The contents of how many letters from Zheltkov we read in the story. A.I

Composition

And the heart will no longer respond

It's all over... And my song rushes

On an empty night where you are no longer there.

A. Akhmatova

A. I. Kuprin is an original writer of the 20th century, in whose work the precepts of Russian classical literature with its democracy, passionate desire to solve the problems of social existence, humanism, and deep interest in the life of the people. Loyalty to traditions, the influence of L. N. Tolstoy and A. P. Chekhov, impact creative ideas M. Gorky defined the originality literary prose Kuprin, his place in literary process beginning of the century.

Writers whose work was formed during the years of revolutionary upsurge were especially close to the theme of the “epiphany” of the ordinary Russian person, greedily truth seeker V social life. Therefore, the center of the works invariably turns out to be small man, the average intellectual truth-seeker, and the main theme is bourgeois civilization devouring thousands human lives and entailing the vulgarization of relationships between people" It is natural in such a situation to turn to one of eternal themes- the theme of love. A. Kuprin also addresses the theme of love as one of the mysteries of existence.

Following “Olesya” (1898) and “The Duel” (1905), in the 1910s, from his pen came a kind of “trilogy” about love, which is formed by the works “Shulamith”, “ Garnet bracelet" and "The Pit" (the latter depicts anti-love). Love for Kuprin is a saving force that protects the human soul from the destructive influence of civilization; a phenomenon of life, an unexpected gift that illuminates life among ordinary reality and established life. But love in his works is associated with an idea of death.

Kuprin's heroes most often die when faced with the world of cruelty, lack of spirituality and generally accepted philistine morality of the modern world.

The meaning and content of the life of the protagonist of the story “The Garnet Bracelet” became great, but, unfortunately, unrequited love. G. S. Zheltkov is a young man of pleasant appearance, an employee of the control chamber. He is musical, endowed with a sense of beauty, has a subtle feeling and knows how to understand people. Despite his poverty, Zheltkov has a “pedigree”; his sofa is covered with a “worn, beautiful Tekin carpet.”

But its main value is “seven years of hopeless and polite love.” The object of his admiration is eldest daughter the late Prince Mirza-Bulat-Tuganovsky, wife of the leader of the nobility in the city of K., Vera Nikolaevna Sheina. She married a childhood friend for love, but now she feels for her husband “a feeling of strong, faithful, true friendship". Both Vera Nikolaevna herself and those around her consider her marriage happy. Vera Nikolaevna is endowed with "aristocratic" beauty. She attracts "with her tall flexible figure, gentle, but cold and proud face, beautiful, although rather big hands and that charming sloping shoulders that can be seen in ancient miniatures."

The heroine is a sensitive, subtle person with many talents. But Vera does not respond to Zheltkov’s feelings. She perceives his attention, his letters and the gift of a garnet bracelet as something unnecessary, which also disrupts the usual measured flow of life. The princess is used to taking life seriously. She makes a sober assessment financial situation family and tries to “help the prince refrain from complete ruin,” he denies himself in many ways and saves in the household. The Sheins have a wide circle of acquaintances, and Princess Vera’s reputation is very important; she is afraid of looking funny or ridiculous. The very same fan "with funny last name She considers Zheltkov “a madman” who “pursues her with his love,” and even once asks him in writing “not to bother her anymore with his loving outpourings.” The love of our hero is incomprehensible to the princess and seems burdensome.

For Zheltkov, his whole life lies in Vera Nikolaevna. He is no longer interested in anything: “neither politics, nor science, nor philosophy, nor concern for the future happiness of people.” Zheltkov’s heart is always near his beloved, at her feet, “every moment of the day is filled” with Vera Nikolaevna, thoughts and dreams about her. But Zheltkov’s love is “not a disease, not a manic idea.” He fell in love with Vera “because there is nothing in the world like her, there is nothing better, there is no beast, no plant, no star, no person more beautiful... and more tender.” This great love- a gift from heaven, “tremendous happiness.” This is love, “with which God was pleased to reward me for something,” he writes, experiencing “reverence, eternal admiration” and boundless gratitude for the woman he loves just for the fact that she exists. The princess, without knowing it, painfully wounds Zheltkov, pushes him to commit suicide with the words: “Oh, if you only knew how tired I am of this whole story. Please stop it as soon as possible.” But he asked for such a small thing: “to stay in the city so that he can see her at least occasionally, of course, without showing his face to her.”

