Denis Ivanovich fonvizin ignorant full content. Comedy test Nedorosl

The play "The Minor" Summary of actions

Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin’s play “The Minor”, as an indisputable example of classicism in Russian XVIII literature century, is included in the required reading list of works for the school curriculum. This bright literary work will not leave modern readers indifferent: “The Minor” has captivated more than one generation of theatergoers, lovers of classic comedy productions, was filmed and dissected line by line by admirers into “winged” quotes, which over time turned into aphorisms of the Russian language.

A very brief summary of the comedy “Minor”

The comedy play “The Minor” is structurally divided into five acts; the events develop in the domain of the Prostakovs. The plot of the comedy is simple. The son of provincial landowners, Mitrofan, wants to marry a distant relative, Sophia, who was orphaned and raised in the same house with him. Unfortunately, Mitrofan’s uncle, Taras Skotinin, also had his eye on the girl. Sophia is in a difficult situation, but her distant relative, Staradum, appears, who, with the help of the official Pravdin, leads to clean water the whole family. In the denouement, Sophia becomes the wife of his beloved officer Milon, and the Prostakov estate finds itself under state guardianship for mistreatment of serfs. Mitrofan goes into the army.

Characters of the play:

Mrs. Prostakova
Mr. Prostakov
Mitrofan Prostakov
Pravdin
Starodum
Sophia
Milo
Taras Skotinin
Eremeevna
Kuteikin
Vralman
Tsyfirkin
Trishka

Summary of the play “Minor” by action

Act I. One bride - two grooms

Mrs. Prostakova reprimands the serf Trishka for a poorly made caftan for her son Mitrofan. Although Trishka warned that he is not a sewing master. Her husband

Mr. Prostakov agrees with her, and Prostakova’s brother and Mitrofan’s uncle, Skotinin, believes that the work was done well. The servant is driven away.

The remaining gentlemen are discussing Skotinin's matchmaking with Sophia, the Prostakovs' pupil. Her only relative, Uncle Starodum, moved somewhere to Siberia and is not in touch. From the conversation it becomes clear that the groom selfishly wants to get rich at the expense of future bride, Sophia herself is indifferent to him.

Sophia appears with a letter from Starodum. The Prostakovs do not believe that the girl’s uncle is alive. Sophia invites them to read the letter, but it turns out that none of them can read. The message is voiced by Pravdin. It turns out that Sophia’s uncle not only did not disappear, but also assigned a monetary dowry for her. Mrs. Prostakova thinks about Sophia as her son’s wife. The women leave. A servant runs in and reports that soldiers have stopped in their village.

Act II. The appearance of Milo - Sophia's real lover

Officer Milon and Pravdin turn out to be old acquaintances. Pravdin shares with a friend that he arrived in these parts to “beautify” Prostakova. And Milon came here in the hope of meeting his beloved, from whom he was separated after the death of her parents, when distant relatives took her under the guardianship.

By the decree of fate, Sophia walks past her friends. A joyful meeting of two loving hearts takes place. Sophia complains to Milon that Prostakova is planning to marry her stupid son. Skotinin approaches, worried that he will leave home with nothing - without a wife and without an inheritance. Milon and Pravdin incite him to quarrel with his sister.

Nanny Eremeevna and Mitrofanushka Prostakov pass by. The woman insists that Mitrofan needs to study literacy, but he is categorically against it. Skotinin starts a fight with his nephew about marrying Sophia.

Enraged, Skotinin leaves. The Prostakov couple appears. Mrs. Prostakova pours out flattering speeches to Milon, praises Sophia and boasts that she has prepared everything for Starodum’s meeting. Prostakov and Sophia leave, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin appear. The teachers tell Pravdin their stories - how they lived, how they studied and how they got to the Prostakovs’ estate.

Act III. Return of Starodum

Starodum's carriage arrives. Pravdin meets him. An old friend immediately told Starodum about the disgrace that was happening in the village of the Prostakovs and, most importantly, about

that Skotinin and Mitrofan “share” his niece Sophia. To which Starodum said that you shouldn’t “get into a fever” before doing anything - you need to weigh everything. He told Pravdin about where he had been and what he had seen during the years of absence.

Then Sophia appears, uncle and niece explain. At the same time, a fight occurs between Prostakova and Skotinin, which Milon manages to calm down. When Prostakova notices Starodum, she calls Mitrofan and her husband. Together they pretend to be happy about their relative and flatter him in every possible way.

Starodum announces that he wants to take Sophia to Moscow and marry her off. The girl, although she does not know that her chosen one Milon will be her future husband, agrees with her uncle’s will. But Skotinin and Prostakova are vigorously trying to dissuade him from such an undertaking. Prostakova hastens to say that in her family education was not held in high esteem, but her son learns literacy and arithmetic most diligently and in every way. Pravdin does not allow the woman to finish, citing the fatigue of the guest who arrived from afar.

Everyone disperses, Mitrofan’s teachers remain on the stage - arithmetic teacher Tsyfirkin and grammar teacher Kuteikin. Both complain about the absolute mediocrity of their student and about the eternal obstacle in the education of Mitrofan, the German Vralman.

Mitrofan and Prostakova reappear. An unsuccessful arithmetic lesson will take place - not only is Mitrofanushka himself not eager for knowledge, he is also actively “helped” in this matter by his mother and Vralman. After the Prostakovs leave, the teachers quarrel again and want to beat Vralman, but he runs away.

Act IV. Starodum intends to take Sophia away from the Prostakov family

An important conversation takes place between Sophia and Starodum about life values. Uncle explains to Sonya that wealth is not in gold, but in virtue, in righteous actions towards other people and the Fatherland. He says that the position must be earned by deeds, the title alone is not enough, and husband and wife must be one, regardless of their origin.

Starodum receives a letter, thanks to which it becomes clear that the young man future spouse Sophia, this is Milon. Through a conversation with the officer, Starodum understands that he is a man of high moral character. The uncle happily blesses the marriage.

Skotinin constantly interferes in the conversation, trying to present himself in a favorable light, but this makes him look funny. Then Prostakova, Pravdin and Mitrofan appear. The mistress of the house continues to praise the enlightenment of her offspring. After a little checking, it becomes clear that her praise is not backed up by anything.

Starodum announces that tomorrow he will take Sophia away and marry her off. Prostakova, Skotinin and Mitrofan plan to intercept the girl before leaving.

Act V. What everyone deserves

By order of Prostakova, Eremeevna tries to take Sonya away by force, but Milon interferes with her. Pravdin outlaws such an action and says that the Prostakovs may face severe punishment for the crime. The mistress of the house begs for Sophia's forgiveness, but as soon as the seal of guilt is removed from Prostakova, she intends to take it out on the servants who missed the chance to kidnap the girl. Prostakova is stopped by Pravdin, who reads out a government document, which states that the entire estate is transferred to the guardianship of the state.

Mitrofan's teachers appear. Pravdin is already counting them, rewarding each according to his deserts: the honest Tsyfirkin in full, and the calculating Kuteikin is left penniless. Vralman admits that he is a former groom, not a teacher, and goes to serve Starodum.

Sophia, Milon and Starodum are leaving. Mitrofan quarrels with his mother and goes to military service. Prostakova is in despair - she has lost everything.

The main characters of the comedy "Minor"

Mrs. Prostakova- mistress of the house, without education or special upbringing. A cunning, rude and selfish person.
Mitrofan Prostakov- the only son of the Prostakov couple, 16 years old. Stupid, weak-willed and ill-mannered boy.
Pravdin- a representative of the new nobility, personifying law and order in the play. Arrived at the Prostakov estate to stay and to sort out cruel treatment masters to servants.
Starodum- Sophia's guardian. A decent and intelligent person who has achieved everything in life independently and honestly.
Sophia- a pupil of the Prostakovs, an orphan with a dowry. An honest, sympathetic, educated girl.
Milo- Sophia's betrothed, who lost contact with her for a long time. A soldier distinguished by valor, bravery and honor.
Skotinin- Prostakova’s brother, who is in constant search of profit.

Other characters in the play "The Minor"

Prostakov- the weak-willed and driven husband of Mrs. Prostakova.
Eremeevna- nanny of the Prostakovs’ son Mitrofan.
Kuteikin- a greedy and not very diligent grammar teacher.
Vralman- a groom who introduced himself as a German and a teacher.
Tsyfirkin- teacher of arithmetic sciences, honest retired military man.
Trishka- servant on the Prostakov estate.

Briefly about the history of creation and the main idea of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin’s work “Minor”

The first drafts of the play date back to 1770. To create the work, Fonvizin processed a large number of material - works by foreign and Russian writers on similar topics, satirical articles and comedies written by Catherine II. The work was completed in 1771, a year later it premiered at theater stage, the production was directed by the author himself. The comedy was first published in 1773.

The main idea of the play “The Minor” was to reveal the theme of education, which was universally addressed during the Enlightenment. In the process of creation, Fonvizin added some socio-political issues to his work, and connected the title of the play directly with the decree of Peter I the Great banning the marriage of young, uneducated nobles, otherwise known as “minors.”

Comedy idea "Undergrown" originated with Denis Fonvizin in 1778, and four years later he presented the play to his friends. But the path of the work to the stage turned out to be thorny. In St. Petersburg and Moscow they immediately refused to stage the comedy. The censors were afraid of some of the bold lines.

In September 1782, Volny risked staging the play. Russian Theater on Tsaritsyno Meadow. The success was stunning. True, this courage cost the theater its closure, but it was too late - Fonvizin’s comedy gained enormous popularity. Since then, the play has not left the stage.

The “minor” caused serious dissatisfaction with Catherine II. Fonvizin was not allowed to publish any more works, not even a translation into Russian of the works of the Roman historian Tacitus.

The name of the comedy is associated with the decree of Peter I, according to which the children of nobles who have not received an education do not have the right to serve or marry. Such young people were called “minors.” It was believed that they were not ready for adult conscious life.

Main problems that the author raises in the comedy: the vicious education and decay of the nobility under serfdom. Education, according to Fonvizin, determines moral character younger generation. Entrusting their children to illiterate serf nannies, half-educated sextons and dubious foreigners, the noble class plunges into the abyss of ignorance, stupidity, money-grubbing and immorality. The Skotinins and Prostakovs are only capable of raising Mitrofanushek.

Fonvizin on simple examples shows that the landowners for the most part forgot not only about noble honor, but even about human dignity. Instead of serving the interests of the country, they do not comply with either moral or state laws.

The occasional victory of the forces of good gives the comedy a special edge. If Pravdin had not received an order to take custody of the Prostakovs’ property, and if Starodum had not returned from Siberia on time, everything might not have ended so well.

The comedy "Minor" is built according to the laws classicism. There is only one storyline, one location and all events take place within 24 hours. But the play also shows some features realism: a reliable depiction of everyday life, characters that are far from sketchy, individual elements of drama. Fonvizin created a new genre- a socio-political comedy. In the center of the plot, contrary to the canons of classicism, is not a love affair, but an acute social conflict.

The play consists of five acts. In the first, the author introduces us to the main characters, the plot begins - a letter from Starodum, in which Sophia is named a rich heiress. The climax comes in the fifth act, when Pravdin reads a letter about the transfer of the Prostakov estate to his care. The denouement becomes last words Starodum: “These are the fruits of evil!”

Almost all classes are shown in “Minor” Russian state. There are serfs Trishka, Palashka and Eremeevna, landowners Prostakovs and Skotinin, officer Milon and retired sergeant Tsyfirkin, official Pravdin, clergyman Kuteikin. According to the traditions of classicism, everything characters clearly divided into negative and positive, and their names indicate the main character traits. Pravdin personifies justice, Starodum - wisdom and morality, and the surnames Vralman and Skotinin are understandable even to a child.

Negative and positive characters comedies are created by antagonistic couples: “children” - Mitrofan and Sophia, “grooms” - Skotinin and Milon, “main” - Prostakova and Starodum, “main assistants” - Prostakov and Pravdin, “teachers” - the selfless Tsyfirkin and the greedy Kuteikin.

