Brief summary of the comedy undergrowth for the reader's diary. D
The comedy was written in 1781, was presented in the theater the following year, and was published in 1783. D.I. Fonvizin exposed to ridicule those local nobles who boasted of their noble origins, were illiterate, ill-mannered and cruel to their serfs. Progressive people of that time agreed with the author that serfdom should at least be limited so that landowners would not have such enormous power over their serfs, but everyone knows from history that serfdom was abolished only in 1861, that is, after 80 years after writing the comedy.
In contact with
A minor is a noble son who did not complete his studies and did not have the right to marry and serve.
Characters
Prostakov.
Mrs. Prostakova, his wife.
Simpleton Mitrofan, their son, is an undergrowth.
Eremeevna, Mitrofan’s mother (the child’s nanny was called mother at that time).
Starodum.
Sophia, Starodum's niece.
Skotinin, brother of Mrs. Prostakova.
Kuteikin, seminarian.
Tsyfirkin, retired sergeant.
Vralman, teacher.
Trishka, tailor.
Prostakov's servant.
Starodum's valet.
Act one
The first phenomenon begins in the early morning on the Prostakov estate. Mrs. Prostakova is outraged that the tailor Trishka sewed a tight suit for Mitrofanushka and threatens to punish him. Skotinin, the lady's brother, enters. He came to his agreement with Sophia, a relative of Prostakov, who lives with them, having been left an orphan.
Mrs. Prostakova did not bother to inform Sophia that she was going to marry her to her brother. The landowner is sure that she is the mistress of everything and everyone. If he orders it, Sophia will have to marry her brother.
Skotinin asks the hostess to cancel punishment for the sake of his conspiracy. Prostakova agrees and kicks Trishka out.
Eremeevna complained that Mitrofanushka had a bad dinner yesterday. Prostakova is alarmed by her son’s health and sends him to the dovecote to frolic.
In a conversation with Skotinin, it turns out that he wants to marry Sophia because her parents left an estate with very good pigs, which he wants to add to his own and increase his farm. Besides pigs, he doesn’t know how to talk about anything and doesn’t want to.
In the next apparition, Sophia comes with a letter in her hand, in which it is written that her uncle Starodum, who was considered dead, earned a fortune of ten thousand rubles and makes Sophia the heiress of this fortune. When the news was confirmed, Prostakova already sees in her poor relative a rich bride for her sixteen-year-old son and fawns over her.
The action ends with the news that troops have arrived. Everyone runs to see. Skotinin goes to the barnyard to admire the pigs.
Act two
The second act occurs also on the Prostakov estate. In the first appearance, Pravdin and Milon meet. During their conversation, Sophia comes in. Pravdin finds out that they know each other and love each other, but were separated for more than six months while Milon was in the service.
Sophia says that it was hard for her to live in this family.
Skotinin declares that he will not back down; his uncle and nephew almost came to blows over the bride.
Mitrofanushka's teachers Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin arrive. They complain about how difficult it is to teach the owner's son, a runt. Everything interferes:
- Mitrofan's laziness.
- My own mother with her excessive love and care.
- Vralman, who does not teach himself, because he is a former coachman and does not allow others to teach, with the support of his mistress.
Mitrofan after a quarrel with his uncle in a bad mood, doesn’t want to study, but wants to get married. He scares his mother with the intention of drowning himself. Prostakova was horrified by his words and promises to marry Sophia and is going to knit him a wallet for her money.
Act three
In the first appearance, Starodum arrives, Pravdin meets him first. They are glad to meet you. In a conversation between Starodum and Pravdin, Fonvizin reveals his views on the reality of that time, on the education of youth. Starodum says The truth about abuses at court, about the fact that officials in institutions are busy increasing their fortunes, and not the needs of the state. Pravdin and Starodum have the same views on the education of youth. We need to educate the heart and soul and then educate the minds.
Uncle and niece are happy to meet. Starodum tells Sophia that he has no one but her, so everything he earned will go to her. Now she can marry the man she loves, no matter if he is poor. The uncle explains that wealth is not the main thing for a person. The golden fool is still a fool.
The arrival of Starodum gives hope to Skotinin that he will agree to marry Sophia. Prostakova also hopes to marry Mitrofanushka and Sophia. Disputes about marriage brought the sister and brother to a fight.
Pravdin and Sophia introduce Starodum to Milon, and he approves of his niece's choice.
Act four
Prostakova continues to hope that she can persuade Starodum to give Sophia for Mitrofanushka. Skotinin also does not give up his plans.
Prostakova praises her son and asks to be examined so that everyone can see his learning. Guests ask Mitrofanushka questions about:
- Grammar.
- Stories.
- Geographies.
The idiot's answers show his absolute ignorance of even the most basic things. He doesn’t know the difference between a noun and an adjective, he’s only heard stories from a cowgirl, and he can’t even say the word geography.