For the hero, saying goodbye to Vera Nikolaevna is tantamount to saying goodbye to life. But, knowing full well about the inseparability of his feelings, Zheltkov hopes and is “even sure” that Vera Nikolaevna will someday remember him. And indeed, after Zheltkov’s death, saying goodbye to him, she understands that she has lost something important and very valuable, that “the great love that is repeated only once in a thousand years,” “the love that every woman dreams of, has passed past her." Shocked by this realization, Vera asks the pianist to play something, without doubting that Jenny will play the very passage from the Second Sonata that Zheltkov asked for. And when she listened to “this exceptional, unique work of depth,” “her soul seemed to split in two.” It was filled with music and poetry, which ended with words from a farewell letter loving person: "Hallowed be it your name" ...

Musical theme"Appassionata" states high strength love. The music in the story is very important role It is no coincidence that the title of Beethoven's second sonata is included in the epigraph. It serves as the key to understanding the entire work. “Prayer for Love” runs as a leitmotif throughout the entire work and sounds powerfully in its finale. What the lovelorn official of the control chamber could not express in words was “told” by the music of the great composer. As we see, mutual, perfect love did not take place, but this lofty and poetic feeling, albeit concentrated in one soul, opened the way to the beautiful rebirth of another. After all, every woman in the depths of her heart dreams of such love - “united, all-forgiving, ready for anything, modest and selfless.”

Just a few pages, a few lines from a letter, and a person’s life passed before us. Is life real? Is the image of the main character real?

According to the memoirs of L. Arsenyeva, a younger contemporary of the writer, in the late 1920s in Paris, the aging A. Kuprin challenged his interlocutor to a duel, who allowed himself to doubt the plausibility of the plot of the “Garnet Bracelet”. Kuprin rarely resorted to pure fiction in his work. All his works are realistic, based on real events, personal impressions from meetings with people, from conversations. The writer heard the love story that formed the basis of the story in the summer of 1906 while visiting State Council member Dmitry Nikolaevich Lyubimov. The Lyubimovs showed Kuprin Family album. There were illustrations for letters that Lyubimov’s wife received from a person signing with the initials P.P.Zh. (he turned out to be a minor postal official Pyotr Petrovich Zheltikov). Kuprin creatively rethought what he heard and, with the power of his talent, turned an ordinary episode into a love story that has been dreamed and yearned for for centuries." the best minds and the souls of humanity - poets, novelists, musicians, artists." Unlike the hero of Kuprin's story, Zheltikov did not shoot himself, but was transferred to the province, where he then got married. But he served as a real prototype for the creation of a hero who won our hearts with the strength and purity of his feelings.

Zheltkov’s image is real. Real because in the world, contrary to the opinion of General Anosov, there is still love, which is not touched by “any living conveniences, calculations and compromises,” and there are men capable of “strong desires, heroic deeds, to tenderness and adoration." I would like to believe that in modern world perhaps a bright, humane feeling, reckless, “hopeless and polite,” knightly, heroic love; love is strong and pure, the love that God sends to the chosen ones, “like enormous happiness.” The kind of love “for which to accomplish any feat, to give one’s life, to suffer torment is not work at all, but one joy.” But such love cannot and should not end in a fatal outcome. Why die? You need to live knowing that you are just nearby, in the same city, in the same country, on the same planet with the person you love, and this makes life filled with meaning and becomes beautiful.

Despite tragic ending“Kuprin’s story is optimistic, life-affirming, because in “The Garnet Bracelet” the author, probably stronger and more vividly than in other works, glorifies Eternal values life, mental strength and purity, nobility and the ability to sacrifice in the name of love. And, of course, love itself is the most sublime and beautiful of all human feelings.

