Dear niece, my deeds forced me to live. Online reading of the book undergrowth, action one. The British in pre-Petrine Russia

Literature Olympiad

9th grade

I. Knowledge of literary texts

1. Here are messages and excerpts from the messages of literary heroes. Who writes to whom? Indicate the work and its author.(Maximum points -4 points)

1. “My gracious sir,

I don’t intend to go to Pokrovskoye until you send me the huntsman Paramoshka to confess; but it will be my will to punish him or have mercy, but I do not intend to tolerate jokes from your servants, and I will not tolerate them from you either - because I am not a jester, but an old nobleman. “For this reason I remain obedient to the services of ………………………..”

1. “Dear niece! My affairs forced me to live for several years in separation from my neighbors; and the distance deprived me of the pleasure of hearing from you! I am now in Moscow, having lived in Siberia for several years. I can serve as an example that you can make your own fortune through hard work and honesty. With these means, with God’s help and happiness, I earned ten thousand rubles in income... Of which, my dear niece, I make you an heiress...”

1. “Shame on you, old dog, that you, despite my strict orders, did not inform me about my son Pyotr Andreevich and that strangers are forced to notify me of his mischief. Is this how you fulfill your position and the will of your master? I love you, old dog! I will send pigs to graze for hiding the truth and conniving with the young man. Having received this, I order you to immediately write to me, what is his health now, about which they write to me that he has recovered; and where exactly was he wounded and whether he was well treated.”

1.4. “On the road, an infantry captain robbed me all around, so that the innkeeper was about to throw me in prison; when suddenly, judging by my St. Petersburg physiognomy and suit, the whole city took me for the governor general. And now I live with the mayor, I chew, I drag myself recklessly after his wife and daughter; I just haven’t decided where to start - I think first with my mother, because it seems that she is now ready for all services.”

2. The above passages talk about the home teachers of literary heroes. Include the names of students and teachers where possible. Please indicate the author and work.

2.1 ... in his fatherland he was a hairdresser, then in Prussia as a soldier, then he came to Russia pour être outchitel, not really understanding the meaning of this word. He was a kind fellow, but flighty and dissolute to the extreme... We hit it off immediately, and although according to the contract he was obliged to teach me French, German and all sciences, he preferred to quickly learn from me how to chat in Russian , - and then each of us went about our own business. We lived in perfect harmony. I didn't want any other mentor.

2.2 A German taught him French and all sciences... Three hundred rubles a year for this. We seat you at the table with us. Our women wash his linen. Where needed - a horse. There is a glass of wine at the table. At night there is a tallow candle, and our Fomka sends the wig for free. To tell the truth, and we are happy with him... he does not captivate the child.

2.3 Our mentor, remember his cap, robe,

Index finger, all signs of learning

How our timid minds were disturbed,

As we have been accustomed to believe since early times,

That without the Germans we have no salvation!

II. Historical and literary assignments.

1.Which of the heroes of A.S. Pushkin’s story is a historical figure, and

who is fictional?

1.1 “I lived as a teenager, chasing pigeons and playing leapfrog with the yard boys. Meanwhile, I was sixteen years old."

1.2 “His appearance seemed remarkable to me: he was about forty, average height, thin and broad-shouldered. His black beard showed streaks of gray; lively big eyes just ran around.”

2. Who owns this poetic testament? To which of the Russian poets did Zhukovsky pass the palm? When and why did this happen?(Maximum number of points – 2 points)

Your legacy, Zhukovsky,

I am giving away the old lyre;

And I'm over the slippery abyss of the coffin

I’m already standing on my knees.

III. Knowledge of literary theory.

1. Here are fragments of the works of A.S. Pushkin and the names of types of stanzas. Relate them to each other. Write down your answer using letters and numbers (for example: m – 9).(Maximum number of points – 4 points)

2.What means of artistic expression are used in the passage?(Maximum number of points – 3 points)

IV. Literature and other arts

1. Name the names of the artists who created portraits of A.S. Pushkin.(One point for each correct answer)

1. What means of artistic expression are used in the passage?(Maximum number of points – 3 points)

... In one place, a particularly dull lantern diluted the darkness, and, passing through its dim aura, the fog turned into beads of rain (V. Nabokov “Other Shores”).

