The image of Molchalin in the comedy Woe from Wit. Characteristics and image of the taciturn in the comedy grief from wit composition Who is the taciturn in comedy
In the comedy "Woe from Wit" A.S. Griboyedov presents the images of the Moscow nobility of the early 19th century, when a split was outlined in society between the conservative nobility and those who accepted the ideas of Decembrism. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the "present century" and the "past century", the painful and historically natural replacement of old noble ideals with new ones. The supporters of the "bygone century" in comedy are numerous. These are not only such weighty and influential people in the world as the feudal landlords Famusov and Colonel Skalozub, but also young nobles who do not have high ranks and are forced to "serve" influential people. This is the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit".
Molchalin is a poor nobleman from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who "gave him the rank of assessor and took him as secretary." Molchalin is the secret lover of Famusov's daughter, but Sophia's father does not want to see him in his sons-in-law, because in Moscow it is supposed to have a son-in-law "with stars and ranks." Molchalin does not yet meet these standards. However, his desire to "serve" is very valuable for the Famus society.
Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the post of Famusov's secretary, because usually such places are taken only under patronage. Famusov says: “In my presence, foreign employees are very rare: more and more sisters, sister-in-law, children; only Molchalin is not my own, and that is because he is a business man. " It is business qualities, and not honor and dignity, that are valuable in the Famusian environment.
In the play Woe from Wit, the image of Molchalin fully corresponds to the accepted standards of behavior of a young nobleman in society. He curses and humiliates himself in front of influential guests in Famusov's house, because they can be useful in his promotion. Molchalin sinks to the point that he begins to praise the smooth fur of Khlestova's dog. He believes that while "we are small in ranks", "we must depend on others." That is why Molchalin lives according to the principle "In my years you should not dare to have your own judgment."
Like everyone else in Famus society, in the comedy Woe From Wit, Molchalin is proud of his successes in the service and boasts of them at every opportunity: “As I worked and worked, since I was listed in the archives, I received three awards.” Molchalin also succeeded in establishing contacts with the "necessary" people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because “officials and officials are all her friends and all relatives,” and even dares to recommend such a demeanor to Chatsky.
Despite the fact that the views and values of Molchalin fully coincide with the ideals of the conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is located. Famusov's daughter will be deceived by this particular person, since he assumes the appearance of her lover "according to his position", that is, out of profit.
Molchalin fully opens his face when interacting with the servant Lisa, who expresses sympathy. “You and the young lady are modest, but the maid is a rake,” she tells him. It becomes clear to the reader that Molchalin is not at all a stupid modest man - he is a two-faced and dangerous person.
In the heart of Molchalin there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he puts on this performance "for the sake of the daughter of such a person," and on the other, he is mortally afraid that his secret connection with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid to spoil the opinion of himself in society, because "evil tongues are worse than a gun." Even Sophia is ready to go against the light for the sake of love: "What is the rumor to me ?!" This is probably why Molchalin does not find "anything enviable" in his marriage to Sophia.
It turns out that with his meanness, Molchalin causes harm even to the society of which he is a product. Molchalin just clearly follows the advice of his father - "to please all people without exception - to the owner where he will live, the boss, with whom I will serve ..."
This hero is fully consistent with the ideals of the "past century", although he belongs to the younger generation of nobles. He knows the main thing - to adapt, and therefore "The silencers are blissful in the world."
Thus, Molchalin is a product and a worthy continuation of the representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values only ranks and money and evaluates people only by these standards. The cunning and duplicity of this hero are the defining features in the characterization of Molchalin in the comedy Woe from Wit. Therefore, Chatsky claims that Molchalin "will reach the degrees of the known, because nowadays they love the dumb."
The problem raised by Griboyedov in the comedy "Woe from Wit" remains relevant to this day. At all times, there were Molchalins who did not stop at anything to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as values such as wealth and position in society are at the forefront, rather than honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism.