Mrs. Prostakova is the most striking comedic image. An evil, cunning, impudent and extremely active landowner constantly swears and beats her servants. Prostakova strives to take everything into her hands and has absolute control over not only the serfs, but also her relatives. Her husband is a powerless creature who does not dare take a single step without his wife’s order. Prostakova extends her power to everyone who does not have the strength to fight back: Sophia, Skotinin, teachers. The main motto of the landowner: “Whatever you want, I’ll put it on mine”.

The heroine blindly loves her only son and is ready to do anything for his good. Prostakova throws her fists at her brother, defending Mitrofanushka, making sure that the “child” eats well and does not bother himself with science. She makes all decisions for her son, protects him from the slightest trouble, crippling the young man’s fate.

With such an upbringing, it is absolutely not surprising that the son grows up to be a coward, a slacker, a glutton and a boor. Mitrofan’s ignorance and stupidity make me horrified through laughter: what is the future of the country where such a generation is growing up? At the same time, the “minor” is smart enough to manipulate his tyrannical mother and evoke tenderness from his father. He, like his mother, understands only the power of the strong; he can pretend to be kind, well-mannered, loving, and grateful. But as soon as Prostakova loses her power, her beloved son rudely pushes her away.

Against the background of bright images of negative characters, positive Starodum, Pravdin, Milon, Sophia look pale and expressionless. But they are necessary for the development of the plot and the dynamics of events. At the same time, these characters speak on behalf of the author himself. Their instructive conversations show the right way an honest man, explain the true duties of a nobleman and the rules of family morality.

The contrast between the worlds of Prostakova and Starodum is most clearly visible in their attitude to education. The landowner herself does not know how to read and says to her son: “Don’t learn this stupid science!” Starodum received an excellent education and calls his upbringing "the guarantee of the state's welfare".

Fonvizin – great master words. Each of his characters has his own linguistic characteristics. Prostakova spouts rude and common expressions. Starodum, Sophia, Pravdin speak freely and beautifully. The speech of Mitrofan and Skotinin, like the speech of the serfs, is poor and primitive. Kuteikin's vocabulary is rich in Church Slavonic words, and retired sergeant Tsyfirkin flaunts military jargon. The illiteracy of the German Vralman is conveyed by his characteristic tongue-tiedness.

