Famusov and Molchalin in A.S. Griboedov’s comedy Woe from Wit. Molchalin: character description. Speech characteristics of Molchalin (“Woe from Wit”)
Famusov and Molchalin - the heroes of Griboyedov's comedy "Woe is Wit" - are representatives of the same camp. But Famusov is a master, a master, and Molchalin is not just his employee, but his henchman, lackey. What unites these heroes are the same life values, same aspirations, same ideals. And if Famusov already has “everything” in life, then Molchalin is only at the very beginning of this path. These heroes have the same ideals, and they recognize people like Maxim Petrovich as smart people. That is, although Famusov and Molchalin are still on different rungs of the social ladder, they are very similar to each other. On top of everything else, they are both opposed to the main character of the comedy, Chatsky. And the personal qualities of these people are assessed by us equally - with a minus sign. However, let us turn to the characters of these characters.Already from Famusov’s first appearance on stage, we get an idea of his moral character. He flirts with his daughter’s young servant, Lisa, and immediately assures that everyone knows his “monastic” behavior. Not embarrassed by anyone, he is openly hypocritical.
It seems that Famusov cares about raising his daughter, but what does this concern of his amount to? limited man does not understand that a “second Mother” cannot be hired, and certainly one cannot take an example from him, from his father, who is known for his “monastic” behavior.
This person does not know how, and does not want to do official business:
I'm afraid, sir, I'm mortally alone,
So that a multitude of them do not accumulate; If you gave it free rein, it would have stuck: But with me, what matters, what does not matter. My custom is this: Signed, off your shoulders.
An accurate description of Famusov is given by his daughter, Sophia: “Grumbling, restless, quick.” In addition, Famusov is a real retrograde, who is frightened by everything new, unknown to him. What especially frightens him is that young people are starting to read books: “Read!... And then grab it!” Famusov believes that all troubles come from education, from reading books.
Some of Famusov's speeches sound almost in the spirit of Chatsky. He, for example, angrily speaks out against the dominance of the country by foreigners:
These languages were given to us!
We take tramps, both into the house and with tickets,
To teach our daughters everything, everything -
And dancing! and foam! and tenderness! and sigh!
It’s as if we are preparing them as wives for buffoons.
Famusov scolds the “terrible century” along with “Kuznetsky Most,” but already in the next act he begins to praise everything that he had previously scolded, and the place of honor in his book is occupied by none other than the “Frenchman from Bordeaux.”
In people, Famusov values titles, wealth, and power. For Famusov, a person who does not have everything he needs simply does not exist. Famusov believes that the expected benefits must be obtained for oneself in any way, including “bravely sacrificing the back of the head,” like the unforgettable Maxim Petrovich. And Famusov is not alone in his
views on life - he is a representative of a society of his own kind, which is not accidentally called “Famusovsky”.
Famusov's world consists not only of influential personalities like Famusov Zkalozub, but those who serve them, grovel before them in the hope of getting their share of the bounty of the masters of life. In the comedy, the role of one of these figures is played by Molchalin, a young official who has learned the precept from childhood:
Firstly, to please all people without exception - the owner, where I happen to live, the boss, with whom I will serve, his servant, who cleans dresses, the doorman, the janitor, to avoid evil, the janitor’s dog, so that he is affectionate.
Fulfilling his father's order helped Molchalin to “take awards and live.” Molchalin follows the path of Maxim Petrovich, but unlike him, he acts more subtly and cunningly. Instead of “bravely sacrificing the back of his head,” Molchalin chooses a different tactic - “moderation and accuracy.” It is this line of behavior that is dictated to him by the preferences of Moscow society - “nowadays they love the dumb.” Molchalin quickly understands what kind of henchmen are in fashion in this moment and in a short time becomes the right person, right hand Famusova.
