"Human and society". Chatsky, Famus Society, “Woe from Wit” (School essays)
Comedy A.S. Griboyedov's "Woe from Wit" is a satire on the society of Moscow nobles of the early 19th century. It presents the split that had emerged by that time among the nobility, the essence of which lies in the historically natural contradiction between old and new views on many social issues. In the play, Chatsky and Famus society collide - “the present century” and “the past century.”
Moscow aristocratic society is represented by Famusov, the manager of the state house, his secretary Molchalin, Colonel Skalozub, and minor and off-stage characters. This rather numerous camp of conservative nobles is opposed by one main character comedy - Alexander Andreevich Chatsky.
The conflict between Chatsky and Famus society arises when the main character of the play returns to Moscow, where he had been absent for three years. Once Chatsky was brought up together with Sophia, seventeen year old daughter Famusova. There was youthful love between them, which still burns in Chatsky’s heart. Then he went abroad to “search for his mind.” His beloved now feeds tender feelings to Molchalin, who lives in their house. But Chatsky has no idea about this. Love conflict develops into a social one, forcing Chatsky to speak out against Famus society on the most pressing issues. Their disputes concern education, family relations, serfdom, public service, bribery, servility.
Returning to Moscow, Chatsky discovers that nothing has changed here, no social problems were not resolved, but the nobles continue to spend their time in fun and idleness: “What new will Moscow show me? Yesterday there was a ball, and tomorrow there will be two.” Chatsky’s attacks on Moscow and on the way of life of landowners makes Famusov fear him. Conservative nobility not ready to change your views on life, your habits, not ready to part with your comfort. Therefore, Chatsky for Famusov’s society is “ a dangerous person“, because “he wants to preach freedom.” Famusov even calls him a “carbonari” - a revolutionary - and believes that it is dangerous to let people like Chatsky even close to the capital.
What ideas does Famusov and his supporters defend? Most of all, in the society of Old Moscow nobles, the opinion of the world is valued. To gain a good reputation, they are ready to make any sacrifice. It doesn’t matter whether the person matches the impression he makes. Famusov believes that best example for his daughter - an example of a father. In society he is “known for his monastic behavior.” But when no one is watching him, not a trace remains of Famusov’s morality. Before scolding his daughter for being alone in the room with Molchalin, he flirts with his maid Liza and makes clear hints to her. It becomes clear to the reader that Famusov, reading his daughter’s morals, himself lives by immoral principles, the main one of which is “sin is not a problem, rumor is not good.”
This is the attitude of Famus society towards service. Here, too, external attributes prevail over internal content. Chatsky calls Moscow nobility passionate about rank and believes that the uniform covers “their weakness of spirit, poverty of reason.”
When Chatsky turns to Famusov with a question about how Sophia’s father would respond to his possible matchmaking with his daughter, Famusov angrily replies: “Go ahead and serve.” Chatsky “would be glad to serve,” but he refuses to “serve.” This is unacceptable for the protagonist of a comedy. Chatsky considers this humiliation. He strives to serve “the cause, not the persons.”
But Famusov sincerely admires the ability to “curry favor.” Here the reader, from the words of Famusov, learns about Maxim Petrovich, who “knew honor before everyone,” had “a hundred people at his service” and “ate on gold.” At one of the receptions with the Empress, Maxim Petrovich stumbled and fell. But, seeing the smile on Catherine’s face, he decided to turn this incident to his advantage, so he fell several more times on purpose to amuse the court. Famusov asks Chatsky: “...What do you think? In our opinion, he’s smart.” But Chatsky’s honor and dignity cannot allow him to “fit into the regiment of jesters.” He is not going to earn his position in society through servility and sycophancy.
If Famusov is outraged by Chatsky’s reluctance to serve, then the careerism of Colonel Skalozub, who is “beyond his years and has an enviable rank,” evokes obsequious awe in this hero. Skalozub, according to Sophia, is so stupid that “he will never utter a smart word.” But it is him who Famusov wants to see as his son-in-law. After all, all Moscow nobles want to acquire relatives “with stars and ranks.” Chatsky can only lament that this society persecutes “people with a soul”, that a person’s personal qualities do not matter here, and only money and rank are valued.
Even Molchalin, who is taciturn throughout the entire play, in a dialogue with Chatsky boasts of his successes in the service: “With my work and effort, since I am listed in the archives, I have received three awards.” He, despite his young age, was accustomed, like the old Moscow nobles, to making acquaintances based on personal gain, because “you need to depend on others” until you yourself have high rank. Therefore, the life credo of this character is: “At my age one should not dare to have one’s own judgment.” It turns out that the silence of this hero is just a mask covering his meanness and duplicity.
