Was there a way out of the situation for the heroes of M. Gorky "At the Depths"

Luka goes into the hallway.

Nastenka!

There is noise and trampling in the hallway. Muffled screams can be heard.

Kvashnya, Medvedev, Bubnov rush into the hallway. Luka, shaking his head, looks after them.

/ / / What is the meaning of Maxim Gorky’s play “At the Lower Depths”?

Maxim Gorky's play "" can be safely classified as a work of philosophical orientation, because it raises problems that are inherent both to the whole society as a whole and to an individual person. With this work, Gorky tried to convey to us his life position, which was reflected in the main characters of the play.

One of the main, system-forming images of the play was the old man. With his arrival, everything “spinned” in a new way. The residents of the shelter received a ghostly hope of rising from the bottom. Luke gave them compassion, pity, the words that everyone wanted to hear. But as subsequent events showed, this “sweet lie” became fatal for many.

I believe that only dying Anna needed all this untruth. Throughout her short life, she knew neither joy nor peace. The girl dies at the age of thirty, crushed by her difficult fate. The residents of the shelter have turned their backs on her and do not want to interfere in the affairs of death. Only Anna was the only one who required some kind of support and pity, which she found in the form of Luka.

More about more tragic story we learn about life by getting acquainted with the image of the Actor. He was a former theater servant, but after quitting his job, he slid to the very bottom of his life. The actor turned into a heavy drunkard. In alcohol he found solace and an explanation for all his failures. The actor was so weak morally that it was easier for him to continue drinking than to try to rise from the bottom of his life. With the appearance of Luka, he learns about a hospital for people suffering from alcoholism, and that treatment there is provided free of charge. Inspired by this news, the Actor does not drink alcohol for the whole day, during which he manages to earn a few coins, which he is very proud of. His hopes will collapse the moment he finds out that there is no hospital. The actor commits suicide. Having taken his own life, he still did not understand that it was not a matter of the hospital, you just need to believe in yourself and your strength.

For Ashes, Luke “drew” new world And new life in Siberia. He advises going there with Natasha. Of course, these words inspire Ash. At the end of the work, Ash ends up in Siberia, but only in the status of a convict. I think that after returning from hard labor, he is unlikely to be able to live a new life.

The only one who emerged victorious in this intricacy human destinies, was the wife of the owner of the shelter Vasilisa. With the help of Ash, she solved a lot of her problems in one go. Having persuaded the latter to kill her husband, it was for this crime that Ash was sent to hard labor, Vasilisa got rid of her hated husband, took revenge on her lover Ash and her rival Natalya. After this, she becomes the sole owner of the shelter.

No less exciting was the fate of Satin. The amazing thing is that this man sank to the bottom of his life own initiative. His life position was to do nothing. Passivity and apathy towards everything have become very convenient for Satin, and he does not want to leave it. Luke tried to show him another one, active side life. Satin agrees with this. But all the changes occur only in words; in reality, the dreams are opposed by the character of the hero, with whom, unfortunately, he does not want to fight.

Summing up his play, Maxim Gorky shows us the passivity and apathy that disgust him in life. He does not advise looking for a solution to your problems in a bottle. Only through real actions can you overcome even the most difficult life situations and find a way out of a hopeless situation. In addition, “sweet lies” can give an erroneous idea of ​​​​what is happening, which, as a rule, leads to serious consequences. In my opinion, each of us should listen to these tips of the great writer and follow them in our lives.