Characteristics of the hero, reasoning about his views and ideals, describing relationships with other characters - all these arguments will help 9th grade students when writing an essay on the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit"
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The epithets awarded to Alexei Molchalin are flatterers, sycophants and heartless crooks. The antihero of the comedy "Woe from Wit" appears before the readers as a truly grotesque figure, whose description is full of sarcastic clichés. And according to the law of the genre, the unpleasant type who stole the heart of a naive girl will be exposed. Alas, such a plot is most often possible only in plays.
History of creation
Molchalin is a colorful and vivid character, with the help of which he exposed a typical secular society of the times of serfdom. The writer created the first sketches of the comedy "Woe from Wit" back in 1820.
The results of the work, which lasted for four years, did not satisfy the author. In 1824, during the editing of the resulting work, Griboyedov partially rewrites the character of Molchalin. The writer adds final scenes to the comedy, thereby exposing the secretary in front of the rest of the characters.
The first attempts to publish "Woe from Wit" took place in December of the same year. Alas, the censorship softened the heroes' remarks, smoothing over the acute social issues raised by Griboyedov. For example, Molchalin's phrase "After all, you need to depend on others" was replaced by "After all, you need to keep others in mind."
The comedy, not weighed down by the censor's edits, was released to print only in 1831, while the play was specially translated into German. The Russian-language version of the poem appeared in Moscow in 1833.
Criticism about the play mainly concerned opposition and Molchalin. Despite the numerous censures of the secretary, the hero's life values are understandable and correspond to the spirit of the times. This is subtly noted:
“Chatsky says about Molchalin that he was previously so stupid that he is a miserable creature. Molchalin took it as a rule: moderation and accuracy. Let's ask: what's so stupid and funny? "
"Woe from Wit"
The plot of the comedy by Alexander Griboyedov develops on the territory of the landowner's estate. The elderly man's household has long been established, in working moments the man is assisted by a secretary, whose full name is Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin.
The man lives in the employer's house, so he easily strikes up a relationship with Sophia Famusova. Young people spend a lot of time alone, talking about personal topics. Molchalin's biography undergoes drastic changes when Chatsky returns to his homeland.
Men from the first minutes disliked each other. Chatsky intends to understand the reasons for the strange behavior of his beloved. Molchalin is scared that a secret romance will be revealed. The secretary does not want to lose an advantageous place, but the opportunity to become the son-in-law of a wealthy aristocrat is too tempting.
The girl herself has long lost interest in Chatsky and can hardly restrain herself so as not to reveal her secret. When Molchalin falls from his horse, the younger Famusova cannot cope with emotions. People around them begin to suspect that there is a secret connection between the characters.
Having ridiculed the secretary's views on life, Chatsky incurs the girl's wrath. People's relationships are surrounded by gossip, intrigue and class prejudice. The satiated life of Molchalin ends at the moment when, succumbing to feeling, the secretary opens his hands and confesses to the servant Lisa's insidious plans.
Sophia herself and the angry Chatsky hear an intimate conversation and unpleasant statements. At this point, the social problems of Russian officials and the love drama mix together. Molchalin is expelled from a wealthy house, and his rival bitterly concludes:
"The taciturns are blissful in the world!"
Image and character
Disputes about whether Molchalin is pathetic or terrible do not subside among connoisseurs of classical literature. The quotation characterization of the character will put everything in its place, because Griboyedov expressed his attitude towards the character through the remarks of Molchalin himself and the people around him.
The comedy hero grew up in Tver and moved to Moscow at a mature age. The young man is poor, he grew up in a bourgeois family. His father also worked in the service, so from childhood, Molchalin was used to groveling in front of the powerful:
"My father bequeathed to me: firstly, to please all people without exception - the owner where I will live, the boss with whom I will serve."
The secretary follows the behests of his father, so he easily and comfortably settles in Famusov's house. Officially, the young man is listed in the "archives", but in fact, he performs the duties of a personal assistant to the landowner. During the service, the man managed to receive three awards, which Molchalin is proud of.