The saying “Keep quiet and you’ll pass for smart” is confirmed in love story Sofia Famusova and Molchalin. A smart girl, in general, thinks out for her modest father’s assistant everything that she wants. Sophia sees in Molchalin ideal person: timid, romantic. “The enemy of insolence, always shy, timid...”, “will not set foot on the threshold of old people,” “yielding, modest, quiet, not a shadow of concern in his face” - this is how Sophia characterizes her lover. But she is wrong. Molchalin is absolutely far from the ideal she painted. He is a two-faced, deceitful, cunning, flattering, hypocritical person. All his life aspirations are connected only with career advancement, a successful career, and achieving a position in society. “To please” Sophia, the daughter of an influential man, he takes on the appearance of a lover, although in fact he likes Lisa. Only with her alone, a powerless servant, does Molchalin not hesitate to show his real face.
Sophia does not immediately understand the true essence of Molchalin. His true face is known only to Liza and Chatsky, of whom he is not at all embarrassed, since he understands that they do not pose any threat to him. Molchalin sincerely believes that his line of behavior is correct, and this is what he is trying to prove to Chatsky. He says: “At my age I shouldn’t dare to have my own opinion,” “after all, you have to depend on others.” Molchalin is also trying to teach Chatsky how to live.
It must be said that Molchalin is not at all a pathetic, inconspicuous figure. This man, insidious and vile, will sooner or later achieve his goal and will decide the destinies of many people, that is, “to be blissful in the world,” “having reached known degrees.” N.V. Gogol gave the following description of Molchalin: “... a wonderful type. This face is aptly captured, silent, low, while silently making its way among the people.”
From the time when Griboyedov wrote his immortal comedy, almost two centuries have passed. However, both the Famusovs and the Molchalins are still “blissful” in the world, which is why the comedy has not lost its liveliness and relevance to this day.
The comedy “Woe from Wit” by A. Griboyedov was created in 1824. Due to the revealing content of the work, it was published only in 1833, and even then selectively. Only in 1862 did a full-fledged comedy see the light. In his work, the author wished to speak out about what pained him after so many years of contemplating the hypocrisy and sycophancy of the people around him. The comedy “Woe from Wit” is a confrontation between an intelligent, thinking, active, open and honest person and vile, vile, immoral people who care only about wealth and rank.
General characteristics of Molchalin A.S.
Famusov's faithful dog, Sophia's dear friend, a sycophant, a hypocrite, a rootless official, Chatsky's main antagonist - that's who Alexey Stepanych Molchalin is. Characteristic central character The comedy shows a typical representative on whom feudal-bureaucratic morality had its corrupting influence. Since childhood, Molchalin was taught to be servile, to please everyone around him: the boss, the owner, the butler, the janitor’s dog, in the end, so that he would be affectionate.
The character's character is fully revealed by his self-explanatory surname. Basically, Alexey Stepanych is silent, suffers humiliation, screams, even unfair reproaches. He understands perfectly well that a rootless official cannot live in this callous and cynical society without the support of those in power, so he pleases everyone around him, trying not to quarrel with anyone, to be good for everyone, and he succeeds excellently. The author of the comedy is sad that society is teeming with such heroes who know how to remain silent where necessary, stroke the dog of an influential lady, say a compliment, lift a scarf and for all this receive formal awards and ranks, while in reality remaining servants.
Quote from Molchalin
Secretary Famusov is characterized different characters comedies: Chatsky, Sofia, Famusov, Lisa. Someone speaks of him as a modest, handsome, quiet and timid person, ready to endure all humiliation and reproaches. Some heroes of the work guess about his low soul, and only a few see Molchalin’s true face.
Sophia sees in Alexei Stepanych a fictitious image: “I’m ready to forget myself for others,” “the enemy of insolence, - always shy, timid.” The girl thinks that Molchalin behaves shyly because he is modest by nature, not suspecting that this is just one of his masks. “He served under his father for three years, he often gets angry to no avail, but he disarms with his silence, forgives out of the kindness of his soul,” Alexei’s slavish obedience speaks of his certain life position, suggesting to remain silent, endure, but not get involved in a scandal.
Molchalin reveals his true face to Lisa: “Why are you and the young lady modest, but the maid a rake?” Only her secretary tells her about his true feelings to Sophia. Chatsky also guesses about Alexei’s duplicity and pettiness: “He will reach the well-known levels, because nowadays they love the dumb,” “Who else will settle everything so peacefully! There he will pet the pug at the right time, here he will rub the card at the right time...” a brief description of Molchalina shows that his silence is not at all a manifestation of stupidity. This is a clearly thought out plan for obtaining benefits.