CHARACTERS: Simpletons. Ms.* Prostakova, his wife. Mitrofan, their son, is an undergrowth. ** Eremeevna, mother*** Mitrofanova. Pravdin. Starodum. Sophia, Starodum's niece. Milo. Mr. Skotinin, brother of Ms. Prostakova. Kuteikin, seminarian. Tsyfirkin, retired sergeant. Vralman, teacher. Trishka, tailor. Prostakov's servant. Starodum's valet. Action in the village of Prostakovs. * Ms. - an abbreviated spelling of the word "madam". Subsequently, a more common abbreviation was adopted - Ms. ** This was the official name given to nobles, mostly young people who had not received an education document and had not entered the service. At the same time, the word “minor” meant any nobleman who had not reached the age of majority. *** Mom, that is, the nurse. ACT ONE APPEARANCE I Mrs. Prostakova, Mitrofan, Eremeevna Mrs. Prostakova (examining the caftan on Mitrofan). The caftan is all ruined. Eremeevna, bring the swindler Trishka here. (Eremeevna moves away.) He, the thief, has burdened him everywhere. Mitrofanushka, my friend, I tea, it’s pressing you to death. Call your father here. Mitrofan leaves. SCENE II Ms. Prostakova, Eremeevna, Trishka Ms. Prostakova (Trishke). And you, brute, come closer. Didn’t I tell you, you thieving mug, that you should make your caftan wider? The child, the first, grows, the other, a child 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. But the tailor studied, madam, but I didn’t. Mrs. Prostakova. He also 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 The same and Prostakov Ms. 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). 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 God blessed me with: he doesn’t know how to figure out what’s wide and what’s narrow. Prostakov. In this, mother, I believed you and still believe you. Mrs. Prostakova. So believe also that I do not intend to indulge the slaves. Go, sir, and punish now... SCENE IV The same and 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. Mrs. Prostakova (Trishke). Get out, you bastard. (Eremeevna.) Come on, Eremeevna, let the child have breakfast. After all, I hope the teachers will come soon. Eremeevna. He already, mother, deigned to eat five buns. Mrs. Prostakova. So you feel sorry for the sixth one, beast? What zeal! Please take a look. Eremeevna. Cheers, mother. I said this for Mitrofan Terentyevich. I grieved until the morning. Mrs. Prostakova. Oh, mother of God! What happened to you, Mitrofanushka? Mitrofan. Yes, mother. Yesterday after dinner it hit me. Skotinin. Yes, apparently, brother, you had a hearty dinner. Mitrofan. And I, uncle, almost didn’t have dinner at all. Prostakov. I remember, my friend, you wanted to eat something. Mitrofan. What! Three slices of corned beef, and hearth slices, I don’t remember, five, I don’t remember, six. Eremeevna. Every now and then he asked for a drink at night. I deigned to eat a whole jug of kvass. 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 (aside). Well! my misfortune! sleep in hand! Mitrofan (softened up). So I felt sorry. Mrs. 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! You, I see, 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, with joy I truly don’t 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 God is merciful. Go and have some fun, Mitrofanushka. Mitrofan and Eremeevna leave. SCENE 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 (to 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... Mrs. Prostakova (shows as if she is baptizing her 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. Why are you so spoiled today, my father? My brother might also think that we took her in for fun. 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 did not attack anyone, and any loss, rather than going after it, I would rip off from my own peasants, and the ends would go to waste. Prostakov. It’s true, brother: the whole neighborhood says that you are a master at collecting rent. Mrs. Prostakova. If only you could teach 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! Our Mitrofanushka is just like our uncle - and he is as big a hunter as you are. 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. That's how I reason. SCENE VI The same with Sophia. Sophia entered holding a letter in her hands and looking cheerful. Mrs. Prostakova (Sofia). Why are you so happy, mother, why are you so happy? 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. Mrs. 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 have much fun; your uncle, of course, did not resurrect. Skotinin. Sister! Well, what if he didn’t die? Prostakov. God forbid he didn't die! Mrs. Prostakova (to her 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.) I bet it's some kind of amorous. And I can guess from whom. This is from the officer who was looking to marry you and whom you yourself wanted to marry. What a beast gives you letters without my asking! I'll get there. This is what we have come to. They write letters to girls! Girls can read and write! 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 (staring for a long time). It's tricky. Mrs. Prostakova. And you, my father, were apparently raised like a pretty girl. Brother, try hard. Skotinin. I haven't read anything since I was a child, sister! God saved me from this boredom. Sophia. Let me read it. Mrs. Prostakova. 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... Skotinin. Have you started teaching the youngster to read and write? Mrs. Prostakova. 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. Father, one retired sergeant Tsyfirkin teaches him arithmetic. Both of them come here from the city. After all, the city is three miles 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. Wherever 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. After all, my father, while Mitrofanushka is still in his infancy, sweat and pamper him, and then in ten years, when, God forbid, he enters the service, he will suffer everything. How happiness is destined for anyone, brother. From our family of Prostakovs, look, lying on their sides, they are flying to their ranks.** Why is Mitrofanushka worse than them? Bah! Yes, by the way, our dear guest came to us. * Until. ** In the 18th century, nobles could receive ranks and titles without serving, being on long-term leave. SCENE VII The same and Pravdin Ms. Prostakova. Brother, my friend! I recommend to you our dear guest, Mr. Pravdin; and to you, my lord, I recommend my brother. Pravdin. I am glad to have made your acquaintance. Skotinin. Okay, my lord! what about the last name? I didn't hear enough. Pravdin. I call myself Pravdin so you can hear. Skotinin. Which native, my sir, where are the villages? Pravdin. I was born in Moscow, if you need to know, and my villages are in the local governorship. Skotinin. And dare I ask, my sir, I don’t know your first and patronymic name, whether there are pigs in your villages? Mrs. Prostakova. That's enough, brother, let's start about 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. Pravdin. 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. Pravdin: If you order. (Reads.) “Dear niece! My affairs forced me to live for several years in separation from my neighbors; and distance deprived me of the pleasure of having news of 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 of happiness, I earned ten thousand rubles in income..." Skotinin and both Prostakovs. Ten thousand! Pravdin (reading). "To which, my dear niece, I make you an heiress..." Mrs. Prostakova . Your heir! Prostakov. Sophia's heir! Skotinin. Her heir! Mrs. Prostakova (rushing to hug Sophia) Congratulations, Sofyushka! Congratulations, my soul! I am beside myself with joy! Now you need a groom. I, I am the best bride and Mitrofanushka I don’t want to. That’s uncle! That’s my dear father! I myself still thought that God protects him, that he is still alive. Skotinin (extending his hand). Well, sister, quickly deal with each other. Mme. 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? Even if you read for five years, you won’t get better than 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 it is unlikely that there will be any conspiracy today. SCENE VIII Pravdin, Prostakov, Skotinin, Servant Servant (to Prostakov, out of breath). Master, master! soldiers came and stopped in our village. Prostakov. What a disaster! Well! They will ruin us completely. Pravdin. What are you afraid of? Prostakov. 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 insolence. Come with me to him. I am sure that you are timid in vain. Pravdin, Prostakov and the servant leave. Skotinin. Everyone left me alone. The idea was to go for a walk in the barnyard. End of the first act ACT SECOND APPEARANCE I Pravdin, Milon Milon. How glad I am, my dear friend, that I accidentally met you! Tell me in what case... 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 allow myself 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 does he help 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. He found the landowner an infinite fool, and his wife a despicable fury, whose hellish disposition brings misfortune to their entire house. 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? * Incentives. ** Russia in 1775 was divided into fifty provinces. IN in some cases two or three provinces were united in the hands of a representative of the supreme power - the governor, under whom the board was created. Pravdin was a member of the governorship 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 have the happiness of being loved. For more than six months I have been separated from the one who is dearer to me than anything else in the world, 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 wish*, however, that I 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 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. SCENE II The same and Sophia Sophia. Milon! Do I see you? Pravdin. What happiness! Milo. 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 towards me. 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 point of being mean, and I can see from all her circumlocutions that she intends me to be his son’s bride. Milon (impatiently). And you didn’t express complete contempt for her at that very moment?.. Sophia. No... Milon. And you didn’t tell her that you have heartfelt obligations, that... Sophia. No... Milon. A! now I see my destruction. My opponent is happy! I do not deny all the merits in it. He may be reasonable, enlightened, kind; but so that you can compare with me in my love for you, so that... Sophia (grinning). My God! If you saw him, your jealousy would drive you to the extreme! Milo (indignantly). I imagine all its virtues. 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 there, one must think, they will begin to read the psalter*. * Book of Hours and Psalter - church books , according to which they taught literacy, forcing them to memorize the text. Milo. How! such is my opponent! A! Dear Sophia! Why are you tormenting me with jokes? You know how easily a passionate person is upset by the slightest suspicion. Tell me, what did you answer her? Here Skotinin walks through the theater, lost in thought, and no one sees him. Sophia. I said that my fate depended on my uncle’s will, that he himself promised to come here in his letter, which (to Pravdin) Mr. Skotinin did not allow us to finish reading. Milo. Skotinin! Skotinin. I! SCENE III The same and Skotinin Pravdin. How did you sneak up, Mr. Skotinin! This is not what I expected from you. Skotinin. I passed by you. I heard that they were calling me, and I responded. I have this custom: whoever screams - Skotinin! and I told him: I am! What are you, brothers, really? I myself served in the guard and was retired as a corporal. It used to be that at the roll call they would shout: Taras Skotinin! and I shout at the top of my lungs: I am! Pravdin. We didn’t call you now, and you can go where you were going. Skotinin. I wasn’t going anywhere, but wandering around, lost in thought. I have such a custom that if I get into my head, I can’t knock it out with a nail. In my mind, you hear, what came into my mind is stuck here. That’s all I think about, that’s all I see in a dream, as if in reality, and in reality, as in a dream. Pravdin. Why would you be so interested now? Skotinin. Oh, brother, you are my dear friend! Miracles are happening to me. My sister quickly took me from my village to hers, and if she just as quickly takes me from her village to mine, then I can say in front of the whole world with a clear conscience: I went for nothing, I brought nothing. Pravdin. What a pity, Mr. Skotinin! Your sister plays with you like a ball. Skotinin (angry). How about a ball? Defense God; Yes, I myself will throw it so that the whole village will not find it in a week. Sophia. Oh, how angry you are! Milo. What happened to you? Skotinin. You, smart man, judge for yourself. My sister brought me here to get married. Now she herself came up with a challenge. “What do you want, brother, in a wife; if only you, brother, had a good pig.” No, sister! I want to have my own piglets. It's not easy to fool me. Pravdin. It seems to me myself, Mr. Skotinin, that your sister is thinking about a wedding, but not about yours. Skotinin. What a parable! I am not a hindrance to anyone else. Everyone should marry his bride. I won’t touch someone else’s, and don’t touch mine that’s someone else’s. (To Sophia.) Don’t be afraid, darling. No one will interrupt you from me. Sophia. What does it mean! Here's something new! Milo (screamed). What audacity! Skotinin (to Sophia). Why are you afraid? Pravdin (to Milo). How can you be angry with Skotinin! Sophia (to Skotinin). Am I really destined to be your wife? Milo. I can hardly resist! Skotinin. You can’t beat your betrothed with a horse, darling! It's a sin to blame for your own happiness. You will live happily ever after with me. Ten thousand to your income! Eco happiness has arrived; Yes, I have never seen so much since I was born; Yes, I will buy all the pigs from the world with them; Yes, you hear me, I’ll do it so that everyone will blow the trumpet: in this little area around here there are only pigs to live. Pravdin. When only your cattle can be happy, then your wife will have bad peace from them and from you. Skotinin. Poor peace! Bah! Bah! Bah! Don't I have enough light rooms? I’ll give her a coal stove and a bed for her alone. You are my dear friend! If now, without seeing anything, I have a special bite for each pig, then I’ll find a little light for my wife. *bite - barn, room for livestock. Milo. What a bestial comparison! Pravdin (to Skotinin). Nothing will happen, Mr. Skotinin! I’ll tell you straight: your sister will read it for her son. Skotinin (angry). How! The nephew should interrupt his uncle! Yes, I’ll break him like hell at the first meeting. Well, whether I’m a pig’s son, if I’m not her husband, or Mitrofan is a freak. SCENE IV The same, Eremeevna and Mitrofan Eremeevna. Yes, learn at least a little. Mitrofan. Well, say another word, you old bastard! I'll finish them off! I’ll complain to my mother again, so she’ll deign to give you a task like yesterday. Skotinin. Come here, buddy. Eremeevna. Please approach your uncle. Mitrofan. Hello, uncle! Why are you so bristling? Skotinin. Mitrofan! Look at me straighter. Eremeevna. Look, father. Mitrofan (Eremeevne). Yes, uncle, what kind of incredible thing is this? What will you see on it? Skotinin. Once again: look at me straighter. Eremeevna. Don't anger your uncle. Look, father, look at how his eyes are wide open, and