Other works on this work

A. I. Kuprin wrote a beautiful and sad story about the love that every person would like to experience. The story “The Garnet Bracelet” is about just such a sublime and selfless feeling. And now readers continue to debate whether the main character did the right thing by refusing her admirer. Or perhaps an admirer would make her happy? To talk about this topic, you need to characterize Zheltkov from “Garnet Bracelet”.

Description of the appearance of a fan of Vera

What is remarkable about this gentleman and why did the author decide to make him the main character? Maybe there is something unusual in the characterization of Zheltkov in the story “The Garnet Bracelet”? For example, in many romantic stories The main characters have a beautiful or memorable appearance. It should be immediately noted that the name of the main character is not indicated in the story (perhaps his name is George). This can be explained by the writer’s attempts to show the insignificance of a person in the eyes of society.

Zheltkov was tall and had a thin build. His face looks more like a girl’s: soft features, blue eyes and a stubborn chin with a dimple. It is the last point that indicates that despite the apparent pliability of nature, this person is actually stubborn and does not like to back down from his decisions.

He looked to be 30-35 years old, i.e. he was already an adult man and a fully formed personality. There was a nervousness in all his movements: his fingers were constantly fiddling with the buttons, and he himself was pale, which indicates his strong mental agitation. If we rely on the external characteristics of Zheltkov from “The Garnet Bracelet,” we can conclude that he has a soft, receptive nature, is prone to experiences, but at the same time is not devoid of perseverance.

The situation in the main character's room

For the first time, Kuprin “brings” his character to the reader during the visit of her husband and brother main character. Before this, its existence was known only through letters. To the characterization of Zheltkov in “The Garnet Bracelet” we can add a description of his living conditions. The sparse decoration of the room emphasizes it social status. After all, the reason that he could not openly communicate with Vera was social inequality.

The room had low ceilings and round windows barely illuminated it. The only furniture was a narrow bed, an old sofa and a table covered with a tablecloth. The whole situation suggests that the apartment is occupied by a person who is not at all rich and does not strive for comfort. But Zheltkov didn’t need this: there was only one woman in his life with whom he could be happy, but she was already married. Therefore, the man did not even think about starting a family. That is, Zheltkov’s characterization in “Garnet Bracelet” is complemented by important quality- he is monogamous.

The fact that the house has small windows is indicative. The room is a reflection of the existence of the main character. There were few joys in his life, it was full of difficulties and the only bright ray for the unfortunate man was Vera.

Zheltkov's character

Despite the insignificance of his position, the main character had an exalted nature, otherwise he would not have been capable of such selfless love. The man served as an official in some chamber. The fact that he had money is informed to the reader from a letter in which Zheltkov writes that he could not give Vera a gift worthy of her due to limited funds.

Zheltkov was well-mannered and a modest person, did not consider himself endowed delicate taste. For the owner of the room he rented, Zheltkov became like his own son - his manner was so courteous and kind-hearted.

Vera's husband discerned in him a noble and honest nature that was incapable of deception. Main character He immediately admits to him that he cannot stop loving Vera, because this feeling is stronger than him. But he will no longer bother her, because she asked for it, and the peace and happiness of his beloved is more important than anything else.

The story of Zheltkov’s love for Vera

Despite the fact that this is an unrequited romance in letters, the writer was able to show a sublime feeling. Therefore unusual love story has occupied the minds of readers for several decades. As for Zheltkov’s characterization in “The Garnet Bracelet,” it is precisely the willingness to be content with little, the ability to selfless love, betrays the nobility of his soul.

He first saw Vera 8 years ago and immediately realized that she was the one, simply because there is no better woman in the world.