Speech characteristics of Molchalin
The manner of conversation of Alexey Stepanych very successfully characterizes his inner appearance. Toadying, humility, and servility are the main characters, so in his speech one can discern diminutive words, self-deprecating intonations, exaggerated courtesy, and an obsequious tone. To please people who are richer and higher in rank, the hero adds the prefix “s” to words. Molchalin is mostly silent and tries not to engage in conversation unnecessarily. He shows his eloquence only in front of Lisa, in front of whom he can take off his mask and show his true face.
The hero's attitude towards Sophia
The ability to please helps in promotion career ladder- that’s exactly what Molchalin thinks. The character’s description suggests that he even started an affair with Sophia for the reason that she is Famusov’s daughter, and a close relative of the boss cannot be denied fulfilling his whims. The girl herself came up with a hero and imposed her feelings on Alexey Stepanych, making him a platonic admirer. In order to please the lady, he is ready to abandon his native bourgeois dialect and communicate in the language of silent glances and gestures. Molchalin sits silently next to Sophia all night long, reading novels with her, only because he cannot refuse the boss’s daughter. The hero himself not only does not love the girl, but also considers her a “deplorable theft.”
Comparative characteristics of the images of Molchalin and Famusov
The problem of bureaucracy is one of the main issues addressed in the comedy "Woe from Wit." Molchalin’s characterization gives the reader an idea of a new type of official early XIX century. He and Famusov belong to the world of bureaucrats, but still are not alike because they belong to different centuries. The master is an elderly rich man with an established opinion and an established career. Alexey Stepanych is still young, so he works as a minor official and is just climbing the career ladder.
In the 19th century there appeared new type a Russian bureaucrat who abandoned the commandments of his “fathers.” This is exactly what Molchalin’s characterization shows. "Woe from Wit" is a story about a socio-political conflict that expresses the situation of society. Be that as it may, Molchalin still belongs to Famusov’s entourage, and just like his boss, he admires rank and wealth.
Molchalin and Chatsky
A comparative description of Molchalin and Chatsky shows how different they are. Molchalin - Famusov's secretary, has no noble origin, but developed his own tactics, following which he builds a reliable and comfortable future for himself. You can’t get a word out of him once again, but he knows how to run on tiptoe, work with papers and appear at the right moment, and many people like this. Silent, helpful, spineless people were valued in the era of Nicholas I, so someone like Molchalin was expected brilliant career, awards for services to the homeland. In appearance, he is a modest young man, Sophia likes him with his meekness and compliance, pleases Famusov with patience and silence, curries favor with Khlestova and only shows his true face to the maid Liza - vile, two-faced, cowardly.
Chatsky is the embodiment of the image of the Decembrists, a romantic nobleman who reveals the evils of serfdom. It is his antagonist who is Molchalin. The characterization of the hero shows that he embodies the features of an advanced thinking man beginning of the 19th century. Chatsky is convinced that he is right, therefore, without hesitation he preaches new ideals, reveals the ignorance of the current rich, exposes their false patriotism, inhumanity, and hypocrisy. This is a freethinker who fell into a rotten society, and this is his trouble.
The hero's life principles
Griboyedov's hero Molchalin became a common name for lackeys and meanness. The character's description shows that Alexey Stepanych, from childhood, programmed a plan in his head on how to get out among the people, build a career, and achieve a high rank. He walked along his path without turning to the sides. This person is absolutely indifferent to the feelings of other people, he will not lend a helping hand to anyone if it is not beneficial.
The main theme of the comedy
The theme of bureaucracy, which was raised by many writers in the 19th century, runs through the entire comedy “Woe from Wit.” The state bureaucracy kept growing and turning into a serious machine, grinding down all the rebels and working in a way that was beneficial to it. Griboyedov in his work showed real people, their contemporaries. He set himself the goal of ridiculing certain human traits, showing the tragedy of society of that era, and the writer did it perfectly.