Prostakova is confident that her son should marry Sophia, Skotinin is also confident in himself. Starodum announces, that Sophia has already been agreed upon and will not marry Skotinin, nor for Mitrofan.
Tomorrow at seven in the morning Starodum and Sophia are leaving.
Hearing this, Prostakova plots how to steal her in the morning and forcefully marry Mitrofanushka. After this, Starodum will be forced to forgive them.
The action ends with Prostakova giving instructions to her servants and husband regarding the theft of the girl.
Act five
The fifth act also begins early in the morning, like the first one. After Sophia’s unsuccessful assassination attempt, uncovered by Milon, Prostakova is on her knees begging forgiveness from everyone.
When forgiveness is received, she screams in powerless rage that she will beat everyone half to death, because the mistress has the power to beat her servants as much as she wants.
Pravdin reports that he received a package with an order. Now he, as the governor, according to instructions from above, must take custody of Prostakova’s estate, Mitrofanushka will be sent to serve. Prostakova, in despair, rushes to her son, who pushes her away. She is crying with grief.
At the end of the play, Starodum, pointing to Prostakova, says: “These are the worthy fruits of evil.”
More than two hundred years have passed since the play was written. Unfortunately, many of its events, which the author criticized, still happen today. There are officials who care more about their own needs rather than the state's needs . There are ignorant, ill-mannered, self-confident lazy people. Unfortunately, the play is still relevant today, although serfdom has long ceased.
Fonvizin's play must be read in its entirety to enjoy its ironic and sarcastic language. Of course, for as long as the play has existed, its language in some places seems archaic, but many phrases from it have long become catchphrases: the golden fool is still a fool; I don’t want to study, I want to get married; These are the worthy fruits of evil.
Fonvizin’s humor in scenes is not outdated Mitrofanushka’s teachings and in Skotinin’s conversations. The words Mitrofanushka and Nedorosl still symbolize lazy people and ignoramuses. Everyone who wants to know Russian literature needs to read the play.
To understand whether the play “The Minor” is relevant today, you need to read not the short, but the full version of it.
Minor. Comedy in five acts. Events take place on the Prostakov estate.
Mitrofan tries on a caftan. Prostava decides that the caftan is too small, and the “fraudster” and the “thief” are too tight. Trishka specially narrowed it. Trishka says that he is not a tailor, but learned to sew himself.
Prostakova objects that this is a “bestial” reasoning, because no one taught the one who was the first to sew in this world. She calls her husband to see how the caftan is sewn. But Prostakov, stammering from timidity, not knowing what his wife thinks about this, says that the caftan is “baggy.” Prostakova scolds him, and he replies that his eyes see nothing in front of her. Skotinin appears, who thinks that the caftan is sewn “pretty well.”
Frustrated, Prostakova demands that “Trishka get out.” Eremeevna orders the “child” to have breakfast, and when the old woman replies that he has already “deigned to eat five buns,” she accuses her, the “beast,” of feeling sorry for the sixth. Mitrofan says that at night all sorts of “rubbish” got into his eyes - now his mother, now his father. And Mitrofan felt very sorry for his mother, because she was tired, beating the priest. Touched, Prostakova asks “my dear friend” Mitrofanushka to hug her.
A distant relative, Sophia, lives in the Prostakovs’ house, whose father and mother have died. Her only close relative, Uncle Starodum, left to serve several years ago. Since that time, nothing is known about him, but the Prostakovs consider him dead. They took Sophia into their household and look after Sophia’s estate as “their own.”
Skotinin, who loves pigs more than anything in the world, dreams of marrying a girl. He wants to get her estate, which contains many of them. Sophia receives a letter from her uncle. Prostakova doesn’t want to believe it: after all, she commemorated him for his death for several years. Did her sinful prayers really not reach her? Prostakova herself cannot read the letter: she does not know how, just like her husband.
The letter is read by Pravdin, who stopped by to see the Prostakovs. At first he refuses, since he does not open letters without the permission of the addressee, but Sophia asks him about it. Prostakova interrupts reading the letter as soon as she hears that her uncle wants to make the girl the heiress of his wealth, which he acquired through hard work and honesty. Realizing that Sophia is a wonderful match for Mitrofanushka, Prostakova takes her to the bedroom to talk about it.
Without listening to the end, Prostakova rains down her curses on her. Taking the crying Eremeevna by the arms, Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin leave.
At this time, a servant brings news that soldiers are staying in the village. The officer who leads them turns out to be an old friend of Pravdin, who reveals to him the true reason for his presence with the Prostakovs: his goal is to find tyrant landowners, those “evil ignoramuses” who do not know how to manage their power and use it for evil in relation to the serfs .
Officer Milon leads soldiers to Moscow and decides to stop for a while in this village. He is looking for his beloved, with whom he lost contact six months ago. Suddenly Sophia enters. She turns out to be Milo's very beloved.