Chatsky’s attitude towards Famus society and the principles by which this society exists is sharply negative. In it, only those “whose necks bend more often” reach heights. Chatsky values his freedom.
The noble society, depicted in the comedy "Woe from Wit", is afraid of change, of everything new that is influenced historical events penetrates into the consciousness of the Russian nobleman. He manages to defeat Chatsky only due to the fact that he is completely alone in this comedy. This is the originality of Chatsky’s conflict with Famusovsky society. However, the aristocrats experience genuine horror from Chatsky’s words, because he fearlessly exposes their vices, points out the need for change, and therefore threatens their comfort and well-being.
Light found a way out of this situation. At the ball, Sophia, in a conversation with one of the guests, throws out the phrase that Chatsky is “out of his mind.” Sophia cannot be classified as a representative of the “past century,” but ex-lover Chatsky threatens her personal happiness. This gossip instantly spreads among Famusov’s guests, because only the crazy Chatsky does not pose a danger to them.
By the end of the day in which the action of the comedy “Woe from Wit” takes place, all Chatsky’s hopes are dispelled. He “sobered up... completely.” Only after experiencing all the cruelty of Famus society does he realize that his paths with him have completely diverged. He has no place among people who live their lives “in feasts and extravagance.”
Thus, Chatsky in the comedy “Woe from Wit” is forced to retreat in the face of Famus’s society only because alone he has no chance of winning. But time will put everything in its place, and Chatsky’s supporters will introduce among the nobles the spirit of freedom and the value of a person’s personal qualities.
The described originality of Chatsky’s conflict with Famusov’s society will help 9th grade students recreate the confrontation between two worlds in their essay on the topic “Chatsky and Famusovsky society”
Work test
One wise man said: “Man is dependent on society and there is no great genius who is completely free from its influence.” We cannot but agree with this statement. Indeed, we are born, grow, develop - all these processes of human development do not take place without interaction with the people around us. Why have there been clashes between the interests of society and people over the years? People think, create, create something new, making their contribution to the development of the world around them.
However, quite often this contribution is not perceived as new stage development. Years pass, but life remains the same. Old generations are replaced by new ones, with the same habits and foundations. Over time, some people begin to realize the need for change. This is where the conflict begins.
The problem of relationships between people in society is at the center of the plots of many works of great writers. different eras. In the mid-19th century, M. Yu. Lermontov dedicated his work to this topic. lyric poems“Duma”, “I go out alone on the road”, “Beggar”, in the novel “Hero of Our Time”, in the poem “Mtsyri”. In the 20th century, S. A. Yesenin addressed the topic of man and society in the poems “Soviet Rus'”, “I meet everything, I accept everything”, “Now we are leaving little by little”.
In the 18th century, the problem of the collision of the new and old world was considered by A. S. Griboyedov. This problem is revealed most deeply in the comedy "Woe from Wit."
"Woe from Wit" is a socio-political comedy. Griboedov described in it a true picture of Russian life after Patriotic War 1812. What is the main conflict revealed? And why is the problem of the relationship between man and society still relevant today? The work shows the eternal struggle between the old and the new, which unfolded with particular force at that time not only in Moscow, but throughout Russia between two camps: the advanced, Decembrist-minded people of the “present century” and the ardent serf owners who do not want to change anything, the “century past."
Sometimes society does not represent the best creations of nature; on the contrary, it is a consequence of its complete distortion and damage. This is what Famus society is like in the comedy “Woe from Wit”. Why is it spoiled? We find the answer in the lifestyle and habits of its representatives. The people who create it are subject to the traditions of their ancestors. These people are stupid and selfish, afraid of enlightenment and progress, their thoughts are focused only on acquiring honors and titles, wealth and outfits. Everything new is alien to them; they strive to destroy freethinking; they see no point in teaching: “They would take all the books and burn them!” says one of its main representatives, Famusov. What does Famus society value most in people? Origin, number of serf souls. They treat service as a source of personal benefits, service to “persons” and not to “causes”; they respect flattery and sycophancy. Why does Sophia, educated, with a strong and independent character, a warm heart, a dreamy soul, use her sharp mind to lie, and give love to an unworthy person? Society made her a representative of generally accepted views in this circle. It forces representatives younger generation show your negative qualities, adapts to himself, changes, inspires his ideals. Famus society is accustomed to an idle existence; its interests are narrow, extending only to gossip and appearance. Such a life is firmly entrenched in society, its principles are firm. But who opposes traditional foundations?