History of the comedy
Once a rumor spread throughout Moscow that Alexander Griboyedov University professor Thomas Evans, alarmed by this news, decided to visit the writer. In turn, Griboyedov told his interlocutor a story that happened to him at one of the balls. He was tired of the antics of society praising some Frenchman, an ordinary talker who had done nothing remarkable. Griboyedov could not restrain himself and expressed to those around him everything that he thought about them, and someone from the crowd shouted out that the writer was a little out of his mind. Alexander Sergeevich was offended and promised to create a comedy, the heroes of which would be those unlucky spiteful critics who called him crazy. This is how the work “Woe from Wit” was born.
In A.S. Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit” there is not a single pale, weak image. On the contrary, all the characters are sharply defined, each hero, even the most minor one, has his own unforgettable appearance.
Famusov and Molchalin occupy one of the characters among central places. Famusov – the only hero, who can stand on par with Chatsky. As much as Chatsky opposes the Moscow world, Famusov is so dependent on it. The characters are at different poles, and these poles create tension and conflict. The role of Molchalin is also comparable to the role of the main character. Like Chatsky, Molchalin is a participant in both love and socio-political conflict. He is not only a worthy student of Famusov, but also Chatsky’s rival in love for Sophia.
The differences between Famusov and Molchalin are external, superficial. Pavel Afanasyevich is old, and Alexey Stepanovich is young. Famusov is the boss, and Molchalin is his subordinate. Pavel Afanasyevich is one of the recognized pillars of Moscow society. His official position is quite high: he is a “government manager.” The material well-being and success of many people depend on it: the distribution of ranks and awards, “patronage” for the young and pensions for the old. For now, Molchalin almost plays the role of a servant for the Moscow “aces”: he carries Khlestova’s dog, cleans the cloth from the playing tables from chalk. Famusov is a capital resident, a nobleman, and Molchalin is a Tver provincial. Famusov loves his daughter, and his secretary plays the role of a lover. Famusov speaks a lot sincerely and vigorously expresses his feelings. He has a “talking” surname, derived from the Latin “fama” - rumor. And Molchalin’s surname “speaks” for itself. He, moving in the upper echelons of society, is mostly silent. However, this will most likely be the case for the time being. After all, Molchalin is Famusov’s “double”.
The heroes have an internal, deep similarity. They, despite big difference in age and social status, the same worldview, their life principles and the ideals coincide.
Famusov is a conservative. He doesn't accept anything new. The hero is hostile to those who do not share his beliefs. Famusov’s ideal is the past, when everything was “not what it is now.” Pavel Afanasyevich is a staunch defender of the morality of the “past century.” In his opinion, living correctly means doing everything “as the fathers did,” learning “by looking at your elders.” Molchalin's worldview is also extremely conservative; the hero strictly follows his father’s covenant: “to please all people without exception.” For Famus’s secretary, only “other people’s opinions” are “saints.” He, like Famusov, considers dependence “on others” to be the basic law of life. The Tver provincial quickly learned that he must have “patrons,” even if he had to depend entirely on their will. For Famusov, an example is the “smart” Maxim Petrovich, who is ready to become a jester in order to entertain an important person. He speaks about him with pride and envy: “He fell hard, but he got up well.” Alexey Stepanovich risks losing the favor of his patron as a result of a secret “romance,” but he is not able to refuse to “please” the daughter of “such a person.”
Molchalin is a typical “average” person: both in abilities, and in intelligence, and in life goals. Famusov is also a narrow-minded, mediocre official. But they have a common “talent” - the ability to adapt to circumstances, to the “right” people. They fit organically into Moscow society. Main way service is a benefit for them. The true goal of activity is to make a career, “to achieve known degrees.” Famusov does not see anything reprehensible in outright neglect of official duties:
And for me, what matters and what doesn’t matter,
My custom is this:
Signed, off your shoulders.
Molchalin’s attitude towards the service coincides with Famusov’s: he would like to “win awards and live a fun life.” As soon as Molchalin “takes off”, he will undoubtedly repeat Famusov’s path. Like the patron, he will abuse his official position. For Pavel Afanasyevich this has already become the “golden” rule:
How will you begin to introduce yourself to a little cross, to a small town,
Well, how can you not please your loved one!..