Both are happy to meet. Milon finds out how much Sophia suffered from Prostanova and what “smart” and “wonderful” groom was chosen for Sophia. Skotinin passes by and, getting involved in a conversation, talks about his plans for life together with Sophia: he would buy all the pigs in the world at the expense of the girl’s inheritance and they would live happily ever after! Here Pravdin destroys his dreams, informing him that he wants to marry Sofya Prostakova to his son.
Skotinin in a rage attacks Mitrofanushka, who has just entered. Eremeevna defends him, and Mitrofan hides behind the nanny’s back. Skotinin has to retreat.
Prostakov and Prostakova enter, scolding her husband. She notices Milon and immediately begins to be nice to him, and sends Sophia to see the room prepared for her uncle. Mitrofan’s teachers appear: the sexton Kuteikin with a book of hours in his hands, who teaches literacy, and Tsyfirkin, an arithmetic teacher.
Kuteikin was a seminarian, but left because he had no ability for science. Tsyfirkin is a retired soldier who spent his free time teaching children. Mitrofanushka declares that he does not want to study, complains about his uncle, that he offends him. Eremeevna retells the scene with Skotinin.
Starodum's carriage drives up to the Prostakovs' house. He is met by Pravdin, an old friend. They talk about the excesses of the Prostakov family. Sophia appears, and then Skotinin and Prostakova fight. Milon separates them. Seeing the guest and learning that it is Sophia’s uncle, Prostakova dramatically changes her behavior. She, her husband and son take turns hugging the “long-awaited” uncle.
Mitrofan, on his mother’s orders, wants to kiss his hand, but Staro does not allow it. He says that he intends to take Sophia to Moscow and marry him to a man of “great merit.”
This causes general confusion, but it is short-lived. Skotin begins to talk about his merits, or rather about the pig factory, Prostakova - about her family, where science was not revered and the desire for it was punished. But now she understands the need for education, and Mitrofanushka knows science.
Starodum, tired, goes to rest. Sophia accompanies him.
Prostakova persuades Mitrofan to study at least a little, or at least pretend that he is studying. Tsyfirkin gives him an easy problem that Mitrofan cannot cope with, and his mother dissuades him from solving it. Then Kuteinin tries to study with Mitrofan. After this, Vralman arrives. He speaks Russian poorly and claims that Mitrofanushka does not need science.
Prostakova is worried: the child needs to go to St. Petersburg, and there are a lot of “smart girls” there, she is afraid of them. But Vralman reassures: there is nothing to be afraid of, since an intelligent person would never argue with Mitrofan. The main thing is not to get involved with smart people, then God’s prosperity will come. And Mitrofan will always find company for himself: there are millions of people like him. When Prostakova leaves, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin attack Vralman, who runs away from them.
Sophia and Starodum talk about noble upbringing. Starodum tells his niece how to behave with dignity in life, talks about duty, honor, and happiness. Their conversation is interrupted.
Starodum receives a letter from Count Chestan from Moscow, who reports that his nephew, Sophia’s intended fiancé, will soon be in Moscow. Then Milon and Pravdin enter, and it turns out that Milon is the nephew of Count Chestan. Everyone is happy. Starodum agrees to the marriage.
The idyll is interrupted by Skotinin. who, not paying attention to anyone, begins to ask Starodum for Sophia’s hand in marriage. But Prostavova appears and invites Starodum to arrange an exam for Mitrofanushka.
The latter, demonstrating his knowledge of grammar, says that the door that hangs is “adjective”, since it is attached to the place, and the one that stands near the closet is still a “noun”. History turns out to be the stories of the cowgirl Khavronya, whom Vralman listens to. Mitrofan had never even heard of geography. Starodum refuses both applicants and reports that Sophia has already made arrangements with someone else. But Prostakova doesn’t just back down and decides to kidnap the girl.
Pravdin receives a letter: he is assigned to take care of the Prostanovs’ house and villages. Pravdin shares this news with Starodum. Suddenly screams are heard. Milon saves Sophia from the hands of the kidnappers. Eremeevna gets excited: they wanted to marry Mitrofan.
An enraged Prostakova bursts in, followed by her husband and son. Pravdin says that he will have to answer in court for the kidnapping. The entire Prostanov family throws itself on its knees and begs for forgiveness. Starodum forgives.
Prostakova is going to punish her people for missing Sophia. But Pravdin stops her and informs her about the government’s instructions, as a result of which she does not have freedom over them. Prostakova refers to unfinished business, but Pravdin wants to solve them himself. They call teachers to settle accounts with them.
Vralman enters, and Starodum recognizes him as his former coachman. He became a teacher so as not to die of hunger. Pravdin decides to let him go. Kuteikin says that he is owed for his time and worn-out shoes, and Tsyfirkin, a conscientious and honest man, claims that he does not need anything, since he could not teach Mitrofan anything. Kuteikin becomes ashamed, and he leaves with nothing, and Tsyfirkin is given money as a reward by Starodum, Milon and Pravdin. Starodum again takes Vralman as his coachman.