And all this time Zhelktov continued to love her, not expecting any reciprocity. He followed her, wrote letters, but not for the purpose of persecution, but simply because he sincerely loved her. Zheltkov did not want anything for himself - for him, the most important thing was Vera’s well-being. The man did not understand what he did to deserve such happiness - a bright feeling for her. Vera's tragedy is that she only realized at the very end that this was the very love that women dream of. She felt that Zheltkov forgave her because his love was selfless and sublime. In Kuprin's "Garnet Bracelet", Zheltkov's characterization is not a description of one person, but of a true, constant, precious feeling.

Zheltkov characterization and image of the hero in Kuprin’s story Garnet Bracelet

Plan

1. Introduction

2. General characteristics

3. "Holy, eternal, pure love"

4.Conclusion

The theme of love is one of the leading ones in world literature. Many poets and writers have illuminated all the shades of this great feeling from different angles. Special attention deserves unrequited love. What can a person do in this case? gives his answer to this question in the story "", creating the image of the hopelessly in love G.S. Zheltkov.

Zheltkov is a poor middle-aged official with an inexpressive appearance; "pale, with a gentle girlish face." He behaves very modestly and politely. When visiting Nikolai Nikolaevich and Vasily Lvovich, Zheltkov is completely lost. It becomes clear that he rarely has to communicate with representatives of high society.

Having learned that the purpose of the visit is to pursue Vera Nikolaevna, Zheltkov gets into a very nervous state. This is a sacred topic for him. Zheltkov never expected that it could become the subject of discussion. However, Zheltkov’s shyness and modesty instantly disappear at the hint of government intervention. A love-sick person is genuinely perplexed as to what this can do. At the same time, he continues to behave and speak very politely and decently.

Zheltkov Cross - selfless love to Vera Nikolaevna. Having met her by chance for the first time, the official fell in love with her for life. The first unsuccessful attempts in the form love letters did not affect Zheltkov’s feelings in any way. For eight years now, his admiration for his beloved woman has continued. Many will consider such love a manic idea simply because this practically never happens in life. In the words of the lover himself, this is - divine gift, reward. Zheltkov understands that he has no chance of reciprocity. Yes, he doesn’t even dream about it. His only desire is to be able to at least occasionally see the object of his admiration.

For Zheltkov, Vera Nikolaevna is a deity in the literal sense. As he himself writes in last letter: “There is nothing in the world... more beautiful and tender than you.” Everything that the beloved touches becomes sacred for Zheltkov. He keeps her scarf, note, program as the greatest relics. art exhibition. Love completely transforms the poor official and gives meaning to his life.

For insensitive people (like Tuganovsky), his selflessness is incomprehensible and ridiculous. But Prince Shein and Vera Nikolaevna are shocked by Zheltkov’s love. They feel an involuntary respect for him. Zheltkov considers sending the “stupid bracelet” his mistake. There was absolutely no need for him to remind himself. Already during the visit of Prince Shein with Tuganovsky, the lover decides to commit suicide so as not to cause trouble to anyone else.

Zheltkov’s unearthly love seems fantastic, especially in our time. Nevertheless, it is an ideal to strive for. Few people can boast of complete selflessness in the name of a loved one. The image of Zheltkov reminds us that “love is born in heaven,” and the best recognition is: “Hallowed be your name.”

Characteristics of the hero

Zheltkov G.S. The hero is “very pale, with a gentle girlish face, with blue eyes and a stubborn childish chin with a dimple in the middle; he was about 30, 35 years old.”
7 years ago J. fell in love with Princess Vera Nikolaevna Sheina and wrote letters to her. Then, at the princess’s request, he stopped bothering her. But now he again confessed his love to the princess. J. sent Vera Nikolaevna a garnet bracelet. In the letter, he explained that garnet stones used to be in his grandmother’s bracelet, but later they were transferred to a gold bracelet. In his letter, J. repented that he had previously written “stupid and impudent letters.” Now “only reverence, eternal admiration and slavish devotion” remained in him. This letter was read not only by Vera Nikolaevna, but also by her brother and husband. They decide to return the bracelet and stop the correspondence between the princess and J. When they meet, J., asking permission, calls the princess, but she asks to stop “this story.” J. is experiencing a “tremendous tragedy of the soul.” Later, from the newspaper, the princess learns about the suicide of J., who explained his act as government embezzlement. Before his death, Zh. wrote to Vera Nikolaevna Farewell letter. In it, he called his feeling “tremendous happiness” sent to him by God. J. admitted that, apart from his love for Vera Nikolaevna, “he is not interested in anything in life: neither politics, nor science, nor philosophy, nor concern for the future happiness of people... As I leave, I say in delight: Hallowed be Thy name.” Having come to say goodbye to J., Vera Nikolaevna notices that his face after death shone with “deep importance”, “deep and sweet secret”, as well as a “peaceful expression”, which was “on the masks of the great sufferers - Pushkin and Napoleon”.