In the fight against Famusov’s society, Alexander Andreevich Chatsky is a representative of the new thinking Russian nobility, a Decembrist fighter, a romantic. What constitutes highest goal his activities, aspirations? What does he stand for? What is it against? Chatsky fights against serfdom. He regards the dependence of people on serf owners as slavery, he is outraged by the inhumanity of those who control the destinies of others: “Or that one over there who, for the sake of undertakings / He drove to the serf ballet on many wagons / From the mothers, fathers of rejected children...” Chatsky is preparing responsibly To public life, he is educated, smart: “He writes and translates well.” He sees his purpose in serving the people, wants to see Russia literate and enlightened. But why doesn’t he find himself in this society? In an attempt to influence representatives of Famus society, Chatsky understands that he will not be able to disrupt the usual way of life of these people. Is he looking for benefits in service? No, he takes his service seriously. Chatsky loves the Motherland, but not “the state of kings, landowners and officials,” he is not used to curry favor and bow to a higher rank: “I would be glad to serve, it’s sickening to be served.” Did he manage to influence the old society, which slavishly copies the customs, habits and outfits of the French? We soon learn that the hero does not achieve the freedom he preaches, but he does not stop striving for it. Society, its old ways, terrible orders and customs horrified Chatsky, but did not break him. He does not give up his beliefs, does not stop believing in the best.
The author leads us to the idea that man is the master of his destiny and his purpose in society. Each of us is capable, like Chatsky, of taking a step towards change, making our contribution to the development of the state, and influencing its future. Can we change anything? Perhaps the most important thing is that before changing the world and society for the better, we need to start with our own development, which is impossible without the influence of society.
Among the great riches classical literature Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit", completed in 1824, occupies a special place. She is full of youth and freshness, characterized by liveliness dramatic action, bright and juicy characters. This comedy, telling about the distant past, draws the reader and viewer to the present. The main conflict in it is the struggle of the new, advanced with the old, outdated, of the “present century” with the “past century.” This is the meaning of Chatsky’s struggle with the ideals of the Moscow nobility, in whose eyes Chatsky is an innovator, a “liberalist” and a freethinker. Representatives of the “past century” cannot forgive him for this.
The story of Chatsky's life in the play is outlined in separate strokes. Childhood in Famusov’s house, then service in the regiment “five years ago”, St. Petersburg - “connection with the ministers, then a break”, travel abroad - and a return to the sweet and pleasant “smoke of the fatherland”. Chatsky is young, but he already has many life events behind him. It is no coincidence that he is so observant and understands people well.
The author repeatedly emphasizes in the comedy Chatsky’s mind, clear, sharp, distinguished, however, by a “somewhat rational approach to life.” Chatsky studied abroad. In addition to scientific truths, he also picked up “new rules” there. During these years, restless Europe was still seething with the passions of great battles - not even half a century had passed since the revolution of 1789 in France, and the revolutionary whirlwinds raised by it were raging in Italy and then in Spain. Our hero was, in all likelihood, a witness to this and returned to his homeland full of thoughts about personal freedom, equality and brotherhood. But what awaits him in Moscow?
His dear Sophia, to whom he rushed “for forty-five hours, without squinting his eyes in an instant, for more than seven hundred miles...”, fell in love with another, his father’s secretary, Molchalin. For Chatsky this is a heavy blow, because his ardent, sincere love is deep and constant. In addition, he feels insulted by Sophia's choice. How could she, an intelligent, developed girl, give preference to Molchalin, who did not even dare to “have his own opinion”?
But, unfortunately, this is not the only disappointment awaiting Chatsky in Moscow. Returning home full of hope, our hero foresaw a meeting with representatives of the Famus society. “You’ll get tired of living with them,” he says to Sophia on their first date, immediately consoling himself: “And you won’t find any stains in anyone.” But he was still sure that Famusism was only a fragment of the “past century”. However, the reality turned out to be much darker. Even old friends were infected with Famusism. Former friend Gorich, just recently full of life, now “he repeats on the flute “duet a-molny” and complains about his health. A conversation with Repetilov reveals to Chatsky the surface and emptiness of the liberalism of many, the insignificance of the meetings of “liberalists” taking place in the English Club. And communication with other representatives of Famus society became generally dramatic for Chatsky.