Prostakova rushes to her son in despair: “You’re the only one left with me!” ..” Mitrofan rudely pushes her away. Prostanova faints, realizing that everything is lost. Pravdin is outraged by Mitrofan’s behavior and sends him to serve. Prostakova, waking up, screams in despair that now she has neither power nor a son. Starodum sums it up: “These are the worthy fruits of evil!”
Main characters
Prostakov
Prostakov is a character in Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor.” Terenty Prostakov is the head of the family, the father of the main character of the comedy, the undergrown Mitrofanushka. This is a henpecked man who gave the reins to his wife. Prostakov is the bearer of the same telling surname as the main characters of the play - his son Mitrofanushka and his wife, Prostakova. He was as badly screwed and as simple as steel. He is henpecked, he does not dare say a word to his wife against her will, and he stumbles when speaking.
He is so much at the mercy of his wife that he even says that he is unable to see anything if his wife is nearby, whom he trusts to look for him. Prostakov denies his will in everything, even the decision whether his suit is too big or too tight, he trusts his wife. But this is not trust in the wise, this is the relationship of a servile servant and mistress. The whole house rests on the brute force of Terenty Prostakov’s wife. Prostakov, although a master, is a servant in the house like everyone else; he even interprets his main function as “I am a wife’s husband,” introducing himself to a future relative.
Prostakova is his wife
Prostakova is illiterate and uneducated and considers literacy an unnecessary luxury that can only ruin a person. The concepts of conscience and honesty are not familiar to the heroine. Prostakova strives to look no worse than other landowners and wants to give her son Mitrofan, who is Prostakova’s main joy, an education worthy of a nobleman, she hires him a German teacher. But she does this only because of the capital’s fashion and does not care about how and what her son will be taught.
The main thing for Prostakova is her own well-being and the well-being of her son. She will resort to any deception and meanness, using all tricks and tricks, just so as not to lose her well-being. She lives by her established principles, the main one of which is unscrupulousness. The image of Prostakova reflects duplicity, stupid inhuman power and ignorance - all those qualities that were inherent in Russian landowners of the eighteenth century
Mitrofan is their son, an undergrowth
Mitrofan is the son of the Prostakovs, an undergrowth - that is, a young nobleman who has not yet entered the public service. By decree of Peter I, all minors were required to have basic knowledge. Without this, they had no right to marry, and also could not enter the service.
That’s why Prostakova hired teachers for her son Mitrofanushka. But nothing good came of it. Firstly, his teachers were a half-educated seminarian and a retired soldier. Secondly, Mitrofan himself did not want to study, and Mrs. Prostakova did not really insist on studying. Of course, family played a big role in laziness and immaturity. Since the mother did not consider education important, where could Mitrofanushka himself have a reverent attitude towards learning? The main character traits of Mitrofan are laziness and selfishness. He doesn't want to do anything at all. Mitrofan does not want to learn and does not understand the need for knowledge at all: “Well, give me the board, you garrison rat!” From childhood he was under the tutelage of his mother and Eremeevna, so it is not surprising that Mitrofan grew up to be such a slob. The selfishness with which Mitrofan treats those around him is simply amazing.
The only authority for him is his mother Prostakova, and even she fulfills all his whims. He treats Eremeevna terribly: “Well, just say another word, you old bastard, and I’ll get you off! I'll complain to my mother again; so she will deign to give you a task like yesterday.” But in a moment of danger he always calls her for help: “Skotinin (throwing himself at Mitrofan) Oh, you damn pig... Mitrofan. Mother! Shield me."
The minor did not think at all about his future, did not care about his fate. He lived one day at a time, every day he was fed, and he didn’t have to do anything. If the good life ended, he would not be able to do anything, adapt to life in any way. Of course he is funny, but it becomes sad when you think about what will happen to him next.
After all, there are such Mitrofanushki in our time. We read books in order to avoid the troubles described in them. After reading “The Minor,” Mitrofan is a minor, a negative character in the comedy, a young nobleman. He is very similar to his mother, Mrs. Prostakova, and brother Taras Skotinin.
In Mitrofan, in Mrs. Prostakova, in Skotinin one can notice such character traits as greed and selfishness. Mitrofanushka knows that all power in the house belongs to his mother, who loves him and allows him to behave the way he wants.
Mitrofan is lazy, does not like and does not know how to work and study, he only frolics, has fun and sits in the dovecote. It’s not so much the mama’s boy himself who influences those around him, as they influence him, trying to raise the little boy as an honest, educated person, and he is like his mother in everything. Mitrofan treats the servants very cruelly, insults them and does not consider them people at all: Eremeevna.