you can open yours the same way. Skotinin and Mitrofan, their eyes bulging, look at each other. Milo. That's a pretty good explanation! Pravdin. Will it end somewhere? Skotinin. Mitrofan! You are now within a hair's breadth of death. Tell the whole truth; If I weren’t afraid of sin, I would have grabbed you by the legs and into the corner without saying a word. Yes, I don’t want to destroy souls without finding the culprit. Eremeevna (trembled). Oh, he's leaving! Where should my head go? Mitrofan. What are you doing, uncle? Have you eaten too much henbane? Yes, I don’t know why you deigned to attack me. Skotinin. Be careful, don’t deny it, so that I don’t knock the wind out of you all at once. You can't help yourself here. My sin. Blame God and the sovereign. Be careful not to rivet yourself, so as not to take a needless beating. Eremeevna. God forbid vain lies! Skotinin. Do you want to get married? Mitrofan (softened up). For a long time now, uncle, the hunt has begun... Skotinin (throwing himself at Mitrofan). Oh, you damn pig!.. Pravdin (not allowing Skotinin). Mr. Skotinin! Don't give your hands free rein. Mitrofan. Mommy! shield me. Eremeevna (shielding Mitrofan, becoming furious and raising her fists). I’ll die on the spot, but I won’t give up the child. Show up, sir, just kindly show up. I'll scratch out those thorns. Skotinin (trembling and threatening, he leaves). I'll get you there. Eremeevna (trembling, following). I have my own grips sharp! Mitrofan (following Skotinin). Get out, uncle; get lost. SCENE V The same and both Prostakovs Mrs. Prostakova (to her husband, on the way). There is nothing to distort here. All your life, sir, you walk with your ears hanging open. Prostakov. Yes, he and Pravdin disappeared from my eyes. What is my fault? Mrs. Prostakova (to Milon). A! my father! Mr. Officer! I was now looking for you all over the village; I knocked my husband off his feet to bring you, father, the lowest gratitude for your good command. Milo. For what, madam? Mrs. Prostakova. Why, my father! The soldiers are so kind. Until now, no one has touched a hair. Don’t be angry, my father, that my freak missed you. From birth he doesn’t know how to treat anyone. I was born so young, my father. Milo. I don't blame you at all, madam. Mrs. Prostakova. He, my father, is suffering from what we call here, tetanus. Sometimes, with his eyes wide open, he stands rooted to the spot for an hour. I didn’t do anything with him; what he couldn’t put up with from me! You won't get through anything. If the tetanus goes away, then, my father, it will become so bad that you ask God for tetanus again. Pravdin. At least, madam, you cannot complain about his evil disposition. He is humble. .. Ms. Prostakova. Like a calf, my father, that’s why everything in our house is spoiled. After all, it does not make sense for him to have severity in the house, to punish the guilty. I manage everything myself, father. From morning to evening, like someone hanged by the tongue, I don’t lay down my hands: I scold, I fight; This is how the house holds together, my father! Pravdin (aside). Soon he will behave differently. Mitrofan. And today mother spent the whole morning fussing with the slaves. Mrs. Prostakova (to Sophia). I was cleaning the chambers for your dear uncle. I'm dying, I want to see this venerable old man. I've heard a lot about him. And his villains only say that he is a little gloomy, and so reasonable, and if he loves someone, he will love him directly. Pravdin. And whoever he does not love, he bad person . (To Sophia.) I myself have the honor of knowing your uncle. And besides, I heard things about him from many that instilled in my soul true respect for him. What is called sullenness and rudeness in him is one effect of his straightforwardness. From birth his tongue did not say “yes” when his soul felt “no”. Sophia. But he had to earn his happiness through hard work. Mrs. Prostakova. God's mercy is upon us that we succeeded. I wish for nothing more than his fatherly mercy towards Mitrofanushka. Sophia, my soul! Would you like to look at your uncle's room? Sophia leaves. Mrs. Prostakova. I'm gaping again, my father; yes, sir, please see her off. My legs didn't go away. Prostakov (leaving). They didn’t weaken, but they gave way. Mrs. Prostakova (to the guests). My only concern, my only joy is Mitrofanushka. My age is passing. I'm preparing him for people. Here Kuteikin appears with a book of hours, and Tsyfirkin with a slate board and a stylus. Both of them make signs and ask Eremeevna: should I come in? She beckons them, but Mitrofan waves them away. Mrs. Prostakova (not seeing them, continues). Perhaps the Lord is merciful, and happiness is destined for him. Pravdin. Look around, madam, what is happening behind you! Mrs. Prostakova. A! This, father, is Mitrofanushkin’s teachers, Sidorich Kuteikin... Eremeevna. And Pafnutich Tsyfirkin. Mitrofan (aside). Shot them with Eremeevna too. Kuteikin. Peace to the lord's house and many years of joy to the children and household. Tsyfirkin. We wish your honor good health for a hundred years, yes twenty, and even fifteen, countless years. Milo. Bah! This is our serving brother! Where did it come from, my friend? Tsyfirkin. There was a garrison, your honor! And now he has gone clean.* Milo. What do you eat? Tsyfirkin. Yes, somehow, your honor! I indulge in a little bit of arithmetics, so I eat in the city near the clerks** at the counting departments. God has not revealed science to everyone: so those who don’t understand it themselves hire me to either believe it or sum it up. That's what I eat; I don’t like to live idly. I teach children in my spare time. So their nobleness and the guy have been struggling with broken *** for three years, but something doesn’t stick well; Well, it’s true, man does not come to man. *Resign from service. ** Officials. *** Above fractions. Mrs. Prostakova. What? Why are you lying, Pafnutich? I didn't listen. Tsyfirkin. So. I reported to his honor that in ten years you cannot hammer into another stump what another catches in flight. Pravdin (to Kuteikin). And you, Mr. Kuteikin, aren’t you one of the scientists? Kuteikin. Of the scientists, your honor! Seminaries of the local diocese.* I went as far as rhetoric,** and as God willing, I came back. He submitted a petition to the consistory****, in which he wrote: “So-and-so a seminarian, one of the church children, fearing the abyss of wisdom, asks her to be dismissed.” To which a merciful resolution soon followed, with the note: “Such and such a seminarian should be dismissed from all teaching: for it is written, do not throw pearls before swine, lest they trample him underfoot.” * Diocese - church-administrative district. ** Classes in seminaries were named after the main subjects studied at this level of the course: rhetoric, philosophy, theology. *** Consistory is a church office, a diocese management apparatus. **** Petition, statement Ms. Prostakova. Where is our Adam Adamych? Eremeevna. I tried to push myself towards him, but forcibly carried away my legs. Pillar of smoke, my mother! Damn, he strangled him with tobacco. Such a sinner. Kuteikin. Empty, Eremeevna! There is no sin in smoking tobacco. Pravdin (aside). Kuteikin is also smart! Kuteikin. In many books it is allowed: in the psalter it is precisely printed: “And the grain is for the service of man.” Pravdin. Well, where else? Kuteikin. And in another psalter the same thing is printed. Our archpriest has a small one in eighth, and the same in that one. Pravdin (to Mrs. Prostakova). I don’t want to interfere with your son’s exercises; humble servant. Milo. Neither do I, madam. Mrs. Prostakova. Where are you going, my lords?.. Pravdin. I'll take him to my room. Friends who haven't seen each other for a long time have a lot to talk about. Mrs. Prostakova. Where would you like to eat, with us or in your room? We just had our own family at the table, with Sophia... Milon. With you, with you, madam. Pravdin. We will both have this honor. SCENE VI Ms. Prostakova, Eremeevna, Mitrofan, Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin Ms. Prostakova. Well, now at least read your backs in Russian, Mitrofanushka. Mitrofan. Yes, butts, why not? Mrs. Prostakova. Live and learn, my dear friend! Such a thing. Mitrofan. How could it not be! Study will come to mind. You should bring your uncles here too! Mrs. Prostakova. What? What's happened? Mitrofan. Yes! just look at what the uncle is doing; and there from his fists and for the book of hours. No, thank you, I'm already done with myself! Mrs. Prostakova (frightened). What, what do you want to do? Come to your senses, darling! Mitrofan. After all, the river is close here. I’ll dive, so remember my name. Mrs. Prostakova (beside herself). Killed me! Killed me! God be with you! Eremeevna. Uncle scared everyone. I almost grabbed him by the hairs. But for nothing, for nothing... Ms. Prostakova (angry). Well... Eremeevna. I pestered him, do you want to get married?.. Mrs. Prostakova. Well. .. Eremeevna. The child didn’t hide it: it’s been a long time since he started hunting, uncle. How furious he will be, my mother! How will she jump up... Ms. Prostakova (trembling). Well... and you, beast, were dumbfounded, and you didn’t dig into your brother’s mug, and you didn’t tear his snout over the ears... Eremeevna. I accepted it! Oh, I accepted, yes... Ms. Prostakova. Yes... yes what... not your child, you beast! For you, at least kill the little kid to death. Eremeevna. Ah, creator, save and have mercy! If my brother hadn’t deigned to leave at that very moment, I would have broken with him. No matter what God puts it at. If these were dull (pointing to the nails), I wouldn’t even take care of the fangs. Mrs. Prostakova. All of you, beasts, are zealous in words alone, but not in deeds... Eremeevna (tearing). I'm not zealous for you, mother! You don’t know how to serve anymore... I would be glad if nothing else... you don’t regret your stomach... but you don’t want everything. Kuteikin. Will you command us in your own way? Tsyfirkin. Where should we go, your honor? Mrs. Prostakova. Are you still old witch , and burst into tears. Go and feed them with you, and after lunch immediately come back here. (To Mitrofan.) Come with me, Mitrofanushka. I won't let you out of my sight now. As I tell you, little darling**, you will love living in the world. It’s not a century for you, my friend, it’s not a century for you to learn. Thank God, you already understand so much that you can raise the kids yourself. (To Eremeevna.) I’ll talk to my brother, not your way. Let all good people see that mother and that mother is dear. (He leaves with Mitrofan.) * Lives (of Slavic women). ** Something, a secret. Kuteikin. Your life, Eremeevna, is like pitch darkness. Let's go to dinner, and drink a glass of grief first. Tsyfirkin. And there’s another one, and that’s multiplication. Eremeevna, (in tears). The difficult one won't clean me up! I have been serving for forty years, but the mercy is still the same... Kuteikin. Is charity great? Eremeevna. Five rubles a year, and five slaps a day. Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin take her by the arms. Tsyfirkin. Let’s figure out at the table what your income is all year round. End of the second act ACTION THIRD SCENE I Starodum and Pravdin Pravdin. As soon as they got up from the table and I went to the window and saw your carriage, then, without telling anyone, I ran out to meet you and hug you with all my heart. My sincere respect to you... Starodum. It is precious to me. Trust me. Pravdin. Your friendship for me is all the more flattering because you cannot have it for others except such... Starodum. What are you like? I speak without ranks. The ranks begin, and sincerity ceases. Pravdin. Your treatment. .. Starodum. Many people laugh at him. I know it. Be so. My father raised me the way he did then, but I didn’t even find the need to re-educate myself. He served Peter the Great. Then one person was called you, not you. Back then they didn’t yet know how to infect so many people that everyone would consider themselves to be many. But now many are not worth one. My father is at the court of Peter the Great... Pravdin. And I heard that he is in military service... Starodum. In that century, courtiers were warriors, but warriors were not courtiers. My father gave me the best education in that century. At that time there were few ways to learn, and they still didn’t know how to fill an empty head with someone else’s mind. Pravdin. Education at that time really consisted of several rules... Starodum. In one. My father constantly repeated the same thing to me: have a heart, have a soul, and you will be a man at all times. There is fashion for everything else: fashion for minds, fashion for knowledge, like fashion for buckles and buttons. Pravdin. You speak the truth. The direct dignity in a person is the soul... Starodum. Without her, the most enlightened, clever woman is a pitiful creature. (With feeling.) An ignoramus without a soul is a beast. The smallest feat leads him into every crime. Between what he does and what he does for, he has no weight. From such and such animals I came to free... Pravdin. Your niece. I know it. She is here. Let's go... Starodum. Wait. My heart is still seething with indignation at the unworthy act of the local owners. Let's stay here for a few minutes. My rule is: don’t start anything in the first movement. Pravdin. Rare people know how to observe your rule. Starodum. The experiences of my life have taught me this. Oh, if I had previously been able to control myself, I would have had the pleasure of serving my fatherland longer. Pravdin. How? Incidents with a person of your qualities cannot be indifferent to anyone. You will do me a great favor if you tell me... Starodum. I don’t hide them from anyone so that others in a similar position will be smarter than me. Having entered military service, I met a young count, whose name I don’t even want to remember. He was younger than me in service, the son of an accidental father*, brought up in great society and had a special opportunity to learn something that was not yet included in our upbringing. I used all my strength to gain his friendship in order to compensate for the shortcomings of my upbringing by always treating him. At the very time when our mutual friendship was being established, we accidentally heard that war had been declared. I rushed to hug him with joy. “Dear Count! Here is an opportunity for us to distinguish ourselves. Let us immediately join the army and become worthy of the title of nobleman that our breed has given us.” My friend the count frowned greatly and, hugging me, dryly: “Happy journey to you,” he said to me: “and I am being affectionate that my father will not want to part with me.” Nothing can compare with the contempt that I felt for him at that very moment. Then I saw that between casual people and respectable people there is sometimes an immeasurable difference, that in the great world there are very small souls and that with great enlightenment one can be very stingy**. *" Random people "in the 18th century they called people who enjoyed the special favors of kings and queens. ** Stingy is a miser, a miser. Here is a dirty word. Pravdin. The real truth. Starodum. Leaving him, I immediately went where my position called me. I had many cases distinguish myself. My wounds prove that I did not miss them. The good opinion of the commanders and troops about me was a flattering reward of my service, when suddenly I