Illustration for the comedy "Woe from Wit"
Partially, the secretary's characteristics are revealed through the appearance of the character. The attractive young man has a slim figure. The man dresses neatly and follows his own manners:
"Serving, modest, there is a blush in the face ..."
The costume is for Alexey Stepanovich a peculiar way to achieve his own goals in life. A modest frock coat, a colored vest and light trousers help Molchalin to move up the career ladder. After all, the status of a reptile servant allows you to get promoted faster. And it’s easier for a quiet young man to gain the favor of the boss’s daughter.
The image of a modest and reserved person is exploited by Griboyedov even through the hero's surname. This is how Chatsky thinks about the unpleasant hero:
“Have you not yet broken the silence of the press?<...>However, he will reach the known degrees, because nowadays they love the dumb. "
New sides of Molchalin's character are revealed in the context of the secretary's relationship with women. Ambition makes the man look after Sophia, while Alexey is interested in the servant Lisa. The hero is not embarrassed that such actions are a sign of hypocrisy and duplicity. After all, any methods are good in the struggle between the aristocracy and the bureaucracy.
Inappropriate behavior has consequences for a fluid and resourceful person. Alexey Stepanovich is caught red-handed, and various evasions will not save the bureaucrat. However, even after being excommunicated from a rich house, Molchalin will easily arrange his own life, because, as he wrote:
"Molchalin is devilishly smart when it comes to his personal gain."
Screen adaptations
In 2000, the video version "Woe from Wit" was released, directed by. The play was included in the 5 most expensive stage projects in Moscow. The actor has embodied the image of Molchalin.
Quotes
“Often we find patronage there where we don’t mark.”
"This frankness would not harm us."
"What can you do to please the daughter of such a person."
"Ah, evil tongues are worse than a pistol!"
"I dare not utter my judgment."
Griboyedov, in his comedy Woe from Wit, created many characteristic characters. These images remain relevant today. One of these heroes is Molchalin. He is the brightest representative of the people who live in our time. Let's take a closer look at his character.
Molchalin is a poor young man from Tver, whom Famusov took into his service and gave the rank of collegiate assessor.
We can assume that Molchalin is a rootless person, probably from a bourgeois family. Famusov says this about him: "I warmed Bezrodny and brought him into my family."
I believe that Molchalin can be described as a cowardly and mean person. The most noticeable trait of his character is his silence - which is immediately evident from his last name. ("He is silent when he is scolded", "Not a word of freedom, and so the whole night goes by") He never expresses his own opinion, in communication he prefers short, fragmentary phrases. “In my years I should not dare to have my own judgment,” says Molchalin. He seems to be afraid not to please his interlocutor with his remark. Molchalin lives according to the principle bequeathed to him by his father: "to please all people without exception." His servility goes beyond the bounds of morality. We see a sharp contrast to this way of communication in the dialogue between Molchalin and Liza. He takes her for "his", so he is not afraid to openly express his opinion, to say what he thinks. To her, he talks about his frivolous intentions in relations with Sophia, claims that he loves her only "according to her position." He admits that he is using Sophia to his advantage. This describes him as a vicious, cowardly person who, trying to break out into people, makes his way through silent lies and servility. We learn about most of Molchalin's qualities from the remarks of other heroes. First, Sophia describes him as a wonderful mental organization of a person: "Molchalin is ready to forget himself for others", "The enemy of insolence is always shy, timid ...". From her words, you can clearly see how she loves him. Chatsky, on the other hand, treats Molchalin with the deepest contempt. He openly doubts his ability and does not believe that he can achieve anything. Chatsky considers Molchalin a fool, a “pitiful creature,” incapable of any deliberate action. But after that, Chatsky realizes that this is just a mask of Molchalin, that in fact he is a cunning and unprincipled person who knows how to achieve his goals. Chatsky says that Molchalin "will reach the degrees of the known, because nowadays they love the dumb." Molchalin also treats other characters of the comedy differently. With people above him in rank, he is helpful, does not dare say an extra word. With Chatsky, he allows himself not only to express his opinion, but also to give him advice. After all, Chatsky is not only the same age as Molchalin, but also has no ranks. Therefore, Molchalin sees no reason for his usual servility in the presence of Chatsky. The attitude of other heroes to Molchalin and his attitude towards them characterizes him as an immoral person who sees in others only ranks and titles, not taking into account the human soul.