Public opinion for Molchalin, as for Famusov, is sacred. Some of his statements (“Ah! gossips worse than a pistol”, “At my age you shouldn’t dare to have your own opinion”) are reminiscent of Famus’s: “Oh, my God! What will Princess Marya Aleksevna say?”
Molchalin and Famusov live by the laws of lies, hypocrisy, and servility. They are capable of baseness. Both heroes simultaneously show a “known” interest in the maid Lisa. According to Famusov, such human vices as debauchery, drunkenness, servility, falsehood do not pose a danger. For example, Pavel Afanasyevich is sincerely surprised:
Here you go! great misfortune
Why would a man drink too much?
And he considers his flirtations with Liza and his particularly close relationship with the doctor, who, according to his “expectations,” to give birth, to be natural for a Moscow widower gentleman. Molchalin is Famusov’s shadow. He also plays the game and acts according to the traditions and rules adopted in Famusov society. Therefore, Pavel Afanasyevich’s break with the “secretary” will most likely turn out to be temporary. It is this idea that sounds in final words Chatsky:
You will make peace with him, after mature reflection.
Molchalin will be able to meet the ideal groom for Moscow young ladies:
Husband-boy, husband-servant, from the wife's pages -
The high ideal of all Moscow men...
Molchalin is “little Famusov”, the heroes embody one social and moral type, the type of opportunists, “business” people.
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I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
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Essay text:
Famusov and Molchalin occupy one of the central places among the characters. Famusov is the only hero who can stand on par with Chatsky. As much as Chatsky opposes the Moscow world, Famusov is so dependent on him. The characters are at different poles, and these poles create tension and conflict. The role of Molchalin is also comparable to the role of the main character. Like Chatsky, Molchalin is a participant in both love and socio-political conflict.
He is not only a worthy student of Famusov, but also Chatsky’s rival in love for Sophia.
The differences between Famusov and Molchalin are external, superficial. Pavel Afanasyevich is old, and Alexey Stepanovich is young. Famusov is the boss, and Molchalin is his subordinate. Pavel Afanasyevich is one of the recognized pillars of Moscow society. His official position is quite high: he is a manager in a government place. The material well-being and success of many people depend on it: the distribution of ranks and awards, patronage for the young and pensions for the old. For now, Molchalin almost plays the role of a servant at the Moscow schools: he carries Khlestova’s dog, cleans the chalk from the cloth on the gaming tables. Famusov is a capital resident, a nobleman, and Molchalin is a Uver provincial. Famusov loves his daughter, and his secretary plays the role of a lover. Famusov speaks a lot sincerely and vigorously expresses his feelings. Him speaking surname, derived from the Latin fama rumor. And Molchalin’s surname speaks for itself. He, moving in the upper echelons of society, is mostly silent. However, this will most likely be the case for the time being. After all, Molchalin is Famusov’s double.
The heroes have an internal, deep similarity. Despite the big difference in age and social status, they have the same worldview, their life principles and ideals coincide.
Famusov is a conservative. He doesn't accept anything new. The hero is hostile to those who do not share his beliefs. Famusov’s ideal is the past, when everything was different from what it is now. Pavel Afanasyevich is a convinced defender of the morality of the past century. In his opinion, living correctly means doing everything as the fathers did, learning from your elders. Molchalin's worldview is also extremely conservative; the hero strictly follows his father’s behest: to please all people without hesitation. For the Famusopian secretary, only other people's opinions are sacred. He, like Famusov, considers dependence on others to be the basic law of life. The Tver provincial quickly learned that he must have patrons, even if he had to depend entirely on their will. For Famusov, an example is the smart Maxim Petrovich, who is ready to become a jester in order to entertain an important person. He speaks about him with pride and envy: He fell painfully and got up well. Alexey Stepanovich risks as a result secret romance lose the favor of a patron, but he is not able to refuse to please the daughter of such a person.