received news that the count, my former acquaintance, whom I disdained to remember, had been promoted to rank, and I was bypassed, I, who was then lying from wounds in a serious illness. Such injustice tore my heart, and I immediately resigned. Pravdin. What else should I have done? An old thinker. I had to come to my senses. I did not know how to guard against the first movements of my irritated curiosity My ardor did not allow me to judge then that a truly inquisitive person is jealous of deeds, and not of ranks; that ranks are often begged for, but true respect must be earned; that it is much more honorable to be passed over without guilt than to be awarded without merit. Pravdin. But isn’t a nobleman allowed to resign under any circumstances? Starodum. In only one thing: when he is internally convinced that serving his fatherland does not bring direct benefit. A! then go. Pravdin. You make one feel the true essence of the position of a nobleman. Starodum. Having accepted my resignation, I came to St. Petersburg. Then blind chance led me in a direction that never even occurred to me. Pravdin. Where to? Starodum. To the yard***. They took me to the court. A? What do you think about this? Pravdin. How did this side look to you? Starodum. Curious. The first thing seemed strange to me: in this direction almost no one drives along the large straight road, and everyone takes a detour, hoping to get there as quickly as possible. Pravdin. Even if it’s a detour, is the road spacious? Starodum. And it is so spacious that two people, having met, cannot separate. One knocks the other down, and the one who is on his feet never picks up the one who is on the ground. Pravdin. So that’s why there’s pride here... Starodum. This is not selfishness, but, so to speak, selfishness. Here they love themselves perfectly; they care about themselves alone; they fuss about one real hour. You won’t believe it: I saw a lot of people here who, in all cases of their lives, never once thought about their ancestors or descendants. * Truly, indeed. ** Responsibilities, duty. *** Court - the immediate circle of the sovereign, the courtiers. Pravdin. But those worthy people who serve the state at the court... Starodum. ABOUT! those do not leave the courtyard because they are useful to the courtyard, and others because the courtyard is useful to them. I was not among the first and did not want to be among the last. Pravdin. Of course, they didn’t recognize you at the yard? * Starodum. So much the better for me. I managed to clean up without any hassle; otherwise they would have survived me in one of two ways. Pravdin. Which ones? Starodum. From the court, my friend, there are two ways to survive. Either they will be angry with you or you will be annoyed. I didn't wait for either one. I decided that it was better to lead life at home than in someone else’s hallway. Pravdin. So, you left the yard empty-handed? (Opens his snuff box.) Starodum (takes tobacco from Pravdin). How about nothing? The snuff box costs five hundred rubles. Two people came to the merchant. One, having paid money, brought home a snuff box. Another came home without a snuff box. And you think that the other one came home with nothing? You're wrong. He brought back his five hundred rubles intact. I left the court without villages, without a ribbon**, without ranks, but I brought mine home intact, my soul, my honor, my rules. Pravdin. With your rules, people should not be released from the court, but they must be called to the court. Starodum. Summon? What for? Pravdin. For what doctors are called to the sick for. Starodum. My friend! You're wrong. It is in vain to call a doctor to the sick without healing. The doctor won’t help you here unless you get infected yourself. * Not understood. ** “Without a ribbon,” that is, without having received the first degree of one of the orders, the sign of which, in addition to the star, was a wide ribbon worn over the shoulder in the colors established for the order. SCENE II The same and Sophia Sophia (to Pravdin). My strength was gone from their noise. Starodum (aside). Here are her mother's facial features. Here is my Sophia. Sophia (looking at Starodum). My God! He called me. My heart does not deceive me... Starodum (hugging her). No. You are the daughter of my sister, the daughter of my heart! Sophia (throwing herself into his arms). Uncle! I'm overjoyed. Starodum. Dear Sophia! I found out in Moscow that you are living here against your will. I am sixty years old in the world. It happened to be often irritated, sometimes to be pleased with oneself. Nothing tormented my heart more than innocence in the networks of deceit. I have never been so pleased with myself as when I happened to snatch prey from the hands of vice. Pravdin. How nice it is to be a witness to this! Sophia. Uncle! your kindness to me... Starodum. You know that I am tied to life only by you. You must provide comfort to my old age, and my care is your happiness. When I retired, I laid the foundation for your upbringing, but I could not establish your fortune otherwise than by separating from your mother and you. Sophia. Your absence saddened us beyond words. Starodum (to Pravdin). In order to protect her life from the lack of what she needed, I decided to retire for several years to the land where money is obtained without exchanging it for conscience, without vile service, without robbing the fatherland; where they demand money from the land itself, which is more just than people, does not know partiality, but pays only for labor faithfully and generously. Pravdin. You could get rich, as I heard, incomparably more. Starodum. And for what? Pravdin. To be rich like others. Starodum. Rich! Who's rich? Do you know that all of Siberia is not enough for the whims of one person! My friend! Everything is in the imagination. Follow nature, you will never be poor. Follow people's opinions and you will never be rich. Sophia. Uncle! What a truth you speak! Starodum. I have gained so much so that during your marriage the poverty of a worthy groom will not stop us. Sophia. Throughout my life, your will will be my law. Pravdin. But, having given her away, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to leave her to the children... Starodum. Children? Leave wealth to children! Not in my head. They will be smart, they will manage without him; and wealth is no help to a stupid son. I saw fine fellows in golden caftans, but with lead heads. No my friend! Cash is not cash worth. Golden idiot* - everyone is an idiot. * Statue. Pravdin. With all this, we see that money often leads to ranks, ranks usually lead to nobility, and respect is given to the nobility. Starodum. Respect! Only respect should be flattering to a person - spiritual; and only those who are in rank not by money, and in the nobility not by rank, are worthy of spiritual respect. Pravdin. Your conclusion is undeniable. Starodum. Bah! What a noise! SCENE III The same, Ms. Prostakova. Skotinin, Milon (Milon separates Mrs. Prostakova from Skotinin.) Mrs. Prostakova. Let me go! Let me go, father! Give me a face, a face... Milon. I won't let you in, madam. Don't be angry! Skotinin (impatiently, straightening his wig). Get off it, sister! When it comes to breaking, I’ll bend it and it will crack. Milon (to Mrs. Prostakova). And you forgot that he is your brother! Mrs. Prostakova. Ah, father! It took my heart, let me fight! Milon (to Skotinin). Isn't she your sister? Skotinin. To be honest, one litter; Yes, look how she squealed. Starodum (could not help laughing, to Pravdin). I was afraid of getting angry. Now laughter takes over me. Mrs. Prostakova. Someone, over someone? What kind of new arrival is this?* * New arrival. Starodum. Don't be angry, madam. I've never seen anything funnier in my life. Skotinin (holding his neck). Some people laugh, but I don’t even laugh. Milo. Didn't she hurt you? Skotinin. The front was blocked by both, so she grabbed the back of the neck... Pravdin. And does it hurt?.. Skotinin. The scruff of the neck was a little pierced. In Mrs. Prostakova’s next speech, Sophia tells Milon with her eyes that in front of him is Starodum. Milon understands her. Mrs. Prostakova. She pierced it!.. No, brother.. you must exchange the image for the gentleman officer; and if it weren’t for him, you wouldn’t have shielded yourself from me. I will stand up for my son. I won’t let my father down. (To Starodum.) This, sir, is nothing funny. Don't get angry. I have a mother's heart. Have you ever heard of a bitch giving away her puppies? I deigned to greet someone unknown, unknown who. Starodum (pointing to Sophia). Her uncle Starodum came to see her. Mrs. Prostakova (shy and chickened out). How! it's you! you, father! Our priceless guest! Oh, I'm such a fool! Would it really be necessary to meet our own father, on whom we have all our hope, who is the only one we have, like gunpowder* in the eye. Father! I'm sorry. I'm a fool. I can’t come to my senses. Where is the husband! where is the son! How I arrived to an empty house! God's punishment! Everyone went crazy. Girl! Girl! Broadsword! Girl! Skotinin (aside). So-and-so! he! uncle! *gunpowder is dust. SCENE IV The same and Eremeevna Eremeevna. What do you want? Mrs. Prostakova. Are you a girl, are you a dog’s daughter? Is there really no maidservant in my house besides your nasty face? Where is the broadsword? Eremeevna. She fell ill, mother, and has been lying there since the morning. Mrs. Prostakova. Lying down! Oh, she's a beast! Lying down! It's like she's noble! Eremeevna. Such a fever, mother, she raves incessantly... Mrs. Prostakova. He's delusional, you beast! As if noble! Call your husband, son. Tell them that by the grace of God we waited for the uncle of our dear Sophia; Well, run, waddle. Starodum. Why make such a fuss, madam? By the grace of God I am not your parent, and by the grace of God I am a stranger to you. Mrs. Prostakova. Your unexpected arrival, father, took away my mind; Yes, at least let me give myself a good hug, our benefactor!.. SCENE V The same, Prostakova, Mitrofan and Eremeevna. During Starodum’s next speech, Prostakov and his son, coming out of the middle door, stood behind Starodum. The father is ready to hug him as soon as his turn comes, and the son comes to his hand. Eremeevna took a place to the side and, with folded arms, stood rooted to the spot, bulging her eyes at Starodum with slavish servility. Starodum (reluctantly hugging Mrs. Prostakova). The mercy is completely unnecessary, madam! I could have done without it quite easily. (Releasing from her hands, he turns around to the other side, where Skotinin, already standing with outstretched arms, immediately grabs him. ) Starodum. Who did I fall for? Skotinin. It's me, sister's brother. Starodum (seeing two more, looking forward). Who else is this? Prostakov (embracing). I am my wife's husband. Mitrofan (catching his hand). And I'm a mother's son. Milon (to Pravdin). Now I won't introduce myself. Pravdin (to Milon). I'll find a chance to introduce you later. Starodum (without giving his hand to Mitrofan). This one catches you kissing your hand. It's obvious that they're cooking in it big soul . Mrs. Prostakova. Speak, Mitrofanushka. How can I, sir, not kiss your hand? You are my second father. Mitrofan. How not to kiss your hand, uncle. You are my father... (To mother.) Which one? Mrs. Prostakova. Second. Mitrofan. Second? Second father, uncle. Starodum. I, sir, am neither your father nor your uncle. Mrs. Prostakova. Father, perhaps the child is prophesying his happiness: perhaps God will grant him to really be your nephew. Skotinin. Right! Why am I not a nephew? Ay, sister! Mrs. Prostakova. Brother, I won’t bark with you. (To Starodum.) From my childhood, father, I never scolded anyone. I have such a disposition. Even if you scold me, I won’t say a word. Let God, in his own mind, pay the one who offends me, poor thing. Starodum. I noticed this, how soon you, madam, appeared from the door. Pravdin. And I have been a witness to her kindness for three days now. Starodum. I can’t have this fun for so long. Sofyushka, my friend, tomorrow morning I’m going with you to Moscow. Mrs. Prostakova. Ah, father! Why such anger? Prostakov. Why disgrace? Mrs. Prostakova. How! We must part with Sofyushka! With our dear friend! With just the melancholy of bread, I'll leave behind. Prostakov. And here I am already bent and gone. Starodum. ABOUT! When you love her so much, then I must make you happy. I'm taking her to Moscow in order to make her happy. I have been presented with a certain young man of great merit as her groom. I'll give her to him. Together. Mrs. Prostakova. Oh, I killed you! Milo. What do I hear! Sophia seems amazed. Skotinin. That's it! Prostakov clasped his hands. Mitrofan. Here you go! Eremeevna nodded her head sadly. Pravdin shows a look of distressed surprise. Starodum (noticing everyone's confusion). What does it mean? (To Sophia.) Sophia, my friend, do you seem embarrassed to me? Did my intention really upset you? I take the place of your father. Believe me that I know his rights. They go no further than how to avert the daughter’s unfortunate inclination, and the choice of a worthy person depends entirely on her heart. Be calm, my friend! Your husband, worthy of you, no matter who he is, will have a true friend in me. Go for whoever you want. Everyone looks cheerful. Sophia. Uncle! Do not doubt my obedience. Milo (aside). Honorable man! Mrs. Prostakova (with a cheerful look). Here's the father! Listen here! Marry whoever you want, as long as the person is worth it. Yes, my father, yes. Here you just don’t need to let the grooms through. If there is a nobleman in the eyes, a young fellow... Skotinin. I left the guys a long time ago. .. Ms. Prostakova. Who has enough, albeit small... Skotinin. Yes, the pork factory is not bad... Ms. Prostakova. So in good time, and Arkhangelsk. Skotinin. So have a fun feast, and for the wedding. Starodum. Your advice is impartial. I see it. Skotinin. Then you’ll see how you can identify me more briefly. You see, it's sodomy here. I'll come to you alone in an hour or so. This is where we can sort things out. I will say, without boasting, what I am, really, there are few of them. (Leaves.) Starodum. This is most likely. Mrs. Prostakova. You, father, don’t wonder that my dear brother... Starodum. Dear... Ms. Prostakova. Yes, father. After all, I am the Skotinins’ father. The deceased father married the deceased mother. She was nicknamed Priplodin. They had eighteen of us children; Yes, except for me and my brother, everyone, according to the power of God, tried it on. Others from baths of the dead pulled out. Three, after sipping milk from a copper cauldron, died. Two fell from the bell tower about Holy Week; but the rest didn’t stand on their own, father! Starodum. I see what your parents were like. Mrs. Prostakova. Vintage people , my father! This was not the century. We weren't taught anything. It used to be that kind people would approach the priest, please him, please him, so that he could at least send his brother to school. By the way? The deceased is light with both hands and feet, may he rest in heaven! It happened that he would deign to shout: I will curse the child who learns anything from the infidels, and be it not Skotinin who wants to learn something. Pravdin. However, you are teaching your son something. Mrs. Prostakova. Yes, this is a different century, father! (To Starodum.) We don’t regret the last crumbs, just to teach our son everything! My Mitrofanushka doesn’t get up for