Thus, Griboyedov created a negative, but interesting image for study in his comedy. Such silent liars also exist in modern society. And it is the duty of every person to eradicate in himself all those qualities that are in him, to develop in himself everything that is good, bright, and not base and false. Everyone should try not to be Molchalin.
In the comedy "Woe from Wit" A.S. Griboyedov presents the images of the Moscow nobility of the early 19th century, when a split was outlined in society between the conservative nobility and those who accepted the ideas of Decembrism. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the "present century" and the "past century", the painful and historically natural replacement of old noble ideals with new ones. The supporters of the "bygone century" in comedy are numerous. These are not only such weighty and influential people in the world as the feudal landlords Famusov and Colonel Skalozub, but also young nobles who do not have high ranks and are forced to "serve" influential people. This is the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit".
Molchalin is a poor nobleman from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who "gave him the rank of assessor and took him as secretary." Molchalin is the secret lover of Famusov's daughter, but Sophia's father does not want to see him in his sons-in-law, because in Moscow it is supposed to have a son-in-law "with stars and ranks." Molchalin does not yet meet these standards. However, his desire to "serve" is very valuable for the Famus society.
Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the post of Famusov's secretary, because usually such places are taken only under patronage. Famusov says: “In my presence, foreign employees are very rare: more and more sisters, sister-in-law, children; only Molchalin is not my own, and that is because he is a business man. " It is business qualities, and not honor and dignity, that are valuable in the Famusian environment.
In the play Woe from Wit, the image of Molchalin fully corresponds to the accepted standards of behavior of a young nobleman in society. He curses and humiliates himself in front of influential guests in Famusov's house, because they can be useful in his promotion. Molchalin sinks to the point that he begins to praise the smooth fur of Khlestova's dog. He believes that while "we are small in ranks", "we must depend on others." That is why Molchalin lives according to the principle "In my years you should not dare to have your own judgment."
Like everyone else in Famus society, in the comedy Woe From Wit, Molchalin is proud of his successes in the service and boasts of them at every opportunity: “As I worked and worked, since I was listed in the archives, I received three awards.” Molchalin also succeeded in establishing contacts with the "necessary" people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because “officials and officials are all her friends and all relatives,” and even dares to recommend such a demeanor to Chatsky.
Despite the fact that the views and values of Molchalin fully coincide with the ideals of the conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is located. Famusov's daughter will be deceived by this particular person, since he assumes the appearance of her lover "according to his position", that is, out of profit.
Molchalin fully opens his face when interacting with the servant Lisa, who expresses sympathy. “You and the young lady are modest, but the maid is a rake,” she tells him. It becomes clear to the reader that Molchalin is not at all a stupid modest man - he is a two-faced and dangerous person.
In the heart of Molchalin there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he puts on this performance "for the sake of the daughter of such a person," and on the other, he is mortally afraid that his secret connection with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid to spoil the opinion of himself in society, because "evil tongues are worse than a gun." Even Sophia is ready to go against the light for the sake of love: "What is the rumor to me ?!" This is probably why Molchalin does not find "anything enviable" in his marriage to Sophia.
It turns out that with his meanness, Molchalin causes harm even to the society of which he is a product. Molchalin just clearly follows the advice of his father - "to please all people without exception - to the owner where he will live, the boss, with whom I will serve ..."
This hero is fully consistent with the ideals of the "past century", although he belongs to the younger generation of nobles. He knows the main thing - to adapt, and therefore "The silencers are blissful in the world."