Yes, learn at least a little. Mitrofan. Well, say another word, you old bastard! I’ll finish them off; I’ll complain to my mother again, so she’ll deign to give you a task like yesterday. Mitrofan also has no respect for teachers. He strives only for his own personal benefit, and when he learns that Sophia has become Starodum’s heir, he immediately intends to offer her his hand and heart, and the attitude towards Sophia in the Prostakovs’ house changes significantly for the better. And all this is only because of greed and cunning, and not because of the feat of the heart.
Eremeevna - Mitrofan's nanny
Eremeevna is an elderly woman, Mitrofan’s nanny, nurse, who has been caring for him since birth. Eremeevna has been serving in the Prostakov family for 40 years. Eremeevna receives little money, but suffers a lot of insults from the Prostakovs. The Prostakovs call and beat Eremeevna, like the rest of their peasants. Eremeevna “with slavish servility” serves the Prostakovs, despite all their insults, Eremeevna loves Mitrofan and takes care of German
She affectionately calls Mitrofan “child,” although he is already 15 years old. Ungrateful Mitrofan does not love or appreciate Eremeevna, despite all her care for him
Skotinin - Prostakova's brother
Taras Skotinin is a nobleman, Prostakova’s brother. Extremely ignorant, stupid. The only interest in his life was the pigs, which he was breeding. For the sake of money, he hoped to marry Sophia, Starodum’s niece.
Because of this, he competed with his nephew Mitrofan, conflicted with Prostakova: “When things come to a breakdown, I’ll bend you and you’ll crack.” This hero is a “worthy” representative of his family: he has morally and morally degraded, turned into an animal, as his last name indicates. The reason for such degradation is ignorance, lack of proper education: “...if it weren’t for that Skotinin, he would want to learn something.”
Taras Skotinin is a typical representative of small feudal landowners. He grew up in a family that was hostile to education. He is distinguished by ignorance and mental underdevelopment, although he is naturally smart. All his thoughts and interests are connected only with his barnyard. He shows warmth and tenderness only to his pigs. Skotinin is a ferocious serf owner, unusually greedy, rude (as evidenced by his speech), and ignorant.
Trishka - tailor
Trishka is one of the minor characters in the comedy “Minor.” Trishka appears at the beginning of Act 1 and is not mentioned again in the play. Trishka is a serf peasant of the Prostakov family. Trishka is a self-taught tailor.
Prostakova scolds him for a poorly sewn caftan, but Trishka rightly explains to the hostess that he did not study to be a tailor, therefore he is not responsible for the result. Trishka is a lively and, apparently, intelligent guy. Tailor Trishka is the only peasant who dares to argue with Mrs. Prostakova : Prostakova calls Trishka a fraudster, a thief, a beast, etc. Most likely, these words do not characterize Trishka himself, because the rude Prostakova calls all her serfs similar words
Starodum
Starodum is one of the central characters of the “minor” Fonvizin. He is a positive comedy character, unlike Mitrofanushka, Prostakov, Prostakova, Skotinin and others. Starodum personifies an intelligent, proud, fair, loving person.
He believes that the most important thing in a person is the education of his soul. “An ignoramus without a soul is a beast,” he says. And with this statement he explains the behavior of Mrs. Prostakova, Mitrofanushka and Skotinin. Starodum is Sophia's loving uncle. He wants only the best for her, and bequeaths all his money to his niece. His pride is proven by the fact that when he arrived at court, he preserved his honor and dignity and left there.
“I fell behind the court without villages, without a ribbon, without ranks, yes< …>brought home my soul, my honor intact." Starodum can be called an ideal hero. His moral ideal is honest service to the Fatherland, an intolerant attitude towards vice and injustice.
Sophia - Starodum's niece
Sophia is the niece of Starodum, who is her guardian. The heroine's name means "wisdom". In the comedy, Sophia is endowed with the wisdom of the soul, heart, and virtue. Sophia is an orphan.
Her estate, in the absence of Starodum, is managed by the Prostakovs, who rob the girl. And when they find out that Sophia has a large dowry, they begin to fight for her hand and money. But Sophia has a lover - Milon, to whom she is engaged and to whom she remains faithful. Sophia despises and laughs at the Prostakov-Skotinin family.
The girl comes from honest nobles who gave her a good education. Sophia is smart, mocking, sensitive and kind (at the end of the comedy she forgives Prostakov for the harm done to her). The heroine believes that honor and wealth should be achieved through hard work, that meekness and obedience to elders are appropriate for a girl, but she can and should defend her love. All the positive characters in the play are grouped around Sophia. They help her free herself from the tutelage of the Prostakovs and unite with Milon at the end of the comedy.
Milon - Sophia's fiance
Milon is one of the positive heroes of the comedy “The Minor,” introduced by the author to create a contrast of characters with the Prostakovs and Skotinin. Milon is an officer whom we first meet at the head of a detachment of soldiers in the comedy in the village of Prostakov.