days because of a book. My mother's heart. Otherwise it’s a pity, a pity, but just think: but there will be a kid anywhere. After all, father, he will turn sixteen years old around the winter St. Nicholas. The groom is for anyone, but still the teachers go, they don’t waste an hour, but now two of them are waiting in the hallway. (She blinked at Eremeevna to call them.) In Moscow they accepted a foreigner for five years and, so that others would not be lured away, the contract was announced to the police. He contracted to teach us what we want, and teach us what he can do. We have fulfilled all our parental duties, we have accepted the German and we are paying him in thirds in advance. I would sincerely wish that you, father, would admire Mitrofanushka and see what he has learned. Starodum. I am a bad judge of that, madam. Mrs. Prostakova (seeing Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin). Here come the teachers! My Mitrofanushka has no peace either day or night. It is bad to praise your child, but where will the one whom God brings to be his wife not be unhappy? Pravdin. This is all good: do not forget, however, madam, that your guest has now only arrived from Moscow and that he needs peace much more than the praises of your son. Starodum. I admit that I would be glad to take a break from the road and from everything that I heard and saw. Mrs. Prostakova. Ah, my father! All is ready. I cleaned the room for you myself. Starodum. Thankful. (To Sophia.) Sophia, take me with me. Mrs. Prostakova. What about us? Allow me, my son, and my husband, to see you off, my father. We all promise to walk to Kyiv for your health, just to settle our business. Starodum (to Pravdin). When will we see each other? After resting, I will come here. Pravdin. So I am here and will have the honor to see you. Starodum. I'm happy with my soul. (Seeing Milon, who bowed to him with respect, he bows to him politely.) Mrs. Prostakova. So you are welcome. Except for the teachers, everyone moves away, Pravdin and Milon to one side, and the others to the other. SCENE VI Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin Kuteikin. What a devilry! You won't achieve much in the morning. Here every morning will flourish and die. Tsyfirkin. And our brother lives like this forever. Don't do things, don't run away from things. That’s the trouble for our brother, how poorly the food is fed, how today there was no provisions for lunch here... Kuteikin. If only Vladyka had not managed to make me, on my way here, wander at a crossroads to our malt, I would have been hungry like a dog in the evening. Tsyfirkin. These gentlemen are good commanders!.. Kuteikin. Have you heard, brother, what life is like for the local servants**, even though you are a soldier, have been in battles***, fear and trembling will come to you... * I wanted to eat (to get hungry - Slavic). ** Servants, servants. *** In battles. Tsyfirkin. Here you go! Have you heard? I myself saw rapid fire here for three hours a day in a row. (Sighing.) Oh my! Sadness takes over. Kuteikin (sighing). Oh, woe to me, a sinner! Tsyfirkin. What did you sigh about, Sidorich? Kuteikin. And is your heart in turmoil, Pafnutievich? Tsyfirkin. You wonder about the bondage... God gave me an apprentice, a boyar's son. I’ve been fighting with him for three years now: he can’t count three. Kuteikin. So we have one problem. I have been tormenting my stomach for four years now. To sit for an hour, except for the butts, he won’t be able to make out a new line; Yes, and he mumbles his behinds, God forgive me, without a warehouse in warehouses, to no avail in his talk. Tsyfirkin. And who is to blame? Only he has a stylus in his hands, and a German is at the door. He's having a blast from behind the board, but I'm welcome in the pushes. Kuteikin. Is this my sin? Just a pointer in the fingers, a bastard in the eyes. A student on the head, and me on the neck. Tsyfirkin (fervently). I would let myself have my ear taken, just to train this parasite like a soldier. Kuteikin. Even now they whisper me*, if only to beat the neck of a sinner** by crutching. * Scourges. ** The neck of a sinner. SCENE VII The same, Ms. Prostakova and Mitrofan Ms. Prostakova. While he is resting, my friend, at least for the sake of appearance, learn, so that it reaches his ears how you work, Mitrofanushka. Mitrofan. Well! And then what? Mrs. Prostakova. And then you get married. Mitrofan. Listen, mother, I will amuse you. I'll study; just to have it last time and so that today there will be an agreement. Mrs. Prostakova. The hour of God's will will come! Mitrofan. The hour of my will has come. I don't want to study, I want to get married. You lured me in, blame yourself. So I sat down. Tsyfirkin is cleaning the stylus. Mrs. Prostakova. And I’ll sit down right away. I'll knit a wallet for you, my friend! There would be somewhere to put Sophia’s money. Mitrofan. Well! Give me the board, garrison rat! Ask what to write. Tsyfirkin. Your honor is always barking idlely. Mrs. Prostakova (working). Oh, my God! Don’t you dare, child, to elect Pafnutich! I'm already angry! Tsyfirkin. Why be angry, your honor? We have a Russian proverb: the dog barks, the wind blows. Mitrofan. Get off your butts and turn around. Tsyfirkin. All butts, your honor. After all, you’ll be left with the backside of a century ago. Mrs. Prostakova. It's none of your business, Pafnutich. It’s very nice to me that Mitrofanushka doesn’t like to step forward. With his intelligence, he may fly far, and God forbid! Tsyfirkin. Task. You deigned, by the way, to walk along the road with me. Well, at least we’ll take Sidorich with us. We three found... * For example, Mitrofan (writes). Three. Tsyfirkin. On the road, for the butt, three hundred rubles. Mitrofan (writes). Three hundred. Tsyfirkin. It came down to division. Think about it, why on your brother? Mitrofan (calculating, whispers). Once three - three. Once zero is zero. Once zero is zero. Mrs. Prostakova. What, what, before division? Mitrofan. Look, the three hundred rubles that were found should be divided among the three. Mrs. Prostakova. He's lying, my dear friend. Once you find the money, don’t share it with anyone. Take it all for yourself, Mitrofanushka. Don't study this stupid science. Mitrofan. Listen, Pafnutich, ask another question. Tsyfirkin. Write, your honor. You give me ten rubles a year for my studies. Mitrofan. Ten. Tsyfirkin. Now, really, no problem, but if you, master, took something from me, it wouldn’t be a sin to add ten more. Mitrofan (writes). Well, well, ten. Tsyfirkin. How much for a year? Mitrofan (calculating, whispers). Zero yes zero - zero. One and one... (Thinking.) Mrs. Prostakova. Don't work in vain, my friend! I won’t add a penny; and you're welcome. Science is not like that. Only you are tormented, but all I see is emptiness. No money - what to count? There is money - we’ll figure it out well without Pafnutich. Kuteikin. Sabbat, right, Pafnutich. Two problems have been solved. After all, they won’t bring it for verification. Mitrofan. Probably, brother. Mother herself can’t make a mistake here. Go now, Kuteikin, teach yesterday a lesson. Kuteikin (opens the book of hours. Mitrofan takes the pointer). Let's start by blessing ourselves. Follow me with attention. “I am a worm...”* * I am a worm (Slavic). Mitrofan. “I am a worm...” Kuteikin. Worm, that is, animal, cattle. In other words: “I am cattle.” Mitrofan. "I am cattle." Kuteikin (in a training voice). "Not a man." Mitrofan (ditto). "Not a man." Kuteikin. "Reproaching people." Mitrofan. "Reproaching people." Kuteikin "And uni..." SCENE VIII The same and Vralman Vralman. Ay! ah! ah! ah! ah! Now I'm crazy! They want to kill the turnip! Mother you are! She was crazy about this morning, and she was dragging the messenger, - so to say, asmoe typha f sfete. Tai foul those damned slateys. And with such a kalaf, how long is palfan? Ush disposition*, ear fse is. * Location (French). Mrs. Prostakova. The truth, the truth is yours, Adam Adamych! Mitrofanushka, my friend, if studying is so dangerous for your little head, then for me, stop. Mitrofan. And for me, even more so. Kuteikin (closing the Book of Hours). It's over and thank God. Vralman. My mother! What's wrong with it? Son, there’s some shit, let’s give up the old stuff; or the wise son, so to speak, Aristotelis, and to the grave. Mrs. Prostakova. Oh, what passion, Adam Adamych! He already had a careless dinner yesterday. Vralman. Rassuti-sh, mother of May, drank too much pryuho: peda. And the fit of the kaloushka is much slower than that of the nefo; drink it too much and save it later! Mrs. Prostakova. Your truth, Adam Adamych; what are you going to do? A child, without studying, go to St. Petersburg: they will say you are a fool. There are a lot of smart people these days. I'm afraid of them. Vralman. Why bother, my mother? A wise man will not saturate Nikakhta, Nikakhta will not argue with him: but he does not get involved with clever bastards, and he will continue to be prosperous! Mrs. Prostakova. This is how you should live in the world, Mitrofanushka! Mitrofan. I myself, mother, am not one for clever people. Your brother is always better. Vralman. Sfaya campaign or body? Mrs. Prostakova. Adam Adamych! But from whom will you choose her? Vralman. Don’t crash, my mother, don’t crash; What is your most tragic son, there are millions, millions of them in the world. How can he not snub his campaigns? Mrs. Prostakova. It’s for nothing that my little son is sharp and agile. Vralman. Is it the body, the caps didn’t samarize the ego for the ear? Rossiska kramat! Arihmetika! Oh, my goodness, how the carcass remains in the body! How putto py rassiski tforyanin ear and could not f sfete advance * pez russian kramat! * To advance, to play a role (French). Kuteikin (to the side). Under your tongue would be labor and illness. Vralman. How putto py to arihmetiki dust lyuti turaki sandy! Tsyfirkin (aside). I'll count those ribs. You'll come to me. Vralman. He needs to know how to sew on fabric. I know the sfet by heart. I grated Kalash myself. Mrs. Prostakova. How can you not know the big world, Adam Adamych? I am tea, and in St. Petersburg alone you have seen enough of everything. Vralman. It’s tuff, my mother, it’s tuff. I have always been a keen hunter and eager to watch public. Pyfalo, about the celebratory holiday of the Sjetutets in Katringof * carriages with hospots. I still look at them. Damn, I won’t leave my mow for a minute. * Ekateringof is a former suburb of St. Petersburg, where festive festivities were held. Mrs. Prostakova. From which goats? Vralman (aside). Ay! ah! ah! ah! What did I screw up! (Aloud.) You, mother, dream that you should always look higher. So, suddenly, I sat down on someone else’s carriage, and I smeared the Polish sfet from the mowers. Mrs. Prostakova. Of course, you know better. A smart person knows where to climb. Vralman. Your dearest son is also on the sfeta somehow, to look at it fiercely and to touch it. Utalets! Mitrofan, standing still, turns over. Vralman. Utalets! He won't stand still, like a ticking horse. Go! Fort!* *Get away! (German). Mitrofan runs away. Mrs. Prostakova (smiling joyfully). A child, really, even though he’s a groom. Follow him, however, so that he, out of playfulness without intent, does not anger the guest in any way. Vralman. Poti, my mother! Saletna bird! Your voices flow with him. Mrs. Prostakova. Farewell, Adam Adamych! (Leaves.) SCENE IX Vralman, Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin Tsyfirkin (mocking). What an idiot! Kuteikin (mocking). Byword! Vralman. Why are you barking soups, nonfiction people? Tsyfirkin (hitting him on the shoulder). Why are you furrowing your eyebrows, you Chukhon owl! Vralman. Oh! Ouch! rustling paws! Kuteikin (hitting him on the shoulder). Damned owl! Why are you patting your teeth? Vralman (quietly). I'm missing. (Aloud.) What are you afraid of, you guys, is it just me? Tsyfirkin. You yourself eat bread idly and don’t let others do anything; Yes, you still won’t make a face. Kuteikin. Your mouth always speaks of pride, O wicked one. Vralman (recovering from shyness). How can you resist being unfashionable in front of a person? I grabbed some sakricha. Tsyfirkin. And we will give them the honor. I'll finish the board... Kuteikin. And I am a book of hours. Vralman. I'm going to play pranks on my mistress. Tsyfirkin, swinging the board, and Kuteikin with the book of hours. Tsyfirkin. I'll cut your face open five times. Kuteikin. I will crush the sinner's teeth. Vralman is running. Tsyfirkin. Yeah! The coward raised his legs! Kuteikin. Direct your steps, wretched one! Vralman (at the door). What the hell are you doing, you beast? Shuta suntes. Tsyfirkin. Got it! We would give you a task! Vralman. I don’t worry now, I don’t worry. Kuteikin. Seated, you lawless one! Are there a lot of you infidels out there? Send everyone out! Vralman. They didn’t deal with him! Eh, prat, fsyali! Tsyfirkin. I'll take out ten! Kuteikin. In the morning I will kill all the sinners of the earth! End of Act Three ACT FOUR SCENE I Sophia (alone. Looking at her watch). Uncle should be out soon. (Sitting down.) I’ll wait for him here (Takes out a book and reads a few.) It’s true. How can the heart not be content when the conscience is calm! (After reading a few again.) It is impossible not to love the rules of virtue. They are ways to happiness. (After reading a few, she looked up and, seeing Starodum, runs up to him.) SCENE II Sophia and Starodum Starodum. A! you are already here, my dear friend! Sophia. I was waiting for you, uncle. I was reading a book now. Starodum. Which one? Sophia. French. Fenelon*, about the education of girls. .Fenelon (1651-1715) - French writer, author of the novel “The Adventures of Telemachus,” which was of a political and moralizing nature. Fenelon's book "On the Education of Girls" was published in Russian translation in 1763. Starodum. Fenelon? The author of Telemachus? Fine. I don’t know your book, but read it, read it. Whoever wrote Telemachus will not corrupt morals with his pen. I fear for you the sages of today. I happened to read everything from them that was translated into Russian. True, they strongly eradicate prejudices and uproot virtue. Let's sit down. They both sat down. My heartfelt desire is to see you as happy as possible in the world. Sophia. Your instructions, uncle, will make up my entire well-being. Give me rules that I must follow. Guide my heart. It is ready to obey you. Starodum. I am pleased with the disposition of your soul. I will be happy to give you my advice. Listen to me with such attention, with what sincerity I will speak. Closer. Sophia moves her chair. Sophia. Uncle! Every word you say will be engraved into my heart. Starodum (with important sincerity). You are now in those years in which the soul wants to enjoy its entire existence, the mind wants to know, and the heart wants to feel. You are now entering the world, where the first step often decides the fate of an entire life, where most often the first meeting occurs: minds depraved in their concepts, hearts depraved in their feelings. O my friend! Know how to distinguish, know how to stay with those whose friendship for you would be a reliable guarantee for your mind and heart. Sophia. I will use all my efforts to earn the good opinion of worthy people. How can I prevent those who see me moving away from them from becoming angry with me? Isn’t it possible, uncle, to find a way so that no one in the world would wish me harm? Starodum. The bad