Thus, Molchalin is a product and a worthy continuation of the representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values only ranks and money and evaluates people only by these standards. The cunning and duplicity of this hero are the defining features in the characterization of Molchalin in the comedy Woe from Wit. Therefore, Chatsky claims that Molchalin "will reach the degrees of the known, because nowadays they love the dumb."
The problem raised by Griboyedov in the comedy "Woe from Wit" remains relevant to this day. At all times, there were Molchalins who did not stop at anything to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as values such as wealth and position in society are at the forefront, rather than honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism.
Characteristics of the hero, reasoning about his views and ideals, describing relationships with other characters - all these arguments will help 9th grade students when writing an essay on the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit"
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"The taciturns are blissful in the world." The catch phrase lives on today. In the changed conditions of the modern world, the "Molchalins" are easy to recognize and meet.
The image and characterization of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit" will help to understand which features have not undergone changes, who is hiding under the guise of a two-faced shy man.
Molchalin and Famusov
Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin is the secretary of Famusov, the owner of the house in which the events of the comedy unfold. Famusov gave shelter to a poor nobleman from Tver, gave him the rank of assessor, and officially arranged for him to serve in the Archives. Molchalin is not young, an adult man (" we are not guys ...») Is pleased with this situation. He is listed in the archival service, receives a promotion, but does not leave Famusov's house. In Alexei, the owner discerned the features of a business man. All other servants in the house are relatives. The ability to please becomes the basis of Molchalin's character. Simple in origin, probably from a bourgeois family, having received the rank, Alexei acquired the right to hereditary nobility. For 3 years of service, he managed to receive 3 awards. Such a career growth is an indicator of a man's patience and desire to rise by any means as high and fast as possible.
Positive character traits
Griboyedov represents real characters, so they have positive and negative qualities. Molchalin is no exception.
Modesty. Not many can boast of the ability to communicate with people of different ages and educational levels. At Famusov's ball, Molchalin withstands the whims and humiliations of grumpy old women, the stupidity of drunken revelers, the coyness of young ladies.
Shyness and tact. Alexey, being next to the owner's daughter, does not show impudent or harsh actions. He tactfully tolerates Sophia's attitude, skillfully hides his true feelings.
Taciturnity. The ability to remain silent is an unattainable quality for many. They get tired of their chatter. Here the situation is different:
"He will reach the degrees of the known, / After all, nowadays they love the dumb ...".
Good manners and politeness. Molchalin behaves correctly in different situations. He easily apologizes, builds phrases so that there is no desire to scold him, scold him.
The ability to be friends.
"Look, he has acquired the friendship of everyone in the house."
He peacefully settles any problems and disputes, for others he is able to forget about himself.
Calmness. Molchalin is difficult to piss off. He does not express nervousness, anxiety even in the most difficult situations: a morning meeting with the owner, a fall from a horse.
Negative personality traits
Among the representatives of the high society, Aleksey Stepanovich is shy and timid, but this is only a mask, a mask. Behind her are features that do not paint a man:
Helpfulness. Molchalin seeks to please everyone around him, hoping to make a pleasant impression, to benefit. His father bequeathed to him to please all people, but the son moved on. He grovels not only in front of people, but also in front of the animals of the owners. The purpose of this behavior is to achieve promotion and personal relationships.
Duplicity. A man's behavior changes with the situation and environment. With whom he communicates by status, so he behaves. With the Countess Khlestova he is kind, with the maid he is free.
Not the ability to love. Molchalin builds his relationship for the sake of profit. He loves "according to his position." This feeling has become very well known in the modern era, when they start romances for deception and profit. The secretary skillfully plays the role of a lover, conquers an intelligent and educated girl. Sophia is ready for him to go against the rumors and opinions of her father, but the reciprocal feeling is deceitful.
Lack of personal opinion. Molchalin never spoke out. He chose the tactics of silence that others like. Gradually I lost the opportunity to have my own judgments.