Milo is an educated, noble man who responsibly fulfills his duties to the state. Milon is outraged by the way the Prostakovs behave towards Sophia, especially by the hypocrisy of Prostakova, who, having learned about Sophia’s inheritance, wants to get it by marrying them with their son Mitrofan - “Unworthy people!” - that's what he says about them. Milon is well-mannered, unobtrusive and will retain honor and face in all situations.
During Mrs. Prostakova’s fight with Skotinin, Milon not only manages to separate them, but also instructs them on the path of reconciliation and is completely polite: “And you forgot that he is your brother!”, “Isn’t she your sister?”, “No, no.” Did she hurt you?” “I won’t let you in, madam. Don't be angry! When Milon and Starodum meet, Milon demonstrates modesty and dignity, respect for elders, responsibility: “At my age and in my position, it would be unforgivable arrogance to consider everything deserved, with which worthy people encourage a young man.”
Milon believes that the fearlessness of an officer is not a blind and irresponsible willingness to die on the battlefield for the sake of glory, but an awareness of all the danger to which his life is exposed, an understanding of the value of his life, and only then courage is the willingness to sacrifice his life in the name of the Fatherland.
In addition, according to Milo, courage is needed in every life situation. When Prostakova tries to take Sophia down the aisle by force, Milon defends her with a drawn sword; he expresses indignation and contempt towards Prostakova’s behavior. In the ideal image of Milon, Fonvizin put all the positive qualities that should be inherent in a real officer, a nobleman, a noble man of honor.
In the comedy “The Minor,” Pravdin is a positive hero, an honest official with humane views on estate management. According to the plot of the work, a man on duty ends up in the village of Prostakova in order to expose and stop the atrocities occurring there, punish the cruel landowners and take the estate under his own guardianship. The official successfully resolves an acute situation, punishing the guilty and helping those in need. In “The Minor” as a classic play, the names of the characters largely determine their personal qualities and role in the work.
Pravdin was no exception. In “The Minor,” the character’s personality characteristics fully correspond to the meaning of his last name – “Pravdin” from “truth,” that is, the hero is the bearer of truth and impartial justice. In the comedy, the official acts as an auditor, personifying the letter of the law, the highest justice and severity in decisions - he punishes the guilty, taking the village from the Prostakovs, finds out which of the teachers served honestly and who only deceived Prostakova. The man also decides Mitrofan’s fate, taking him into his service.
The character Pravdin plays an important role in the ideological concept of the comedy. In his image, Fonvizin portrayed the ideal of a humane and educated education official who deservedly rewards and punishes. For the author, Pravdin is the personification of humane, rational truth in the last instance.
Kuteikin
In another light, Fonvizin gave the teacher of Russian and Church Slavonic languages Kuteikin. This is a half-educated seminarian who left the first classes of theological seminary, “fearing the abyss of wisdom.”
But he is not without cunning. Reading the Book of Hours with Mitrofan, he deliberately chooses the text: “I am the seven worm, and not a man, a reproach of men,” and he also interprets the word worm - “that is, (i.e.) animal, cattle.” Like Tsyfirkin, he sympathizes with Eremeevna. But Kuteikin differs sharply from Tsyfirkin in his greed for money. Kuteikin’s language strongly emphasizes Church Slavonicisms, which he brought from the spiritual environment and theological school.
Tsyfirkin
Retired soldier Tsyfirkin is a man with a number of good qualities. He is hardworking: “I don’t like to live idlely,” he says. In the city, he helps clerks “either check the meter or sum up the results,” and “in his spare time he teaches the guys.” (Fonvizin painted the image of Tsyfirkin with obvious sympathy. Mitrofan’s upbringing and training corresponds to the “fashion” of that time and the understanding of his parents.
He is taught French by the German Vralman, exact sciences by retired sergeant Tsyfirkin, who “speaks a little of arithmetic,” and grammar by seminarian Kuteikin, dismissed from “all teaching.” The speech is based on the fact that he was a former soldier and now teaches arithmetic. Hence, in his speech there are constant calculations, as well as military terms and phraseological turns. In the city, he helps clerks “either check the meter, then sum up the results,” and “in his spare time he teaches the guys”
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Title of the work: Minor
Year of writing: 1782
Genre of the work: comedy
Main characters: Mitrofan- a capricious sixteen-year-old nobleman, Prostakova- Mitrofan's mother, Prostakov- Mitrofan's father, Skotinin- Prostakova's brother, Sophia- distant relative of the Prostakovs, Starodum- Sophia's uncle, Milo- Officer, Pravdin- guest of the Prostakovs.
Fonvizin Denis Ivanovich laid the foundations of the Russian comedy play; a brief summary of the comedy “Minor” for a reader’s diary allows you to enjoy a sample of 18th-century literature and think about problems that are important today.