disposition of people who are not worthy of respect should not be distressing. Know that they never wish evil upon those whom they despise, but usually wish evil upon those who have the right to despise. People envy more than just wealth, more than just nobility: and virtue also has its envious people. They try with all their might to corrupt the innocent heart in order to humiliate it to themselves; and the mind, which has not had a test, is deceived to the point of placing its happiness in something that is not necessary. Sophia. Is it possible, uncle, that there could be such people in the world? pathetic people , in which a bad feeling is born precisely from what is good in others. A virtuous person should take pity on such unfortunates. Starodum. They are pathetic, it's true; however, for this, a virtuous person does not stop going his own way. Think for yourself, what a misfortune it would be if the sun stopped shining so as not to blind weak eyes? Sophia. Tell me, please, are they to blame? Can every person be virtuous? Starodum. Trust me. Everyone will find enough strength in themselves to be virtuous. You have to want it decisively, and then the easiest thing will be not to do something for which your conscience would prick you. Sophia. Who will warn a person, who will not allow him to do something for which his conscience then torments him? Starodum. Who will be careful? The same conscience. Know that conscience, like a friend, always warns before punishing like a judge. Sophia. So, therefore, it is necessary that every vicious person should be truly worthy of contempt when he does something bad, knowing what he is doing. It is necessary that his soul be very low when it is not higher than a bad deed... Starodum. And it is necessary that his mind be not a direct mind, when he does not place his happiness in what is needed. Sophia. It seemed to me, uncle, that all people agreed on where to place their happiness. Nobility, wealth. .. Starodum. Yes, my friend! And I agree to call the noble and rich happy. Let's first agree who is noble and who is rich. I have my calculations. I will calculate the degrees of nobility by the number of deeds that the great gentleman did for the fatherland, and not by the number of deeds that he took upon himself out of arrogance; not by the number of people hanging around in his hallway, but by the number of people satisfied with his behavior and deeds. My nobleman is, of course, happy. My rich man too. According to my calculations, the rich man is not the one who counts out money in order to hide it in a chest, but the one who counts out what he has in excess in order to help someone who does not have what he needs. Sophia. How fair that is! How appearance blinds us! I myself have seen many times how people envy someone who is looking at the courtyard and that means... Starodum. What they don’t know is that everyone at the court means something and is looking for something. They don’t know that everyone at the court is a courtier and everyone is a pretender. No! There is nothing to envy here. Without noble deeds, a noble fortune is nothing. Sophia. Of course, uncle! And such a noble man makes no one happy except himself. Starodum. How! Is he happy who is happy alone? Know that, no matter how noble he may be, his soul does not taste direct pleasure. Imagine a man who would direct all his nobility to the sole purpose of making him feel good, who would already achieve such that he himself would have nothing left to desire. After all, then his whole soul would be occupied with one feeling, one illness: sooner or later he would suffer. Tell me, my friend, is he happy who has nothing to desire, but something to fear? Sophia. I see the difference between appearing happy and actually being happy. Yes, I don’t understand this, uncle, how can a person remember everything only about himself? Don't they really argue that one is obliged to the other? Where is the mind that people are so proud of? Starodum. Why boast about your intelligence, my friend! The mind, if it is only the mind, is the most trifle. With runaway minds we see bad husbands, bad fathers, bad citizens. Good behavior gives him a direct price. Without it, an intelligent person is a monster. It is immeasurably higher than all the fluency of the mind. This is easy to understand for anyone who thinks carefully. There are many, many different minds. An intelligent person can easily be excused if he does not have any quality of intelligence. It is impossible to forgive an honest person if he lacks some quality of heart. He needs to have everything. The dignity of the heart is indivisible. An honest person must be completely fair man. Sophia. Your explanation, uncle, is similar to my inner feeling, which I could not explain. I now vividly feel both the dignity of an honest man and his position. Starodum. Job title! A! My friend! How this word is on everyone’s tongue and how little they understand it! The constant use of this word has familiarized us with it so much that, having uttered it, a person no longer thinks anything, feels nothing. If people understood its importance, no one could utter it without spiritual respect. Think about what a position is. This is the sacred vow that we owe to all those with whom we live and on whom we depend. If the office were fulfilled as they say about it, every state of people would remain with their love of love and would be completely happy. A nobleman, for example, would consider it the first dishonor to do nothing when he has so much to do: there are people to help; there is a fatherland to serve. Then there would be no such nobles whose nobility, one might say, was buried with their ancestors. A nobleman who is not worthy of being a nobleman - I don’t know anything more vile than him in the world. Sophia. Is it possible to humiliate yourself like that? Starodum. My friend! What I said about the nobleman, let us now extend it to man in general. Everyone has their own positions. Let's see how they are fulfilled, what, for example, most of the husbands of the present world are like, let's not forget what the wives are like. Oh my dear friend! Now I need all your attention. Let's take the example of an unhappy home, of which there are many, where the wife has no cordial friendship for her husband, nor does he have any power of attorney for his wife; where each for his part turned away from the path of virtue. Instead of a sincere and condescending friend, the wife sees in her husband a rude and depraved tyrant. On the other hand, instead of meekness, sincerity, the characteristics of a virtuous wife, the husband sees in the soul of his wife one wayward impudence, and impudence in a woman is a sign of vicious behavior. Both became an unbearable burden to each other. Both are already betting on nothing good name, because both have lost it. Is it possible to be more terrible than their condition? The house is abandoned. People forget the duty of obedience, seeing in their master himself a slave of his vile passions. The estate is squandered: it has become no one's when its owner is not his own. The children, their unfortunate children, were already orphaned during the lifetime of their father and mother. The father, having no respect for his wife, barely dares to hug them, barely dares to surrender to the tenderest feelings of the human heart. Innocent babies are also deprived of their mother's fervor. She, not worthy of having children, avoids their affection, seeing in them either the reasons for her worries, or a reproach for her corruption. And what kind of education should children expect from a mother who has lost virtue? How can she teach them good manners, which she does not have? In the moments when their thoughts turn to their condition, what hell must be in the souls of both husband and wife! Sophia. My God! Why such terrible misfortunes!.. Starodum. Because, my friend, in modern marriages people rarely advise with the heart. The question is whether the groom is famous or rich? Is the bride good and rich? There is no question about good behavior. It doesn’t even occur to anyone that in the eyes of thinking people, an honest person without great rank is a noble person; that virtue replaces everything, but nothing can replace virtue. I confess to you that my heart will only be at peace when I see you marrying a husband worthy of your heart, when mutual love yours... Sophia. How can one not love a worthy husband in a friendly manner? Starodum. So. Just, perhaps, don’t have love for your husband that resembles friendship. Have a friendship for him that would be like love. It will be much stronger. Then, after twenty years of marriage, you will find in your hearts the same affection for each other. A prudent husband! Virtuous wife! What could be more honorable! It is necessary, my friend, that your husband obey reason, and you obey your husband, and you will both be completely prosperous... Sophia. Everything you say touches my heart... Starodum (with the most tender fervor). And mine admires, seeing your sensitivity. Your happiness depends on you. God has given you all the amenities of your sex. I see in you the heart of an honest man. You, my dear friend, you combine both sexes of perfection. I caress that my ardor does not deceive me, that virtue... Sophia. You filled all my feelings with it. (Rushing to kiss his hands.) Where is she? Starodum (kissing her hands). She's in your soul. I thank God that in you I find the solid foundation of your happiness. It will not depend on either nobility or wealth. All this can come to you; however, for you there is happiness greater than all this. This is to feel worthy of all the benefits that you can enjoy. .. Sophia. Uncle! My true happiness is that I have you. I know the price... SCENE III The same with the Valet. The valet hands the letter to Starodum. Starodum. Where? Valet. From Moscow, by express. (Leaves.) Starodum (after printing it out and looking at the signature). Count Chestan. A! (Starting to read, he looks like his eyes can’t make it out.) Sofiushka! My glasses are on the table, in a book. Sophia (leaving). Right away, uncle. SCENE IV Starodum (one). He, of course, writes to me in the same way that he proposed in Moscow. I don't know Milo; but when his uncle, my true friend, when the whole public considers him an honest and worthy person... If her heart is free... SCENE V Starodum and Sophia Sophia (giving glasses). Found it, uncle. Starodum (reading)... “I just found out now... he’s leading his team to Moscow... He should meet you... I’ll be sincerely glad if he sees you... Take the trouble to find out his way of thinking.” . (Aside.) Of course. Without that, I won’t give her away... “You will find... Your true friend...” Okay. This letter belongs to you. I told you that a young man of commendable qualities has been presented... My words confuse you, my dear friend. I noticed this just now, and now I see it. Your power of attorney to me... Sophia. Can I have something in my heart hidden from you? No, uncle. I'll tell you sincerely... SCENE VI The same, Pravdin and Milon Pravdin. Let me introduce you to Mr. Milo, my true friend. Starodum (aside). Milon! Milo. I consider it true happiness if I receive your kind opinion, your favors towards me...Starodum. Isn't Count Chestan related to you? Milo. He's my uncle. Starodum. I am very pleased to know a person of your qualities. Your uncle told me about you. He gives you all justice. Special advantages... Milon. This is his mercy to me. At my age and in my position, it would be unforgivable arrogance to consider everything deserved with which worthy people encourage a young man. Pravdin. I am sure in advance that my friend will gain your favor if you get to know him better. He often visited your sister’s house... Starodum looks back at Sophia. Sophia (quietly to Starodum and in great timidity). And his mother loved him like a son. Starodum (Sofya). I'm very pleased with this. (To Milo.) I heard that you were in the army. Your fearlessness... Milon. I did my job. Neither my years, nor my rank, nor my position have yet allowed me to show direct fearlessness, should I have it. Starodum. How! Being in battles and exposing his life... Milo. I exposed her like the others. Here courage was such a quality of heart that a soldier is ordered to have by his superior, and an officer is ordered to have honor. I confess to you sincerely that I have not yet had any opportunity to show direct fearlessness; I sincerely wish to test myself. Starodum. I am extremely curious to know what you believe is direct fearlessness? Milo. If you allow me to say my thought, I believe true fearlessness is in the soul, and not in the heart. Whoever has it in his soul, without any doubt, brave heart. In our military craft, a warrior must be brave, a military leader must be undaunted. He is with cold blood He sees all the degrees of danger, takes the necessary measures, prefers his glory to life: but most of all, for the benefit of the fatherland, he is not afraid to forget his own glory. His fearlessness, therefore, does not consist in despising his life. He never dares her. He knows how to sacrifice it. Starodum. Fair. You believe outright fearlessness in a military leader. Is it also characteristic of other conditions? Milo. She is virtue; consequently, there is no state that could not be distinguished by it. It seems to me that the courage of the heart is proven in the hour of battle, and the fearlessness of the soul in all trials, in all situations of life. And what is the difference between the fearlessness of a soldier who, in an attack, risks his life along with others, and between the fearlessness of a statesman who speaks the truth to the sovereign, daring to anger him. The judge who, fearing neither vengeance nor the threats of the strong, gave justice to the helpless, is a hero in my eyes. How small is the soul of the one who challenges him to a duel for a trifle, compared to the one who stands up for the absent, whose honor is tormented by slanderers in his presence! I understand fearlessness this way... Starodum. How should someone who has it in their soul understand? Both of me, my friend! Forgive my simple-heartedness. I am a friend honest people. This feeling is ingrained in my upbringing. In yours I see and honor virtue, adorned with enlightened reason. Milo. Noble soul!.. No... I can no longer hide my heartfelt feelings... No; Your virtue extracts by its power all the mystery of my soul. If my heart is virtuous, if it is worth being happy, it depends on you to make it happy. I believe it is to have your dear niece as a wife. Our mutual inclination... Starodum (to Sophia, with joy). How! your heart skillfully distinguish the one whom I myself offered you? Here's my fiancé... Sophia. And I love him heartily. Starodum. You both deserve each other. (Joining their hands in admiration.) With all my soul I give you my consent. Milon (embracing Starodum). My happiness is incomparable! Sophia (kissing Starodumova’s hands). Who could be happier than me! Pravdin. How sincerely I am glad! SCENE VII Same with Skotinin Skotinin. And here I am. Starodum. Why did you come? Skotinin. For your needs. Starodum. How can I serve? Skotinin. In two words. Starodum. What are these? Skotinin. Hugging me tighter, say: Sophia is yours. Starodum. Are you planning something foolish? Think about it carefully. Skotinin. I never think and I’m sure in advance that if you don’t think either, then Sophia is mine. Starodum. Just how you want me to give my niece, to whom I don’t