And this is quite natural. In the society of Moscow “aces”, where everyone lives “looking up to their elders”, where they value only wealth and rank, where they are afraid of truth and enlightenment, Chatsky stands in a special place, for which many nobles hate and persecute him. What distinguishes this hero from his opponents? Intelligence, sincerity, directness - this is what distinguishes Chatsky from many of his peers in Moscow society. Molchalin seems to be smart. If we get to know him better, we will see that the main thing about him is cunning, resourcefulness, and deceit. Skalozub is direct and frank, but he “has never uttered a smart word.” And only Chatsky combines intelligence and honesty - qualities that are very important for a real person.
Chatsky contrasts his ideal with Famusov’s understanding of a person, “even if inferior,” but rich, who “takes the fight not in war, but in peace”:
Without demanding either places or promotion,
He will focus his mind on science, hungry for knowledge.
Absolutely different presentation Representatives of two camps have information about the service. For Famusov, the model of attitude to official duties is Maxim Petrovich, who “bent over” if it was necessary to “curry favor.” Chatsky has the opposite opinion on this matter:
I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
In contrast to Famusov and his entourage, Chatsky is devoid of aristocratic contempt for people of lower rank. In his monologue “Who are the judges?” Chatsky angrily attacks those who
Rich in robbery
Having found protection from court in friends, in kinship,
Magnificent building chambers,
Where they spill out in feasts and extravagance.
He also accuses representatives of the “past century” of inertia and lack of movement:
Who are the judges? For the antiquity of years
TO free life their enmity is irreconcilable,
Judgments are drawn from forgotten newspapers
The times of the Ochakovskys and the conquest of Crimea.
The comedy turned out to be A. S. Griboedov’s answer to the urgent need of his time for original, highly artistic, socially significant, social comedy. A lot of time has passed since then. Yours public importance Comedy, of course, has already lost it, but art has not. Theaters still draw full houses when “Woe from Wit” is on stage.
“Woe from Wit” - realistic comedy. Griboedov gave in it a true picture of Russian life. The comedy raised the topical social problems of those times: education, contempt for everything popular, worship of foreigners, education, service, ignorance of society.
The main character of the comedy is Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. Witty, eloquent, he angrily ridicules the vices of the society that surrounds him. He differs sharply from those around him in his intelligence, abilities, and independence of judgment. The image of Chatsky is something new, bringing change. This hero is an exponent of the progressive ideas of his time. Famus society is traditional. His life positions are such that “you must learn by looking at your elders,” destroy free-thinking thoughts, serve with obedience to those who are one step higher, and be sure to be rich. The only passion Famusova is a passion for rank and money.
The beliefs of Chatsky and Famus society are different. Chatsky condemns serfdom, imitation of foreign goods, people’s lack of desire for education and own opinion. The dialogues between Chatsky and Famusov are a struggle. At the beginning of the comedy it is not so acute. Famusov is even ready to give up Sofia’s hand, but sets conditions:
I would say, firstly: don’t be a whim,
Brother, don’t mismanage your property,
And, most importantly, go ahead and serve.
To which Chatsky replies:
I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
But gradually the struggle turns into a battle. Chatsky argues with Famusov about the way and path of life. But the main character is alone in the fight against the views of Moscow society, in which he has no place.
Molchalin and Skalozub are not the last representatives of Famus society. They are rivals and opponents of Chatsky. Molchalin is helpful and silent. He wants to please with his humility, accuracy, and flattery. Skalozub shows himself to be someone very important, businesslike, significant. But under his uniform he hides “weakness, poverty of mind.” His thoughts are connected only with obtaining a higher rank, money, power:
Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels;
I judge them as a true philosopher:
I just wish I could become a general.
Chatsky does not tolerate lies and falsehood. This man's tongue is as sharp as a knife. Each of his characteristics is sharp and caustic:
Molchalin was so stupid before!..
Most pathetic creature!
Has he really grown wiser?.. And he -
Khripun, strangled, bassoon,
A constellation of maneuvers and mazurkas!
Chatsky’s monologue “Who are the judges?..” mercilessly condemns Famus society. Each new face that appears during the development of the plot takes Famusov’s side. Gossip grows like a snowball. And Chatsky can’t stand it. He can no longer remain in the company of low, mean, arrogant and stupid people. They condemned him for his intelligence, for freedom of speech and thought, for honesty.