A notable phenomenon of Russian literature at the beginning of the 20th century was Gorky’s play “At the Lower Depths”. What explained its exceptional success? The combination of extremely realistic image people who have reached the last degree of squalor, despair and lawlessness, with the glorification of Man and his truth. For the first time, a hitherto unseen world of thieves, tramps, cheaters, that is, people who had sunk to the “bottom” of life, appeared before the eyes of the public. And in it, as in an overturned mirror, was reflected the world from which these people were cast down. Gorky's play was imbued with a protest against the social unrest of capitalist society and a passionate call for fair and peaceful life. “Freedom at any cost is its spiritual essence,” this is how K. S. Stanislavsky defined the idea of ​​the play, who staged it on the stage of the Moscow Art Theater.
The gloomy life of the Kostylevo doss house is depicted by Gorky as the embodiment of social evil. The fate of the inhabitants of the “bottom” is a formidable indictment against the unjust social order. The people living in this cave-like basement are victims of an ugly and cruel order, in which a person ceases to be a person, turning into a powerless creature, doomed to drag out a miserable existence. The inhabitants of the "bottom" are thrown out of normal life due to the wolf laws that reign in society. Man is left to his own devices. If he stumbles, gets out of line, then he faces inevitable moral, and often physical death. Lack of faith in justice forced Satin to independently take revenge on the scoundrel who killed his sister. This revenge led him to prison, which determined him future fate. Bubnov is forced to leave home, leaving the workshop to his wife and her lover, since he did not hope for protection from representatives of the law. Of course, the people who find themselves in the Kostylev shelter are not at all ideal. They make mistakes, do stupid things, but they do not deserve to be thrown to the bottom of life by society without providing any support. Vaska Pepel, the son of a thief, born in prison, is doomed to follow in the footsteps of his parent, because no other path has been ordered for him. The hard work and perseverance of Kleshch, who did not want to accept the fate of a homeless shelter, did not help him rise from the “bottom” of life.
Turning to the depiction of the life of the urban lower classes, the playwright touched upon current problem modernity: what is the way out of this situation, what is the salvation of the people of the “bottom”? According to Gorky himself, the main question of the play is what is better: truth or compassion? Is it necessary to use lies like Luke? Will the passive-compassionate humanism of a comforting lie be healing for the inhabitants of the shelter? Its bearer, pitying and comforting people, is the wanderer Luke in the play. He sincerely sympathizes with the victims of life, humiliated and insulted people, selflessly strives to alleviate their suffering and help them. He promises dying Anna life in paradise after death, where she will rest from earthly suffering. The old man advises Ash and Natasha to start a new life in the golden country of Siberia. He tells the actor about a free hospital for alcoholics, the address of which he has forgotten, but will definitely remember, giving this drunken person hope of returning to his former life.
Luke's position is the idea of ​​compassion for man, the idea of ​​sublime deception, which allows man to bear the burden of the "low truths" encountered on his thorny path. Luke himself formulates his position. Turning to Ash, he says: “...what do you really need?.. Think about it, maybe it’s just for you.” Then he talks about the “righteous land.” Luka doesn’t believe in her, he knows that she doesn’t exist. He is too short-sighted to see this land that Satine foresees. Luke is ready to welcome any idea if it can console a person, alleviate his suffering even for a minute. He does not think about the consequences of a lie that will sooner or later be revealed. Trying to protect a person, Luka at the same time does not believe in him, for him all people are insignificant, weak, pathetic, in need of consolation: “I don’t care! I respect swindlers too, in my opinion, not a single flea is bad: they’re all black, everyone is jumping."
Thus, the main feature of Luke's ideology is the feature of slavery. And in this, Luka is similar to Kostylev, the philosophy of patience echoes the philosophy of oppression, the point of view of a slave - with the point of view of the owner, Gorky puts this thought into the mouth of Satin: “Whoever is weak in soul and who lives on other people’s juices, those need a lie... Some people need it.” supports, others hide behind her... And who is his own master, who is independent and does not take someone else’s - why does he need lies?” Luke's humanism is based on passive compassion, which, while bringing momentary relief, deepens the gap between a person's dream of happiness and his real hopeless situation. The Actor, who learned that the old man had lied and that there was no hospital, which means there was no hope for the future, could not bear this breakup. There is only one way out - suicide. Instead of happy life in Siberia, which Luka promised Ash, he ends up in hard labor for the murder of Kostylev. This means that Luke’s comforting lies only worsen the situation of the outcasts.
Luke's lies lead the night shelters into a world of illusions, which deprives them of their last strength to fight social evil, social injustice, because of which Kostylevo dosshouses exist. The antipode of Luke - Satin verbally refutes the philosophy of comforting lies: “Lies are the religion of slaves and masters,” “Truth is the god of a free man.” He believes in a person, in his ability to withstand the truth, no matter how bitter it may be. “Man is the truth,” says the hero. Unlike Luke, Satin is demanding of people and believes that a person can do anything, since everything depends on his deeds and ideas. He does not need to be consoled by lies born of pity. To feel sorry for a person means to humiliate him by disbelief in his ability to achieve his happiness, it means to seek support in all types of deception and lies that replace the missing will to live. Under the dark and gloomy arches of the shelter, among the pitiful, unfortunate, homeless tramps, words about Man, about his calling, strength and beauty sound like a solemn hymn. “Man - this is the truth! Everything is in man, everything is for man! Only man exists, everything else is the work of his hands and brain! Man! This is magnificent! It sounds... proud!”
Man himself is the creator of his own destiny, hidden within him are the forces with the help of which he is able to overcome the most severe hardships, the treachery of fate, the injustice of the world, his own mistakes and the social ills of society. Pity and compassion are wonderful qualities that are very necessary for all of us, but only a truthful, adequate understanding of one’s mistakes and capabilities can give a person a chance to overcome his evil lot and become truly free and happy.

Falling to the bottom of society is as easy as passing two bytes. To do this, you do not need to have special knowledge or skills. Just remain human, think not only about everyday things, but also speak out philosophical themes- not everyone can do this. After all, a person who is at the bottom has only three options: slide into the abyss, turn into a philosopher, or rise from the ashes.

The legacy of Maxim Gorky

Alexey Maksimovich Peshkov cherished the dream that the world would be inhabited by “new people.” People who are impeccable in terms of intellectual and physical development, manners and principles. These new people are distinguished by fearlessness and thirst for freedom, they don’t care about any obstacles, they can achieve anything they want. And even if their goals are beyond the realm of possibility, they can do it.

During this time, he managed to write 5 novels, 10 novellas, 18 stories and essays, 16 plays and published 3 cycles of journalistic articles. The writer, novelist and playwright was nominated 5 times for Nobel Prize in the field of literature. He became known as one of the most famous Russian thinkers and writers. He left behind a rich legacy, and one of the pearls of his collection is the play “At the Bottom.”

"At the bottom"

The play “At the Bottom” saw the world in 1902. Before publishing the material, the author for a long time I couldn't choose which title to go with. He had a choice among several options: “The Bottom”, “Nochlezhka”, “At the Bottom of Life”, “Without the Sun”. Ultimately, the play received the short and laconic title “At the Bottom.” Two years after its release, in 1904, the play was awarded the Griboyedov Prize.

The first performance based on the work was staged on December 18, 1902 at the Moscow Art Theater. IN Soviet time The production delighted the audience 9 times. Last time it could be seen in 1956. But this did not detract from her success. More than once the play was staged abroad in cities such as Berlin, Krakow, Helsinki, Paris, Tokyo, New York, London, Tunisia. From 1996 to the present, more than 20 productions have been staged in different countries peace. The play was filmed 10 times not only by domestic cinema, but also in Hungary, Japan and France.

What attracted the public so much to this play: the problem moral choice; the realization that each person has his own truth; or the very image of the bottom in the play “At the Bottom” touched the strings human soul? Let's try to figure it out.

M. Gorky, “At the Lower Depths”: summary

The events of the work take place in a place like a flophouse. The lodging house is the property of M.I. Kostylev. People live here who have long sunk to the bottom of society. Some of them still believe that they can get out of this hell and change their destiny for the better, while others have long given up and slipped into the farthest channels of the “bottom.”

Between the residents of the shelter difficult relationships. They have different destinies, different views on life, so it’s difficult for them to find mutual language, because of which quarrels constantly arise. The owner's wife, Vasilisa, loves Vaska Pepla, who earns his living by stealing. She persuades the thief to kill her husband so that they will be free and no one will bother them. Only Vaska does not reciprocate Vasilisa’s feelings, since he has long been in love with her younger sister Natalya. Vasilisa notices this and mercilessly beats Natalya, which is why she ends up in the hospital. After being discharged, she no longer returns to the shelter.

What next does the work that M. Gorky created (“At the Depths”) tell about? Summary even in the second part it is tragic. Appears among the guests new person Luke, who inspires everyone that life will get better. But when a conflict arises between Kostylev and Vaska, as a result of which Vaska accidentally kills Kostylev and the thief is arrested, Luka miraculously disappears. The actor, who had become attached to Luka and believed him, is upset by his disappearance and hangs himself in the yard. The reader is struck by the final phrase of the work, uttered by Satin after he learned of the death of the Actor: “What a fool, he just ruined the song.”

People of the bottom

The people of the bottom in Gorky's play "At the Depth" are the most ordinary. They got into a difficult situation life situation. The main characters of the work:

• Mikhail Kostylev is in charge of the shelter.
• Vasilisa is Kostylev’s wife, loves the thief Ash.
• Natalya, Vasilisa’s sister, suffers beatings from her older sister and disappears after leaving the hospital.
• Luke is a wanderer who suddenly appears and disappears, skillfully comforting everyone with lies.
• Vaska Pepel is a thief who wants to change his destiny.
• Mite is an ordinary hard worker who wants to return to his past life.
• The Baron is an impoverished aristocrat, confident that the best moments of his life are in the past.
• Satin is a sharper, he is sure that the main thing for a person is spiritual freedom
• Actor - once actually performed on big stage, currently a drunkard who couldn't think of anything better to do than commit suicide.