V. Analysis of poetic text.

NIKOLAY YAZYKOV

INSONALITY

What worries my dreams
On your usual bed of sleep?
It blows on my face and chest
Fresh air in spring,
Quietly kisses my eyes
Midnight moon.

Are you a haven of tender delights,
The joy of my youth
An angel with a serene gaze,
Angel with the beauty of her eyes,
Perseus with snow-white brilliance,
Soft golden curls!

Are you my love dreams
Are you chasing away peaceful dreams?
Are you with fresh lips?
You bring the light of the moon,
Hidden by light shadows
Seductive spring?

Blessed vision
Quiet angel! calm down
Put your soul to sleep,
Feelings are hot, drink up
And give me fatigue
Sanctified by you!

Phenomenon I

Mrs. Prostakova, Mitrofan, Eremeevna.

Ms. Prostakova (examining the caftan on Mitrofan). The caftan is all ruined. Eremeevna, bring the swindler Trishka here. (Eremeevna leaves.) He, the thief, burdened him everywhere. Mitrofanushka, my friend! I'm guessing you're dying. Call your father here.

Mitrofan leaves.

Phenomenon II

Mrs. Prostakova, Eremeevna, Trishka.

Ms. Prostakova(Trishka). And you, brute, come closer. Didn’t I tell you, you thieving mug, that you should make your caftan wider? The first child grows; another, a child and without a narrow caftan of delicate build. Tell me, idiot, what is your excuse?

Trishka. But, madam, I was self-taught. I reported to you at the same time: well, if you please, give it to the tailor.

Mrs. Prostakova. So is it really necessary to be a tailor to be able to sew a caftan well? What bestial reasoning!

Trishka. Yes, I studied to be a tailor, madam, but I didn’t.

Mrs. Prostakova. While searching, he argues. A tailor learned from another, another from a third, but who did the first tailor learn from? Speak up, beast.

Trishka. Yes, the first tailor, perhaps, sewed worse than mine.

Mitrofan(runs in). I called my father. I deigned to say: immediately.

Mrs. Prostakova. So go and get him out if you don’t get the good stuff.

Mitrofan. Yes, here comes the father.

Scene III

Same with Prostakov.

Mrs. Prostakova. What, why do you want to hide from me? This, sir, is how far I have lived with your indulgence. What's a new thing for a son to do with his uncle's agreement? What kind of caftan did Trishka deign to sew?

Prostakov (stammering out of timidity). Me... a little baggy.

Mrs. Prostakova. You yourself are baggy, smart head.

Prostakov. Yes, I thought, mother, that it seemed so to you.

Mrs. Prostakova. Are you blind yourself?

Prostakov. With your eyes, mine see nothing.

Mrs. Prostakova. This is the kind of hubby the Lord gave me: he doesn’t know how to figure out what’s wide and what’s narrow.

Prostakov. In this, mother, I believed and believe you.

Mrs. Prostakova. So believe also that I do not intend to indulge the slaves. Go, sir, and punish now...

Phenomenon IV

Same with Skotinin.

Skotinin. Whom? For what? On the day of my conspiracy! I ask you, sister, for such a holiday to postpone the punishment until tomorrow; and tomorrow, if you please, I myself will willingly help. If I weren’t Taras Skotinin, if not every fault is my fault. In this, sister, I have the same custom as you. Why are you so angry?

Mrs. Prostakova. Well, brother, I’ll go crazy on your eyes. Mitrofanushka, come here. Is this caftan baggy?

Skotinin. No.

Prostakov. Yes, I can already see, mother, that it is narrow.

Skotinin. I don't see that either. The caftan, brother, is well made.

Ms. Prostakova(Trishka). Get out, you bastard.