Plot
Mitrofan is the sixteen-year-old son of the Prostakovs, that same ignoramus. His mother hired teachers for him, but she herself interferes with his lessons and often lets her son frolic. She believes that it is not necessary to be able to read and count; it is enough to be able to count money when you have it.
Sophia, their distant relative and rich heiress, lives with the Prostakovs.
It is claimed by Skotinin, who dreams of taking possession of the villages of Sophia. And Prostakova wants to marry her ignorant son. And Milon wants to marry Sophia, Sophia feels sympathy for him.
Starodum comes to the village.
When Prostakova finds out that Starodum is going to take Sophia to Moscow, she orders the servants to put her in a carriage and take her to church to marry Mitrofan. Milon manages to rescue Sophia. Starodum finds out that he is her chosen one and rejoices.
Starodum and Sophia are leaving. Skotinin goes to his estate. Prostakova is upset, but is glad that Mitrofan stayed with her. Her son is rude to her and she loses consciousness. Mitrofan goes to military service.
Conclusion
Anyone who does not want to learn science, get acquainted with the achievements of mankind, develop his mind, spirit and body is doomed to a primitive and limited life. Such a person is not much different from an animal and will feel this lack of spirituality, but will not even understand why he is unhappy. Mitrofan will live the same way as his parents lived, he will not have interesting friends, interesting activities and hobbies, an intelligent and wise wife, or a pleasant job.
This is a summary of Fonvizin’s work “The Minor”. It is broken down into action steps and is suitable for a reader's journal.
ACT 1
The Prostakov family scolds Trishka, who was tasked with sewing a caftan for Mitrofan. Trishka couldn’t do the job, even though he warned everyone about his inability. He is kicked out.
Everyone takes care of Mitrofan, and he allows himself to eat and walk a lot.
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The Prostakovs want to give the orphan Sophia for Skotinin. Skotinin is happy because the girl has a lot of cattle. Suddenly a letter arrives from Sophia's relative, which ruins all plans. No one except Sophia can read it, since the people around are illiterate.
The letter talked about a large inheritance, so the Prostakovs already want to marry her to their son.
ACT 2
It all starts with a conversation between friends Milon and Pravdin. Milon is Sophia's lover. I came to see her. Their meeting was joyful, but Sophia said that they wanted to marry her to the stupid 16-year-old Mitrofan. Skotinin is also worried that he may be left without a rich wife.
Skotinin and Mitrofan meet and start a fight, as they both want to take Sophia as their wife. Pravdin calms them down. Meanwhile, the Prostakovs flatter Milon and speak their teeth. Pravdin meets Mitrofan’s teachers.
ACT 3
Starodum, Sophia's uncle, has arrived. Pravdin told him everything that happened to Sophia. Starodum decided to hold off and not get excited.
The Prostakov family and Skotinin began to flatteringly greet Starodum. Starodum says that he is taking Sophia to Moscow to get married. Sophia agrees, although she does not yet know that Milon is betrothed to her.
Prostakova tries to convince him not to do this, supposedly Mitrofan is much better. Pravdin takes everyone away, and the teachers tell Starodum that Mitrofan is stupid and lazy.
Prostakova was forced to occupy Mitrofan in front of Starodum. But both mother and son were illiterate. They came to the conclusion that these sciences were not needed.
ACT 4
Uncle has conversations with Sophia, talks to her about family and honor. He also learns that Sophia will be Milo's wife. He likes the young man. He blesses the couple.
Skotinin is trying to get into the conversation to show off himself. But everything turns out ridiculous. Prostakova again tried to praise her son, but Pravdin’s questions drove him into a dead end. Starodum reports that they are leaving tomorrow. Skotinin and Mitrofan are thinking over an interception plan.
ACTION 5
Prostakova ordered Sophia to be taken by force. Milon was able to save the bride. It was an illegal act, so now they have the right to a trial. But Sophia forgives everyone.
Pravdin tells Prostakova that her evil actions will not be justified. From now on, all her property goes to Pravdin.
Next, Pravdin deals with the teachers. He reveals Vralman's deception. Tsyfirkin was awarded for his honesty, as he refused the money. He understood that he could not teach Mitrofan anything. Kuteikin wanted money, but in the end he was left with nothing.
Mitrofan decides to go to the service. Prostakova is shocked by what is happening, and Sophia, her uncle and fiancé leave for Moscow.
Updated: 2017-08-15
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Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” is one of the outstanding and famous works of classic Russian literature.
Thanks to a brief summary of the actions and characteristics of each character, you can write an excellent essay in 8th grade.
Summary of Fonvizin’s work “Minor” by actions
Important! In Act 1, the reader is shown a large house where the Prostakov family lives.
The hostess shows dissatisfaction with the caftan, which was sewn by Tryphon for her son Mitrofan. She gives orders to bring the tailor and husband.