Play Analysis

Why did Gorky write “At the Lower Depths”? Analysis of this work shows that among the moral dirt of outcasts of society there is a small smoldering ember that unobtrusively hisses: “Man is proud, man is good!” This is especially clearly visible when guests face a small problem.

Truth or lie?

The problem of moral choice in Gorky's play “At the Lower Depths” is very acute. What should people believe? A sweet lie or a bitter truth, with which Gorky spiced up his play “At the Depths”? The analysis shows that the wanderer Luke is the master of sweet lies in the work; he is sure that people need to be told what they want to hear. He reassures all the inhabitants of the shelter. Gives you faith that there is a chance to change your life if you do this or that. But when he suddenly disappears, everyone becomes uneasy. The guests feel abandoned, and the Actor, who believed Luke’s words more than anyone else, commits suicide.

The truth in Gorky’s play “At the Lower Depths” is personified by its hero, Satin. This man is not best representative human race- he is dishonest, likes to drink, gets into fights, and looks to the future with pessimism. But there is a little more knowledge and understanding of what is happening. It is from him that the simple truth comes: “You need to be proud of being a human being.” Satin is not a charismatic personality who can lead a crowd, he is not a revolutionary, not a psychologist or a politician - he simply pointed out the obvious, which lit a special spark in the eyes of every inhabitant who had not yet completely despaired. And it will not fade away when Satin disappears, as happened with Luke’s beautiful lie.

The image of the bottom in the play “At the Bottom”

What else can be said about this creation of a classic of Russian literature? Why is it so captivating even to our contemporaries? Maybe because the topic raised by Alexei Maksimovich is relevant at all times?

The play written by M. Gorky (“At the Depths”) can rightfully be called social and philosophical. Here social life and philosophical reflections do not intersect, but complement each other perfectly, making the play full-fledged, lively and real work. The image of the bottom in the play “At the Bottom” represents the harsh reality of the lower strata of society. There are no fictitious facts here, but only real life, such as she is. The fate of the outcasts, those who no longer have a chance to rise. For the first time in world drama, the hopeless fate of “ former people" In the sticky darkness of the musty basement, crippled people, disfigured by fate, gathered. Every day they desperately fight for their existence. Some people have enough strength to survive, while others surrender to the embrace of death. The only ray of hope in this pitchless darkness was brought by Luke, who reassured people and then disappeared. It’s difficult not to give up in such a situation, but Satin’s words instill in people faith not in the future, but in their own human dignity. The image of the bottom in the play “At the Bottom” is a torture chamber, where His Majesty disappointment acts as the executioner. It mercilessly beats people who have long been covered in dirt.

The image of the bottom in the play “At the Bottom” is something dark and hopeless, but with a person inside. And where there is a person, there will always be a little hope, because a person is wonderful.

The truth is always recognizable

The public reacted ambiguously to the play written by M. Gorky (“At the Depths”). People have always been alien to the suffering of the lower class of society. But the truthfulness of his story, the characters and fates of his heroes became recognizable not only in the Soviet Union, but throughout the world - from America to Japan.

Never feel useless

subject to influences that may

awaken noble feelings in you.

D. Ruskin

I The miserable life of representatives of the “bottom” of the play by M. Gorky.
II Everyone is given the right to choose between the life of a Man and the life of a tradesman,

thief, sharper.

- what is the salvation for people who have fallen to the “bottom”

1. The carriers of theories - Luke, Satin:

a) “... a person must respect himself...”;

- “We must respect a person! Don’t feel sorry... don’t humiliate with pity..."

(A. M. Gorky)

b) “... don’t do anything! Just burden the earth!..”;

c) “... whoever really wants it will find it!..”.

- social injustice cannot be tolerated

2. Bubnov – the bearer of the “truth of fact” and the inhabitants of the “bottom”:

a) “... people all live... like chips floating down a river... building a house,

and the chips away...";

b) “all people on earth are superfluous...”;

c) “and I will die... and you... why regret it?”

3. “There must be a righteous land in the world...” And if not? (Actor, Ash, Tick...)

- the world of the “bottom” is devastated

- the path of reconciliation with reality is untenable

III “Everything is in Man, everything is for Man! "(M. Gorky)

Quotes for essays.

1. “... my task is to awaken a person’s pride in himself, to tell him that he is the best, the most significant, the most precious in life and that besides him there is nothing worthy of attention.”

A. M. Gorky

2. “... from the consolations of the cunning Luke, Satin concluded about the value of every person.”

A. M. Gorky

3. “Only man exists, everything else is the work of his hands and his brain! Human! It's great! That sounds… proud!”

A. M. Gorky