Zheltkov G.S. (apparently, Georgy is “Pan Ezhiy”)- appears in the story only towards the end: “very pale, with a gentle girlish face, blue eyes and a stubborn childish chin with a dimple in the middle; He must have been about thirty, thirty-five years old.” Along with Princess Vera, he can be called the main character of the story. The beginning of the conflict is when Princess Vera received on September 17, her name day, a letter signed with the initials “G. S. Zh.”, and a garnet bracelet in a red case.

It was a gift from a then stranger to Vera Zh., who fell in love with her seven years ago, wrote letters, then, at her request, stopped bothering her, but now confessed his love again. In the letter, Zh. explained that the old silver bracelet once belonged to his grandmother, then all the stones were transferred to a new, gold bracelet. J. repents that he previously “dared to write stupid and impudent letters” and adds: “Now only reverence, eternal admiration and slavish devotion remain in me.” One of the guests at the name day, for the sake of entertainment, presents the love story of the telegraph operator, P.P.Zh. (distorted G.S.Zh.), to Vera in a comic form, stylized as a pulp novel. Another guest, a person close to the family, old General Anosov, suggests: “Maybe he’s just an abnormal fellow, a maniac.”<...>Maybe your path in life, Verochka, has been crossed by exactly the kind of love that women dream about and that men are no longer capable of.”

Under the influence of his brother-in-law, Vera’s husband, Prince Vasily Lvovich Shein, decides to return the bracelet and stop the correspondence. J. amazed Shein at the meeting with his sincerity. Zh., having asked Shein for permission, speaks on the phone with Vera, but she also asks to stop “this story.” Shein felt that he was present “at some enormous tragedy of the soul.” When he reports this to Vera, she predicts that J. will kill himself. Later, from the newspaper, she accidentally learned about the suicide of Zh., who referred in his suicide note for embezzlement of government money. In the evening of the same day, she receives a farewell letter from J. He calls his love for Vera “an enormous happiness” sent to him by God. He admits that he “is not interested in anything in life: neither politics, nor science, nor philosophy, nor concern for the future happiness of people.” All life lies in love for Vera: “Even though I was ridiculous in your eyes and in the eyes of your brother<...>As I leave, I say in delight: Hallowed be Thy name.” Prince Shein admits: J. was not crazy and loved Vera very much and therefore was doomed to death. He allows Vera to say goodbye to J. Looking at the deceased, she “realized that the love that every woman dreams of has passed her by.” In the face of the dead ^K. she noticed “deep importance”, “deep and sweet mystery”, “peaceful expression”, which “she saw on the masks of the great sufferers - Pushkin and Napoleon.”

At home, Vera found a familiar pianist, Jenny Reiter, who played her exactly that passage from Beethoven’s second sonata that seemed to J. the most perfect - “Largo Appassionato”. And this music became an afterlife declaration of love addressed to Vera. Vera’s thoughts that “great love passed by” coincided with the music, each “verse” of which ended with the words: “Hallowed be Thy name.” At the very end of the story, Vera utters words that only she understands: “...he has forgiven me now. Everything is fine".

All the heroes of the story, not excluding J., had real prototypes. Criticism pointed out, however, the connection between “The Garnet Bracelet” and prose Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun.