people belong to the same age category. But each of them chose their own path in this world. One became a rebel and a truth-seeker. The other one preferred to pray and wait for the right moment when he would finally get what he had been dreaming about for so long. Is Molchalin funny or scary? Can a snake that is lurking and ready to bite at any moment cause laughter? The answer to these questions is obvious. An essay on the topic “Is Molchalin Funny or Scary” will help reveal them.
lackeyness
Molchalin does not understand how it is possible, being a minor official, to have his own point of view. His lackeyness and desire to please sometimes take comic forms. But he is ready to praise the smooth fur of a noble lady’s dog, play the role of a lover in front of Sophia, condemn and criticize Chatsky. An essay on the topic “Is Molchalin funny or scary” is an analysis of the character, comparing him with other heroes, as well as thinking about what such a person could have become if his deception had not been discovered in time.
Most pathetic creature
As already mentioned, Chatsky was extremely mistaken at his first meeting with Molchalin. In his eyes, this man was a nonentity and a pitiful creature. This attitude towards the silent people was typical of Griboyedov’s time. The type of young progressive nobleman who, with high ideals and a brilliant education, could someday change Russian society, became popular. The old aristocratic world served as a contrast to this type. The silent ones were in the shadows. And this was the danger that the author of the comedy “Woe from Wit” points out. Is Molchalin funny or scary? The answer to this question is clear, you just need to dream a little. What would have happened if the secretary had managed to win Sophia’s hand and get into Famusov’s circle? Surely the society that was so unpleasant to Chatsky would ultimately turn out to be not as dangerous as this silent, exceptionally flattering young man.
Invulnerability
The image of a humble man created by him touches Sophia. Having read French novels, she is ready to believe in his pure thoughts and high feelings between people belonging to different social worlds. But the mask instantly flies off Molchalin, as soon as a person of lower status appears in front of him. The true face of this character can be seen in the actions where he communicates with Lisa. What Famusov’s secretary is like becomes clear from his conversations with Chatsky. In the eyes of Molchalin main character- a loser, which means he is worthy only of contempt.
One should not assume that the exposure of Molchalin will lead to his disappearance from the public scene. Only the “crazy” Chatsky can leave her. “Is Molchalin funny or scary?” - an essay-reasoning that requires understanding historical role Griboedov's heroes. At first glance, he is an unlucky careerist. In fact, he is an extremely invulnerable scoundrel. Sooner or later he will achieve his goal. And perhaps Molchalin is not so terrible as the time in which flatterers and careerists feel comfortable, and in which the truth is mistaken for madness.
A.S.Molchalin is one of the main characters of A.S.Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit.” Famusov’s secretary, who lives in his house, is not a nobleman by birth, is a typical representative Famusovsky Society and the complete opposite of A.A. Chatsky.
Molchalin’s main and only goal is his career, for which he is ready to do anything: serve, please everyone, humiliate, deceive.
For his service, he received the rank of assessor and three awards. Other representatives of the Famusov society like his modesty, humility and desire to please everyone, so Molchalin is on friendly terms with the people around him.
Molchalin is very proud of his “moderation and accuracy” and his career achievements and brags about them whenever the opportunity arises.
Molchalin keeps to himself and never expresses his personal opinion, he explains this by the fact that “at his age he should not dare to have his own opinion, he is of small rank.” Molchalin is cowardly, afraid of disgracing himself in society, because “evil tongues are worse than a pistol.” .
In the work, Molchalin is also Chatsky’s rival in love triangle with Sophia. The girl sincerely loves the secretary for his “shyness, bashfulness, kindness.”
Chatsky cannot understand why such an intelligent and educated girl like Sophia fell in love with the empty flatterer Molchalin.
But does Molchalin truly love Sophia as much as she loves him? He reveals his true face only at the end of the work, when he is alone with Lisa. Molchalin admits to the maid that he really loves her, and pretends to be in love with Sophia only for personal gain .
Molchalin’s low, vile deception becomes the cause of “a million torments” for Chatsky and Sophia. At first it seems funny, but when you understand that Molchalin, for his own benefit, is ready to do any vile acts and deceptions, that he doesn’t care about the feelings of other people, he becomes scary People like Molchalin exist at all times, and our time, unfortunately, is no exception.
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