(Eremeevna.) Come on, Eremeevna, let the child have breakfast. Vit, I’m having tea, the teachers will come soon. Eremeevna.

Mrs. Prostakova. He already, mother, deigned to eat five buns.

(Eremeevna.) Come on, Eremeevna, let the child have breakfast. Vit, I’m having tea, the teachers will come soon. So you feel sorry for the sixth one, beast? What zeal! Please take a look.

Mrs. Prostakova. Cheers, mother. I said this for Mitrofan Terentyevich. I grieved until the morning.

Mitrofan. Ah, Mother of God! What happened to you, Mitrofanushka?

Skotinin. Yes, mother. Yesterday after dinner it hit me.

Mitrofan. Yes, it’s clear, brother, you had a hearty dinner.

Prostakov. And I, uncle, almost didn’t have dinner at all.

Mitrofan. I remember, my friend, you wanted to eat something.

(Eremeevna.) Come on, Eremeevna, let the child have breakfast. Vit, I’m having tea, the teachers will come soon. What! Three slices of corned beef, and hearth slices, I don’t remember, five, I don’t remember, six.

Mitrofan. And now I’m walking around like crazy. All night such rubbish was in my eyes.

Mrs. Prostakova. What rubbish, Mitrofanushka?

Mitrofan. Yes, either you, mother, or father.

Mrs. Prostakova. How is this possible?

Mitrofan. As soon as I start to fall asleep, I see that you, mother, deign to beat father.

Prostakov(to the side) . Well, my bad! Sleep in hand!

Mitrofan(softened up) . So I felt sorry.

Ms. Prostakova(with annoyance). Who, Mitrofanushka?

Mitrofan. You, mother: you are so tired, beating your father.

Mrs. Prostakova. Surround me, my dear friend! Here, son, is my only consolation.

Skotinin. Well, Mitrofanushka, I see you are a mother’s son, not a father’s son!

Prostakov. At least I love him, as a parent should, he’s a smart child, he’s a sensible child, he’s funny, he’s an entertainer; sometimes I am beside myself with him and with joy I truly do not believe that he is my son.

Skotinin. Only now our funny man is standing there, frowning.

Mrs. Prostakova. Shouldn't we send for a doctor to the city?

Mitrofan. No, no, mother. I'd rather get better on my own. Now I’ll run to the dovecote, maybe…

Mrs. Prostakova. So maybe the Lord is merciful. Go and have some fun, Mitrofanushka.

Mitrofan and Eremeevna leave.

Phenomenon V

Ms. Prostakova, Prostakov, Skotinin.

Skotinin. Why can't I see my bride? Where is she? There will be an agreement in the evening, so isn’t it time to tell her that they are marrying her off?

Mrs. Prostakova. We'll make it, brother. If we tell her this ahead of time, she may still think that we are reporting to her. Although by marriage, however, I am related to her; and I love that strangers listen to me.

Prostakov(Skotinin). To tell the truth, we treated Sophia like an orphan. After her father she remained a baby. About six months ago, her mother, and my in-law, had a stroke...

Ms. Prostakova (showing as if he is baptizing his heart). The power of the god is with us.

Prostakov. From which she went to the next world. Her uncle, Mr. Starodum, went to Siberia; and since there has been no rumor or news of him for several years now, we consider him dead. We, seeing that she was left alone, took her to our village and look after her estate as if it were our own.

Mrs. Prostakova. What, why have you gone so crazy today, my father? Looking for a brother, he might think that we took her to us out of interest.

Prostakov. Well, mother, how should he think about this? After all, we can’t move Sofyushkino’s real estate estate to ourselves.

Skotinin. And although the movable has been put forward, I am not a petitioner. I don’t like to bother, and I’m afraid. No matter how much my neighbors offended me, no matter how much loss they caused, I didn’t hit anyone with my brow, and any loss, rather than going after it, I would rip off from my own peasants, and the ends would be in the water.

Prostakov. It’s true, brother: the whole neighborhood says that you are a master at collecting rent.

Mrs. Prostakova. At least you taught us, brother father; but we just can’t do it. Since we took away everything the peasants had, we can’t take anything back. Such a disaster!

Skotinin. Please, sister, I will teach you, I will teach you, just marry me to Sophia.

Mrs. Prostakova. Did you really like this girl that much?

Skotinin. No, it's not the girl I like.

Prostakov. So next door to her village?

Skotinin. And not the villages, but the fact that it is found in the villages and what my mortal desire is.

Mrs. Prostakova. Until what, brother?

Skotinin. I love pigs, sister, and in our neighborhood there are such large pigs that there is not a single one of them that, standing on its hind legs, would not be taller than each of us by a whole head.

Prostakov. It’s a strange thing, brother, how family can resemble family. Mitrofanushka is our uncle. And he was a hunter of pigs, just like you. When I was still three years old, when I saw a pig, I used to tremble with joy.

Skotinin. This is truly a curiosity! Well, brother, Mitrofan loves pigs because he is my nephew. There is some similarity here; Why am I so addicted to pigs?

Prostakov. And there is some similarity here, I think so.

Scene VI

Same with Sophia.

Sophia entered holding a letter in her hand and looking cheerful.

Ms. Prostakova(Sofya). Why are you so happy, mother? What are you happy about?

Sophia. I have now received good news. My uncle, about whom we knew nothing for so long, whom I love and honor as my father, recently arrived in Moscow. Here is the letter I have now received from him.

Ms. Prostakova (frightened, with anger). How! Starodum, your uncle, is alive! And you deign to say that he has risen! That's a fair amount of fiction!

Sophia. Yes, he never died.

Mrs. Prostakova. Didn't die! But shouldn't he die? No, madam, these are your inventions, in order to intimidate us with your uncle, so that we give you freedom. Uncle is a smart man; he, seeing me in the wrong hands, will find a way to help me out. That's what you're glad about, madam; However, perhaps, don’t be very happy: your uncle, of course, did not resurrect.

Skotinin. Sister, what if he didn’t die?

Prostakov. God forbid he didn't die!

Ms. Prostakova(to husband). How did you not die? Why are you confusing grandma? Don’t you know that for several years now he has been commemorated by me in memorials for his repose? Surely my sinful prayers didn’t reach me! (To Sophia.) Perhaps a letter for me.(Almost throws up.)

Sophia. Read it yourself, madam. You will see that nothing could be more innocent.

Mrs. Prostakova. Read it for yourself! No, madam, thank God, I was not brought up like that. I can receive letters, but I always tell someone else to read them.

Prostakov(To my husband.) Read.

Mrs. Prostakova.(looking for a long time). It's tricky.

Skotinin. And you, my father, were apparently raised like a pretty girl. Brother, read it, work hard.

Sophia. I? I haven't read anything in my life, sister! God saved me from this boredom.

Mrs. Prostakova. Let me read it.

Skotinin. Oh mother! I know that you are a craftswoman, but I don’t really believe you. Here, I’m having tea, teacher Mitrofanushkin will come soon. I tell him...

Mrs. Prostakova. Have you started teaching the youngster to read and write?

Oh, dear brother! I've been studying for four years now. There’s nothing, it’s a sin to say that we don’t try to educate Mitrofanushka. We pay three teachers. The sexton from Pokrov, Kuteikin, comes to him to read and write. One retired sergeant, Tsyfirkin, teaches him arithmetic, father. Both of them come here from the city. The city is three miles away from us, father. He is taught French and all sciences by the German Adam Adamych Vralman. This is three hundred rubles a year. We seat you at the table with us. Our women wash his linen. Where needed - a horse. There is a glass of wine at the table. At night there is a tallow candle, and our Fomka sends the wig for free. To tell the truth, we are happy with him, dear brother. He doesn't oppress the child. Vit, my father, while Mitrofanushka is still undergrowth, sweat and pamper him; and there, in ten years, when he enters, God forbid, into service, he will suffer everything. As for anyone, happiness is destined for them, brother. From our surname Prostakovs, look - the tissue, lying on its side, is flying to its ranks. Why is their Mitrofanushka worse? Bah! Yes, by the way, our dear guest came here.

Scene VII

Mrs. Prostakova. Same with Pravdin.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Pravdin.

Skotinin. I am glad to have made your acquaintance.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Okay, my lord! As for the last name, I didn’t hear it.

Skotinin. I call myself Pravdin so you can hear.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Which native, my lord? Where are the villages?

Skotinin. I was born in Moscow, if you need to know, and my villages are in the local governorship.

Mrs. Prostakova. Do I dare ask, my sir—I don’t know my name and patronymic—are there pigs in your villages?

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Excuse me, madam. I never read letters without the permission of those to whom they are written.

Sophia. I ask you this. You will do me a great favor.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. If you order.

(Reads.) “Dear niece! My affairs forced me to live for several years in separation from my neighbors; and the distance deprived me of the pleasure of hearing about you. I am now in Moscow, having lived in Siberia for several years. I can serve as an example that you can make your own fortune through hard work and honesty. By these means, with the help of happiness, I earned ten thousand rubles in income...” Skotinin and both Prostakovs

. Ten thousand! Pravdin

Mrs. Prostakova.(is reading) . “...to whom, my dear niece, I make you heir...”

Prostakov. You as heiress!

Skotinin. Sophia is the heiress!

Ms. Prostakova Her heiress!(rushing to hug Sophia)

. Congratulations, Sofyushka! Congratulations, my soul! I'm overjoyed! Now you need a groom. I, I don’t wish for a better bride for Mitrofanushka. That's it, uncle! That's my dear father! I myself still thought that God was protecting him, that he was still alive. Skotinin

Ms. Prostakova (extending his hand). Well, sister, quickly shake hands.(quietly to Skotinin)

Skotinin.. Wait, brother. First you need to ask her if she still wants to marry you?

Skotinin. How! What a question! Are you really going to report to her?

Ms. Prostakova And for what? Even if you read for five years, you won’t finish reading better than ten thousand.

Skotinin.(to Sophia). Sophia, my soul! let's go to my bedroom. I have an urgent need to talk to you.

(Took Sophia away.)

Bah! So I see that today it is unlikely that there will be any conspiracy.

Scene VIII Pravdin, Prostakov, Skotinin, servant. Servant

Prostakov.(to Prostakov, out of breath)

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother.. Master! master! soldiers came and stopped in our village.

Prostakov. What a disaster! Well, they will ruin us completely!

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. What are you afraid of?

Ah, dear father! We've already seen the sights. I don’t dare show up to them.

Skotinin. Do not be afraid. They are, of course, led by an officer who will not allow any insolence. Come with me to him. I am sure that you are timid in vain.

Pravdin, Prostakov and the servant leave.

Pravdin: If you order. (Reads.) “Dear niece! Deeds and forced me to live for several years in separation from my loved ones; adversity deprived me of the pleasure of hearing about you! I am now in Moscow, having lived for several years in Siberia. I can serve as an example that through work and honesty you can make your fortune It’s possible. With these means, with God’s help and happiness, I earned ten thousand rubles in income...” Skotinin and both Prostakovs. Ten thousand! Pravdin (reads). “By which, my dear niece, I make you heir...” Ms. Prostakova. Your heiress! Simpletons. Sophia is the heiress! Skotinin. Her heir! Mrs. Prostakova (rushing to hug Sophia) Congratulations, Sophia! Congratulations, my soul! I'm overjoyed! Now you need a groom

I, I don’t wish for a better bride for Mitrofanushka. That's it, uncle! That's it, dear father! I myself still thought that God bless him, that he was still alive

Skotinin (extending his hand). Well, sister, quickly deal with it

Mrs. Prostakova (quietly to Skotinin). Wait, brother. First you need to ask her if she still wants to marry you? Skotinin. How! What a question! Are you really going to report to her? Pravdin. Will you allow me to finish reading the letter? Skotinin. And for what? Yes, even if you read for five years, it’s better if you don’t read ten thousand

Mrs. Prostakova (to Sophia). Sophia, my soul! let's go to my bedroom. I have an urgent need to talk to you. (Took Sophia away.) Skotinin. Bah! So I see that today it is unlikely that there will be any conspiracy

¶APPENANCE VIII§Pravdin, Prostakov, Skotinin, ServantServant (to Prostakov, out of breath). Master, master! soldiers came and stopped in our village

Prostakov. What a disaster! Well! will ruin us completely

Pravdin. What are you afraid of? Simpletons. Oh, dear father! We've already seen the sights. I don’t dare show up to them

Pravdin. Do not be afraid. They are, of course, led by an officer who will not allow any impudence. Come with me to him. I'm sure you're unnecessarily timid

Pravdin, Prostakov and the servant leave

Skotinin. Everyone left me alone. I should have gone for a walk in the barnyard

End of the first act

¶ACT TWO§

¶APPENANCE I§Pravdin, MilonMilon. How glad I am, my dear friend, that I accidentally met you! Tell me by what chance...

Pravdin. As a friend, I will tell you the reason for my stay here. I have been appointed a member of the local governorship. I have orders to travel around the local district; and besides, out of my own deed* of my heart, I do not fail to notice those malicious ignoramuses who, having complete power over their people, use it inhumanly for evil. You know the way of thinking of our governor**. With what zeal he helps suffering humanity! With what zeal does he thus fulfill the philanthropic forms of the highest power! In our region, we ourselves have experienced that where the governor is such as the governor is depicted in the Institution***, there the well-being of the inhabitants is sure and reliable. I've been living here for three days now. I found a landowner who is a fool beyond measure, and a wife who is despicable, whose hellish disposition makes their whole house miserable. What are you thinking, my friend, tell me, how long will you stay here? Milo. I'm leaving here in a few hours

Pravdin. What's so soon? have a rest

Milo. I can not. I was ordered to lead the soldiers without delay... Moreover, I myself am eager to be in Moscow

Pravdin. What is the reason?* Motives

** Russia in 1775 was divided into fifty provinces. In some cases, two or three provinces were united in the hands of a representative of the supreme power - the governor, under whom the government was created

Pravdin was a member of the vicegerency board

*** The law on provinces was called “Institution for the administration of provinces of the Russian Empire.” It was published in 1775

Milo. I will tell you the secret of my heart, dear friend! I am in love, and I have the happiness of being loved. I have been separated from the one who is dearest to me more than anything in the world for more than six months, and what is even sadder is that I have not heard anything about her during all this time. Often, attributing the silence to her coldness, I was tormented by grief; but suddenly I received news that shocked me. They write to me that, after the death of her mother, some distant relatives took her to their villages. I don't know who or where

Perhaps she is now in the hands of some selfish people who, taking advantage of her orphanhood, are keeping her in tyranny. This thought alone makes me beside myself

Pravdin. I see similar inhumanity in the house here. I caress*, however, we will soon put boundaries on the wife’s malice and the husband’s stupidity. I have already notified our boss about everything and I have no doubt that seven measures will be taken to calm them down

* I caress myself with the thought, I hope

Milo. Happy are you, my friend, being able to alleviate the fate of the unfortunate. I don’t know what to do in my sad situation

Pravdin. Let me ask about her name

Milon (delighted). A! here she is

¶APPENANCE II§Same and SophiaSophya. Milon! Do I see you? Pravdin. What happiness! Milon. This is the one who owns my heart. Dear Sophia! Tell me, how do I find you here? Sophia. How many sorrows have I endured since the day of our separation! My unscrupulous relatives...

Pravdin. My friend! don’t ask about what is so sad for her... You will learn from me what rudeness...

Milo. Unworthy people! Sophia. Today, however, for the first time the local landlady changed her behavior. Hearing that my uncle was making me an heiress, she suddenly turned from being rude and scolding to the point of being affectionate to the very base, and I see from all her circumlocutions that she is destined to marry me to her son.

Milon (impatiently). And you didn’t show her complete contempt at the same time?

Sophia. No..

Milo. And you didn't tell her that you had a commitment from the heart, that...

Sophia. No..

Milo. A! now I see my destruction. My opponent is happy! I do not deny all the merits in him. He may be reasonable, enlightened, kind; but so that you can compare with me in my love for you, so...

Sophia (grinning). My God! If you saw him, your jealousy would drive you to the extreme! Milo (indignantly). I imagine all its advantages

Sophia. You can’t even imagine everyone. Although he is sixteen years old, he has already reached the last degree of his perfection and will not go any further.

Pravdin. How can it not go further, madam? He finishes his book of hours; and then, one must think, they will begin to read the psalter*

Prostakov. It’s true, brother: the whole neighborhood says that you are a master at collecting rent.

Mrs. Prostakova. At least you taught us, brother father; but we just can’t do it. Since we took away everything the peasants had, we can’t take anything back. Such a disaster!

Skotinin. Please, sister, I will teach you, I will teach you, just marry me to Sophia.

Mrs. Prostakova. Did you really like this girl that much?

Skotinin. No, it's not the girl I like.

Prostakov. So next door to her village?

Skotinin. And not the villages, but the fact that it is found in the villages and what my mortal desire is.

Mrs. Prostakova. Until what, brother?

Skotinin. I love pigs, sister, and in our neighborhood there are such large pigs that there is not a single one of them that, standing on its hind legs, would not be taller than each of us by a whole head.

Prostakov. It’s a strange thing, brother, how family can resemble family. Mitrofanushka is our uncle. And he was a hunter of pigs, just like you. When I was still three years old, when I saw a pig, I used to tremble with joy.

Skotinin. This is truly a curiosity! Well, brother, Mitrofan loves pigs because he is my nephew. There is some similarity here; Why am I so addicted to pigs?

Prostakov. And there is some similarity here, I think so.

Same with Sophia.

Sophia entered holding a letter in her hand and looking cheerful.

Ms. Prostakova(Sofya). Why are you so happy, mother? What are you happy about?

Sophia. I have now received good news. My uncle, about whom we knew nothing for so long, whom I love and honor as my father, recently arrived in Moscow. Here is the letter I have now received from him.

Ms. Prostakova(frightened, with anger). How! Starodum, your uncle, is alive! And you deign to say that he has risen! That's a fair amount of fiction!

Sophia. Yes, he never died.

Mrs. Prostakova. Didn't die! But shouldn't he die? No, madam, these are your inventions, in order to intimidate us with your uncle, so that we give you freedom. Uncle is a smart man; he, seeing me in the wrong hands, will find a way to help me out. That's what you're glad about, madam; However, perhaps, don’t be very happy: your uncle, of course, did not resurrect.

Skotinin. Sister, what if he didn’t die?

Prostakov. God forbid he didn't die!

Ms. Prostakova(to husband). How did you not die? Why are you confusing grandma? Don’t you know that for several years now he has been commemorated by me in memorials for his repose? Surely my sinful prayers didn’t reach me! (To Sophia.) Perhaps a letter for me. (Almost throws up.)(Almost throws up.)

Sophia. Read it yourself, madam. You will see that nothing could be more innocent.

Mrs. Prostakova. Read it for yourself! No, madam, thank God, I was not brought up like that. I can receive letters, but I always tell someone else to read them. (To my husband.) Read.

Prostakov(looks for a long time). It's tricky.

Mrs. Prostakova.(looking for a long time). It's tricky.

Skotinin. And you, my father, were apparently raised like a pretty girl. Brother, read it, work hard.

Sophia. I? I haven't read anything in my life, sister! God saved me from this boredom.

Mrs. Prostakova. Let me read it.

Skotinin. Oh mother! I know that you are a craftswoman, but I don’t really believe you. Here, I’m having tea, teacher Mitrofanushkin will come soon. I tell him...

Mrs. Prostakova. Have you started teaching the youngster to read and write?

Oh, dear brother! I've been studying for four years now. There’s nothing, it’s a sin to say that we don’t try to educate Mitrofanushka. We pay three teachers. The sexton from Pokrov, Kuteikin, comes to him to read and write. One retired sergeant, Tsyfirkin, teaches him arithmetic, father. Both of them come here from the city. The city is three miles away from us, father. He is taught French and all sciences by the German Adam Adamych Vralman. This is three hundred rubles a year. We seat you at the table with us. Our women wash his linen. Where needed - a horse. There is a glass of wine at the table. At night there is a tallow candle, and our Fomka sends the wig for free. To tell the truth, we are happy with him, dear brother. He doesn't oppress the child. Vit, my father, while Mitrofanushka is still undergrowth, sweat and pamper him; and there, in ten years, when he enters, God forbid, into service, he will suffer everything. As for anyone, happiness is destined for them, brother. From our surname Prostakovs, look - the tissue, lying on its side, is flying to its ranks. Why is their Mitrofanushka worse? Bah! Yes, by the way, our dear guest came here.

Scene VII

Mrs. Prostakova. Same with Pravdin.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Pravdin.

Skotinin. I am glad to have made your acquaintance.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Okay, my lord! As for the last name, I didn’t hear it.

Skotinin. I call myself Pravdin so you can hear.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Which native, my lord? Where are the villages?

Skotinin. I was born in Moscow, if you need to know, and my villages are in the local governorship.

Mrs. Prostakova. Enough, brother, let’s start with pigs. Let's talk better about our grief. (To Pravdin.) Here, father! God told us to take the girl into our arms. She deigns to receive letters from her uncles. Uncles write to her from the other world. Do me a favor, my father, take the trouble to read it out loud to all of us.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Excuse me, madam. I never read letters without the permission of those to whom they are written.

Sophia. I ask you this. You will do me a great favor.

Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. If you order. (Is reading.)“Dear niece! My affairs forced me to live for several years in separation from my neighbors; and the distance deprived me of the pleasure of hearing about you. I am now in Moscow, having lived in Siberia for several years. I can serve as an example that you can make your own fortune through hard work and honesty. By these means, with the help of happiness, I earned ten thousand rubles in income...”

(Reads.) “Dear niece! My affairs forced me to live for several years in separation from my neighbors; and the distance deprived me of the pleasure of hearing about you. I am now in Moscow, having lived in Siberia for several years. I can serve as an example that you can make your own fortune through hard work and honesty. By these means, with the help of happiness, I earned ten thousand rubles in income...” Skotinin and both Prostakovs

. Ten thousand!(is reading). “...to whom, my dear niece, I make you heir...”

Mrs. Prostakova.(is reading) . “...to whom, my dear niece, I make you heir...”

Prostakov. You as heiress!

Skotinin. Sophia is the heiress!

Ms. Prostakova(rushing to hug Sophia)(rushing to hug Sophia)

. Congratulations, Sofyushka! Congratulations, my soul! I'm overjoyed! Now you need a groom. I, I don’t wish for a better bride for Mitrofanushka. That's it, uncle! That's my dear father! I myself still thought that God was protecting him, that he was still alive.(extending his hand). Well, sister, quickly shake hands.

Ms. Prostakova(quietly to Skotinin)(quietly to Skotinin)

Skotinin.. Wait, brother. First you need to ask her if she still wants to marry you?

Skotinin. How! What a question! Are you really going to report to her?

Ms. Prostakova(to Sophia). Sophia, my soul! let's go to my bedroom. I have an urgent need to talk to you. (Took Sophia away.)

Skotinin.(to Sophia). Sophia, my soul! let's go to my bedroom. I have an urgent need to talk to you.

Bah! So I see that today it is unlikely that there will be any conspiracy.