Before leaving, Chatsky throws out to the entire Famus society:
You are right: he will come out of the fire unharmed,
Who will have time to spend a day with you,
Breathe the air alone
And his sanity will survive.
Chatsky is taller than them, the best and rare qualities. Those who cannot see and appreciate this are, at the very least, simply fools. Chatsky is immortal, and now this hero is relevant.
The comedy “Woe from Wit” made a huge contribution to the development of Russian literature. Griboedov's play was, is and will be modern work until veneration, thirst for profit, and gossip disappear from our lives.
Essay text:
The comedy Woe from Wit gives a general picture of the entire Russian life of the 1020s of the 19th century, reproducing the eternal struggle between old and new, which unfolded with great force at that time, not only copying is prohibited in Moscow, but throughout Russia, between two camps: advanced , Decembrist-minded people and serf owners, a stronghold of antiquity.
The Famusov society, which firmly preserved the traditions of the past century, is contrasted in the comedy by Alexander Andreevich Chatsky. This advanced man the present century, more precisely, the time when, after the Patriotic War of 1812, which sharpened the self-awareness of all layers of Russian society at that time, secret revolutionary circles and political societies began to emerge and develop. Chatsky in the literature of the 20s of the 19th century is a typical image of a new man, positive hero, a Decembrist in his views, social behavior, moral convictions, throughout his entire mentality and soul.
The clash between Chatsky, a strong-willed man, integral in his feelings, a fighter for an idea, and Famus society was inevitable. This clash gradually takes on an increasingly fierce character; it is complicated by Chatsky’s personal drama and the collapse of his hopes for personal happiness. His attacks against the existing foundations of society are becoming more and more harsh.
If Famusov is a defender of the old century, the heyday of serfdom, then Chatsky speaks with the indignation of a Decembrist revolutionary about serf owners and serfdom. In the monologue Who are the judges? he angrily opposes those people who are the pillars noble society. He speaks sharply against the order of the golden age of Catherine, dear to Famusov’s heart, the age of obedience and fear, the age of flattery and arrogance.
Chatsky’s ideal is not Maxim Petrovich, an arrogant nobleman and a hunter of indecent behavior, but an independent, free person, alien to slavish humiliation.
If Famusov, Molchalin, Skalozub view service as a source of personal benefits, service to individuals, not to the cause, then Chatsky breaks ties with ministers, leaving service precisely because he would like to serve the cause, and not servile before his superiors. I’d be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be waited on, he says. He defends the right to serve education, science, literature, but this is difficult under the conditions of an autocratic-serf system:
Now let one of us
Among the young people there will be an enemy of quest,
Without demanding either places or promotion,
In science, he has his mind hungry for knowledge;
Or God himself arouses heat in his soul
To the creative, high and beautiful arts,
They immediately: robbery! fire!
And he will be known among them as a dreamer! dangerous!..
By these young people we mean people like Chatsky, cousin Skalozuba, nephew of Princess Tugoukhovskaya, chemist and botanist.
If Famus society disdains everything folk, national, slavishly imitates the external culture of the West, especially France, even neglecting its native language, then Chatsky stands for the development of a national culture that masters the best, most advanced achievements European civilization. He himself searched for intelligence during his stay in the West, but he is against empty, slavish, blind imitation of foreigners. Chatsky stands for the unity of the intelligentsia with the people.
If Famus society evaluates a person by his origin and the number of serf souls he has, then Chatsky values a person for his intelligence, education, his spiritual and moral qualities.
For Famusov and his circle, the opinion of the world is sacred and infallible; the most terrible thing is what Princess Marya Aleksevna will say! Chatsky defends freedom of thoughts and opinions, recognizes the right of every person to have their own beliefs and express them openly.
He asks Molchalin: Why are other people’s opinions only sacred? Chatsky sharply opposes arbitrariness, despotism, against flattery, hypocrisy, against the emptiness of those vital interests by which conservative circles of the nobility live.
His spiritual qualities are revealed in the choice of words, in the construction of phrases, intonations, and manner of speaking. This speech literary hero This is the speech of a speaker with excellent command of words, a highly educated person. As his struggle with Famus society intensifies, Chatsky’s speech is increasingly colored with indignation and caustic irony.
The rights to the essay “Chatsky against the Famus Society (based on the comedy by A.S. Griboedov Woe from Wit)” belong to its author. When quoting material, it is necessary to indicate a hyperlink to