Molchalin is typical average person: both in terms of abilities, and in mind, and in terms of life goals. Famusov is also a narrow-minded, mediocre official. But they have a common talent - the ability to adapt to circumstances, to the right people. They fit organically into Moscow society. The main path to benefits for them is service. The true goal of activity is to make a career, to achieve known degrees. Famusov does not see anything reprehensible in outright neglect of official duties:
But for me, whatever it is, whatever it isn’t, my custom is this: Signed, off your shoulders.
Molchalin’s attitude towards service coincides with Fama’s: he would like to win awards and live a fun life. As soon as Molchalin takes off, he will undoubtedly repeat Famusov’s path. Like the patron, he will abuse his official position. For Pavel Afanasyevich this has already become the golden rule:
How do you begin to introduce yourself to a little cross, to a small town, Well, how can you not please your dear little one!..
Public opinion for Molchalin, as for Famusov, is sacred. Some of his statements (Ah! evil tongues are worse than a pistol, all soch At my age one should not dare to have one’s own judgment) are reminiscent of Famus’s: ah, my God! What will Princess Marya Aleksevna say?
Molchalin and Famusov live by the laws of lies, hypocrisy, and servility. They are capable of baseness. Both heroes simultaneously show a certain interest in the maid Lisa. According to Famusov, such human vices as debauchery, drunkenness, servility, and falsehood do not pose a danger. For example, Pavel Afanasyevich is sincerely surprised:
Here you go! great misfortune
Why would a man drink too much?
And he considers his flirtations with Liza and a particularly close relationship with the doctor, who, according to his calculations, will give birth, to be natural for a Moscow widower gentleman. Molchalin is the shadow of Famusov. He also plays the game and acts according to the traditions and rules accepted in Famous society. Therefore, Pavel Afanasyevich’s break with the secretary will most likely turn out to be temporary. It is this thought that sounds in Chatsky’s final words:
You will make peace with him, after mature reflection.
Molchalin will be able to meet the ideal groom for Moscow young ladies:
A boy-husband, a servant-husband, one of the wife's pages. The high ideal of all Moscow husbands...
Molchalin is little Famusov, the heroes embody one social and moral type, the type of opportunists, business people.
The rights to the composition “Famusov and Molchalin in A.S. Griboedov’s comedy Woe from Wit” belong to its author. When quoting material, it is necessary to indicate a hyperlink to
“Why are the Molchalins blissful in the world?” - one ninth grader once asked me. To begin with, they began to discuss with him who Molchalin was. That is, they tried to find out whether he understood what Griboyedov wanted to say with this image.
A young man who lived in Tver and held an insignificant position managed to attract the attention of a high-ranking official from Moscow. Famusov not only took him into the service, but also settled him in own home. Molchalin is “listed in the archives,” but in reality he performs the duties of Famusov’s secretary.
For very short term the young man managed to prove his competence, and most importantly, his irreplaceability. Famusov does not need to delve into any matters; Molchalin does it for him. A paradox, of course! The boss doesn’t even pay attention to what he signs. Remember the famous: “Signed, off your shoulders.”
That is, it turns out that it is Molchalin who decides to refuse or give the go-ahead to resolve any matter. Or simply, without asking unnecessary questions, he carries out Famusov’s orders. Whether what he does is legal or illegal, this question does not concern him. The main thing is to “serve the favor.” Yes, as successfully as Famusov’s uncle, Maxim Petrovich, did it in his time. He was incredibly lucky: with his fall he managed to cheer up the empress. For this “service to the Fatherland” he was approximately rewarded: “promotes him to rank... and gives pensions.” And he also rides in a train, eats on gold and plays whist most often with the queen herself! Yes, there is something to envy!
And Molchalin is not just quietly envious, he makes his way, using all his natural charm. Plays cards with old people. Everyone is bored with them, but he smiles sweetly and nods his head in in the right place. Old woman Khlestova, a stern woman whom even Famusov is afraid of, enthusiastically praises her dog and the blackamoor girl. Charmed the lady! She talks to him very favorably.
Molchalin is very nice and polite to everyone. He has no enemies, he does not come into conflict with anyone, he does not contradict anyone of his superiors, he is very polite even with servants. So, just in case it might come in handy. So with Sophia, the owner’s enthusiastic daughter, he also behaves extremely carefully. Spent the night in her bedroom! What a passage! An absolutely disgraceful act! It’s even somehow awkward to ask what he did there. The answer lies on the surface - he seduced the young lady.
But they didn’t guess right! He played the flute, sighed and took the greatest liberty - he pressed her hand to his heart! Where are the passionate kisses? Where are the passionate declarations of love? Where is the marriage proposal? But you can’t wait! Molchalin is very careful. He understands that Famusov will not agree to a misalliance, but will simply drive him out of the yard. And it will ruin your reputation. So much work will go to waste. Moreover, Molchalin did not intend to marry Sophia. He was looking for a better match.
He even lectured Chatsky, asking if he had visited one of the most famous Moscow ladies immediately after his arrival. He kindly explained that young people often find protection there where they don’t want to. The amazed Chatsky replied that he goes to see women, but not for that. And he brought a condescending smile on Molchalin’s face - well, a person doesn’t know how to get settled in life! Not only does he not know how to do it himself, he also smart people doesn't want to listen. And he carries who knows what! Total sedition!
After all, the eccentric Chatsky speaks directly about what he thinks. And to whom? He speaks to the serf owners about “Russian slavery”, to the wasters - about the benefits of labor, and boldly denounces the Russian nobility. Who needs this in Famusov’s salon?! Cast pearls before swine! They won’t understand, won’t accept, won’t follow! Then why is he talking? He can’t imagine his life any other way, so he can’t remain silent.
And then there's love line. Sophia, who was in love with him three years ago and laughed at his jokes, has changed a lot. And it’s not even about how prettier she has become – that’s just for the better. The fact is that she is cold, unapproachable, and Chatsky cannot understand why this is happening.
Sonechka is a sweet girl. Once upon a time, he taught her to think freely, to think about what interested him, and taught her to empathize. He remembers her loving gaze, which warmed his heart all three years. But she was only 14 years old then! Child. And now in front of him adult young lady. It doesn’t even occur to him that his place in her heart has been taken by Molchalin. He, according to Chatsky, is too insignificant for Sophia to love him.
The ending is sad. Molchalin is exposed and expelled from the Famusovs' house. Chatsky runs away himself. He runs to “where there is a corner for the offended feeling.” Away from Moscow, from hypocrisy and hypocrisy. It seems that both heroes are on equal terms. Both were denied home.
But Chatsky will not have a “brilliant future” in any of the cities of Russia. Why? Because no one needs it honest people who fearlessly point out the shortcomings and vices of society. Moreover, they strive to change the way of their usual life. Look, what are you thinking: serfdom he does not like! Chatsky has only one road - to Senate Square, and then to Siberia, to hard labor. Such people do not change their views and go to battle for them.
But Molchalin will certainly emerge, it’s not for nothing that he courted influential people like that. He'll cry into someone's vest and gossip about morals in Famusov's house. Everyone knows how much we love gossip. And if it’s also about those in power, and even exclusive! You'll see, they'll find a new, very warm place for him, and a suitable position will be found. And in five years, Molchalin will certainly get married. Again, guided by the advice of respected people, a suitable party will be selected for him. So that with a dowry, and with connections, and to be accepted in society. And in another five years he will “come out into the public eye” - he will take a high position. Everything you strive for will definitely come true.
Father's behests given to him in early youth, Molchalin remembered as a seminarian the prayer: “To please all people, without exception.” So he pleases, tries, gets along with everyone, is a friend, comrade and brother to everyone. Such people quickly and successfully make their careers - after all, they are the same ones necessary people, help. They push each other up the career ladder, kicking each other by the collar and in the ass. The method of moving up is not important. Only the final result counts.
Not a single Chatsky would live like that. His honor is more important to him. His soul aches for his Fatherland. So Chatsky loses his battle to the scoundrel and opportunist. And he keeps crawling up, and having reached the top, he will also begin to teach Chatsky. But, as old man Krylov used to say, “you cannot harness a horse and a tremulous doe to one cart.” This is probably why these two stand at different poles, and their eternal battle does not end.