Trifon comes into the house, Prostakova begins to accuse him of a poorly sewn caftan. The man makes an excuse that he has no education.
The owner also expresses his dissatisfaction. In his opinion, the caftan looks more like a bag. He always trusts his wife and her opinion. Prostakova insists that Trifon be punished.
The hostess’s brother, Skotinin, enters the house. He made an appointment with the orphan Sophia, who also lives in the house.
This was supposed to be a ceremonial event, so Prostakova ordered a caftan from Trifon.
Skotinin persuades his sister not to punish the tailor today, and assures her that she will be able to deal with him on her own after the celebration.
The hostess expresses her dissatisfaction and orders that her son be served breakfast.
Teachers should arrive soon. The nanny says that Mitrofan ate five buns. At night he slept poorly and complained of abdominal pain.
The owner's son says that he had terrible dreams, and his mother began to beat his father. He felt very sorry for his mother, because in her dream she had overworked herself. Prostakova.
He allows his big son to go and look at the pigeons. Skotinin wonders where his future wife has gone, and he needs to find her.
He is waiting for the wedding ceremony. The girl was left alone, her relatives died.
Skotinin marries Sophia because she has large pigs on her estate, and he has liked these animals since childhood.
Then Sophia runs into the living room with good news. She holds in her hand a letter that was sent to her by the only Uncle Starodum.
The Prostakovs were not happy about this news, and immediately claimed that Sophia was deceiving them.
Mitrofan's teacher Pravdin comes to the house and reads out the letter. Sophia's uncle got rich in Siberia and wants to take away his heiress.
Prostakova decides to marry Mitrofan to Sophia. A servant suddenly runs into the house and reports that there are soldiers in the village.
Note! In Act 2, Officer Milo appears.
The girl complains that she does not want to marry Mitrofan. Skotinin was very upset that his marriage did not work out.
A fight breaks out between him and Mitrofan. In the third act, Pravdin sees from the window that Starodum’s carriage is approaching the house.
He meets his old friend. Starodum talks about how he served in the army and was promoted to rank.
His story was interrupted by Sophia, who was glad to see her uncle. A picture unfolds where Prostakova beats Skotinin because he dared to hit her beloved son.
Starodum begins to laugh, and Prostakova blames her uncle for daring to laugh at them. Sophia introduces her uncle, and Prostakova changes tactics and begins to suck up.
Starodum announces that he is taking his niece to marry her to a wealthy young man. The uncle promises his niece that she will be able to choose her own groom.
Mitrofan's teachers: Tsyfirkin, Kuteikin and Vralman claim that their student's mother demands too much from her son. His nanny Eremeevna is also convinced of this.
In the fourth act, Sophia and Starodum talk about future plans. The uncle made sure that his niece grew up to be a sensible and honest girl.
He receives a letter from Count Chestan. His friend proposes to marry the girl to his nephew Milo. At this moment, Milon himself comes into their room, and the girl introduces him to his uncle.
Starodum, after a short conversation, concludes that this is a good young man and gives his blessing. Skotinin arrives and tries to persuade his uncle to give Sophia for him.
Prostakova invites Starodum to check the literacy and intelligence of her beloved son Mitrofan. But the undergrowth cannot answer simple questions about grammar.
Mitrofan begins to say nonsense that seems obvious to a scientist.
Starodum announces that he is marrying his Sophia to Milo. Prostakova organizes the kidnapping of a girl in order to secretly pass her off as Mitrofan.
Starodum and Pravdin decide that they can sue for a crime. But the Prostakovs begin to beg for forgiveness. Sophia decides not to punish them.
Prostakovs are removed from managing the house. All servants receive remuneration and new jobs.
Prostakova begins to defend her son, but Mitrofan rudely pushes her away. Mother faints, and Pravdin decides to send the undergrowth into service. Mitrofan doesn't mind.
When Prostakova regains consciousness, she begins to cry that she was left without power and her son. Starodum is sure that bad deeds need to be punished.
Characteristics of the heroes: very briefly
Below is a very brief description of the characters:
Hero | a brief description of |
Prostakova | The woman treats the peasants poorly and humiliates everyone. Loves his son |
Prostakov | He indulges his wife, tries to please her |
Mitrofanushka | Son of the Prostakovs. The young man is lazy to study. Teachers work with him who cannot get him to read and write. |
Skotinin | Prostakova's brother. Loves to take care of pigs, wants to marry Sophia to get her dowry |
Sophia | Starodum's niece. The girl is kind and honest |
Starodum | Was able to earn money, was in the war, Sophia's uncle |
Milo | An honest and hardworking officer. Wants to marry Sophia |
Pravdin | An official who keeps order in the provinces. Punished the Prostakovs for their bad attitude towards working peasants |
Tryphon | A simple and kind peasant who was not afraid to argue with his mistress |
Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin in his work “The Minor” tries to convey to readers that any evil is punished. It is important to be a decent, kind person.