know. Skotinin. You don't know, I'll say this. I am Taras Skotinin, not the last of my kind. The Skotinins family is great and ancient. You won’t find our ancestor in any heraldry*. Pravdin (laughing). So you can assure us that he is older than Adam? Skotinin. And what do you think? At least a few... * Heraldry was the name of an institution that, among other things, registered noble genealogies. Starodum (laughing). That is, your ancestor was created at least on the sixth day, and a little earlier than Adam? Skotinin. No, right? So do you have a good opinion of the antiquity of my family? Starodum. ABOUT! so kind that I wonder how in your place you can choose a wife from another family, like the Skotinins? Skotinin. Think about how lucky Sophia is to be with me. She is a noblewoman... Starodum. What a man! Yes, that’s why you’re not her fiancé. Skotinin. I went for it. Let them talk that Skotinin married a noblewoman. It doesn't matter to me. Starodum. Yes, it doesn’t matter to her when they say that the noblewoman married Skotinin. Milo. Such inequality would make you both miserable. Skotinin. Bah! What does this one equal? (Quietly to Starodum.) Ah! doesn't it beat off? Starodum (quietly to Skotinin). It seems so to me. Skotinin (in the same tone). Where the hell! Starodum (in the same tone). Hard. Skotinin (loudly, pointing to Milo). Which of us is funny? Ha, ha, ha, ha! Starodum (laughs). I see who's funny. Sophia. Uncle! How nice it is to me that you are cheerful. Skotinin (to Starodum). Bah! Yes, you are a funny guy.. Davich, I thought that there would be no attack on you. You didn’t say a word to me, but now you keep laughing with me. Starodum. Such is the man, my friend! The hour doesn't come. Skotinin. This is clear. After all, I was the same Skotinin as Davich, and you were angry. Starodum. There was a reason. Skotinin. I know her. I'm the same way about this myself. At home, when I go to bite and find them not in order, I will be annoyed. And you, without saying a word, when you came here, you found your sister’s house no better than the nibbles, and you’re annoyed. Starodum. You make me happier. People touch me. Skotinin. And I'm such a pig. SCENE VIII The same, Mrs. Prostakova, Prostakov, Mitrofan and Eremeevna Mrs. Prostakova (entering). Is everything with you, Mitrofanushka? Mitrofan. Well, don't worry. Mrs. Prostakova (to Starodum). We have come, father, to give you some trouble now our common by request. (To my husband and son.) Take a bow. Starodum. Which one, madam? Mrs. Prostakova. First of all, I would like to ask everyone to please sit down. Everyone sits down, except Mitrofan and Eremeevna. That's the thing, father. For the prayers of our parents - we sinners, where could we beg - the Lord gave us Mitrofanushka. We did everything to make him the way you would like to see him. Wouldn’t you like, my father, to take on the labor and see how we learned it? Starodum. Oh, madam! It has already reached my ears that he now only deigned to unlearn. I found out who his teachers were. I see in advance what kind of literate he needs to be, studying with Kuteikin, and what kind of mathematician, studying with Tsyfirkin. (To Pravdin.) I would be curious to hear what the German taught him. Mrs. Prostakova. All sciences, father. Prostakov. Everything, my father. Mitrofan. Whatever you want. Pravdin (to Mitrofan). Why, for example? Mitrofan (hands him the book). Here, grammar. Pravdin (taking the book). I see. This is grammar. What do you know about it? Mitrofan. A lot of. Noun and adjective... Pravdin. Door, for example, which name: a noun or an adjective? Mitrofan. Door? Which door? Pravdin. Which door! This one. Mitrofan. This? Adjective. Pravdin. Why? Mitrofan. Because it is attached to its place. Over there at the closet of the pole for a week the door has not yet been hung: so for now that is a noun. Starodum. So that's why you use the word fool as an adjective, because it is applied to a stupid person? Mitrofan. And it is known. Mrs. Prostakova. What, what is it, my father? Prostakov. How is it, my father? Pravdin. It couldn't be better. He is strong in grammar. Milo. I think no less in history. Mrs. Prostakova. Well, my father, he is still a hunter of stories. Skotinin. Mitrofan for me. I myself won’t take my eyes off it without the elected official telling me stories. Master, son of a dog, where does everything come from! Mrs. Prostakova. However, he still won’t come against Adam Adamych. Pravdin (to Mitrofan). How far are you in history? Mitrofan. How far is it? What's the story? In another you will fly to distant lands, for kingdom thirtieth . Pravdin. A! Is this the story that Vralman teaches you? Starodum. Vralman! The name is somewhat familiar. Mitrofan. No. Our Adam Adamych doesn’t tell stories; He, like me, is a keen listener himself. Mrs. Prostakova. They both force themselves to tell stories to the cowgirl Khavronya. Pravdin. Didn’t they both study geography from her? Mrs. Prostakova (to her son). Do you hear, my dear friend? What kind of science is this? Mitrofan (quietly to his mother). How do I know? Mrs. Prostakova (quietly to Mitrofan). Don't be stubborn, darling. Now is the time to show yourself. Mitrofan (quietly to his mother). Yes, I have no idea what they are asking about. Mrs. Prostakova (to Pravdin). What, father, did you call science? Pravdin. Geography. Mrs. Prostakova (to Mitrofan). Do you hear, eorgafiya. Mitrofan. What is it! Oh my God! They stuck me with a knife to my throat. Mrs. Prostakova (to Pravdin). And we know, father. Yes, tell him, do me a favor, what kind of science this is, he will tell it. Pravdin. Description of the land. Mrs. Prostakova (to Starodum). What would this serve in the first case? Starodum. In the first case, it would also be suitable for the fact that if you happen to go, you know where you are going. Mrs. Prostakova. Ah, my father! But what are cab drivers for? It's their business. This is not a noble science either. Nobleman, just say: take me there, they will take me wherever you please. Believe me, father, that, of course, what Mitrofanushka does not know is nonsense. Starodum. Oh, of course, madam. In human ignorance, it is very comforting to consider everything that you don’t know to be nonsense. Mrs. Prostakova. Without sciences people live and lived. The deceased father was a commander for fifteen years, and at the same time he deigned to die because he did not know how to read and write, but he knew how to make and save enough. He always received petitions, sitting on an iron chest. Afterwards, he will open the chest and put something in. That was the economy! He did not spare his life so as not to take anything out of the chest. I won’t boast to others, I won’t hide it from you, the dead light, lying on a chest with money, died, so to speak, of hunger. A! How does it feel? Starodum. Commendable. You have to be Skotinin to taste such a blissful picture. Skotinin. If we want to prove that the teaching is nonsense, then let’s take Uncle Vavila Falaleich. No one had heard of literacy from him, nor did he want to hear from anyone. And what a head it was! Pravdin. What is it? Skotinin. Yes, this is what happened to him. Riding on a greyhound pacer, he ran drunkenly into the stone gate. The man was tall, the gate was low, he forgot to bend over. As soon as he hit his forehead against the lintel, the Indian bent his uncle to the back of his head*, and the vigorous horse carried him out of the gate to the porch on his back. I would like to know if there is a learned forehead in the world that would not fall apart from such a blow; and my uncle, to his eternal memory, having sobered up, only asked if the gate was intact? *Polytitsa-neck; to the tail - to the tail strap at the saddle. Milo. You, Mr. Skotinin, admit yourself to be an unlearned person; however, I think, in this case, your forehead would be no stronger than a scientist. Starodum (to Milon). Don't bet on it. I think that the Skotinins are all tough-minded by birth. Mrs. Prostakova. My father! What joy is it to learn? We see this with our own eyes and in our region. Whoever is smarter will be immediately elected by his brothers the nobles to some other position. Starodum. And whoever is smarter will not refuse to be useful to his fellow citizens. Mrs. Prostakova. God knows how you judge you today. With us, it used to be that everyone was just looking to retire. (Pravdin.) You yourself, father, work so hard. And now, on my way here, I saw that they were carrying some kind of package to you. Pravdin. Is there a package for me? And no one will tell me this! (Getting up.) I apologize for leaving us. Maybe there are some orders for me from the governor. Starodum (gets up, and everyone gets up). Go, my friend; however, I am not saying goodbye to you. Pravdin. I'll see you again. Are you leaving tomorrow morning? Starodum. At seven o'clock. Pravdin leaves. Milo. And tomorrow, after seeing you off, I will lead my team. Now I’ll go make an order for him. Milon leaves, bidding farewell to Sophia with his eyes. SCENE IX Mrs. Prostakova, Mitrofan, Prostakov, Eremeevna, Starodum, Sofia Mrs. Prostakova (to Starodum). Well, my father! Have you seen enough of what Mitrofanushka is like? Skotinin. Well, my dear friend? Do you see what I'm like? Starodum. I recognized both of them, in short. Skotinin. Should Sophia follow me? Starodum. Not to happen. Mrs. Prostakova. Is Mitrofanushka her fiancé? Starodum. Not the groom. Mrs. Prostakova. What would prevent it? Skotinin. What was the matter? Starodum (bringing both together). You alone can tell me a secret. She's conspired. (He leaves and gives a sign to Sophia to follow him.) Mrs. Prostakova. Ah, the villain! Skotinin. Yes, he's crazy. Mrs. Prostakova (impatiently). When will they leave? Skotinin. After all, you heard, in the morning at seven o’clock. Mrs. Prostakova. At seven o'clock. Skotinin. Tomorrow I will wake up with light suddenly. Be as smart as he pleases, you won’t be able to get rid of Skotinin soon. (Leaves.) Mrs. Prostakova (running around the theater in anger and in thoughts). At seven o'clock!.. We'll get up early... whatever I want, I'll put it on mine... Everyone come to me! Everyone runs up. Mrs. Prostakova (to her husband). Tomorrow at six o'clock, so that the carriage is brought to the back porch. Can you hear? Don't miss it. Prostakov. I’m listening, my mother.. Mrs. Prostakova (to Eremeevna). Don’t you dare take a nap at Sophia’s door all night. As soon as she wakes up, run to me. Eremeevna. I won’t blink, my mother. Mrs. Prostakova (to her son). You, my dear friend, be completely ready at six o’clock and don’t tell the footmen to leave their rooms. Mitrofan. Everything will be done. Mrs. Prostakova. Go with God. (Everyone leaves.) But I already know what to do. Where there is anger, there is mercy. The old man will be angry and forgive him for his captivity. And we will take ours. End of the fourth act ACT FIFTH SCENE I Starodum and Pravdin Pravdin. This was the package that the local landlady herself notified me about yesterday in front of you. Starodum. So, do you now have a way to stop the inhumanity of the evil landowner? Pravdin. I have been instructed to take charge of the house and villages at the first rabies from which the people under her control could suffer. Starodum. Thank God that humanity can find protection! Believe me, where the sovereign thinks, where he knows what his true glory is, there his rights cannot but be restored to humanity. There everyone will soon feel that everyone must seek their own happiness and benefits in the one thing that is legal, and that it is unlawful to oppress their own kind with slavery. Pravdin. I agree with you on this: how tricky it is to destroy inveterate prejudices in which low souls find their benefits! Starodum. Listen, my friend! A great sovereign is a wise sovereign. His job is to show people their direct good. The glory of his wisdom is to rule over people, because there is no wisdom to rule over idols. The peasant, who is worse than everyone else in the village, usually chooses to shepherd the flock, because it takes a little intelligence to graze the cattle. A sovereign worthy of the throne strives to elevate the souls of his subjects. We see this with our own eyes. Pravdin. The pleasure that sovereigns enjoy in possessing free souls must be so great that I do not understand what motives could distract... Starodum. A! How great a soul must be in a sovereign in order to take the path of truth and never stray from it! How many nets are laid to catch the soul of a person who has the fate of his own kind in his hands! And, firstly, a crowd of stingy flatterers constantly tries to assure him that people were created for him, and not he for people. Pravdin. Without spiritual contempt it is impossible to imagine what a flatterer is. Starodum. A flatterer is a creature who is not only about others, but also about himself good opinion does not have. All his aspirations are to first blind a person’s mind, and then make of him what he needs. He is a night thief who will first put out the candle and then begin to steal. Pravdin. Human misfortunes, of course, are caused by their own corruption; but ways to make people kind... Starodum. They are in the hands of the sovereign. How soon everyone sees that without good behavior no one can go out in public; that no vile length of service and no amount of money can buy what merit is rewarded with; that people are chosen for places, and not places are kidnapped by people, then everyone finds his advantage in being well-behaved and everyone will be good. Pravdin. Fair. The great sovereign gives... Starodum. Grace and friendship to those whom he pleases; places and ranks for those who are worthy. Pravdin. So that in worthy people There was no shortage; special efforts are now being made about education. .. Starodum. It should be the key to the well-being of the state. We see all the unfortunate consequences of bad education. Well, what can come out of Mitrofanushka for the fatherland, for whom ignorant parents also pay money to ignorant teachers? How many noble fathers who moral education they entrust their son to their serf slave! Fifteen years later, instead of one slave, two come out, an old guy and a young master. Pravdin. But persons of the highest status enlighten their children... Starodum. This is all true; Yes, I would like that in all sciences the main goal of all human knowledge - good behavior - is not forgotten. Believe me, science in a depraved person is a fierce weapon to do evil. Enlightenment elevates one virtuous soul. I would like, for example, that when raising the son of a noble gentleman, his mentor would unfold History to him every day and show him two places in it: in one, how great people contributed to the good of their fatherland; in another, as an unworthy nobleman, who used his trust and power for evil, from the height of his magnificent nobility fell into the abyss of contempt and reproach. Pravdin. It is indeed necessary that every state of people should have a decent upbringing; then you can be sure... What's that noise? Starodum. What happened? SCENE II The same Milon, Sophia, Eremeevna Milon (pushing away from Sophia Eremeevna, who was clinging to her, shouts to the people, having a naked sword in his hand). Don't anyone dare come near me! Sophia (rushing to Starodum). Ah, uncle! Protect me. Starodum. My friend! What's happened! Pravdin. What an atrocity! Sophia. My heart is trembling! Eremeevna. My little head is missing! Milo. Villains! Walking here, I see a lot of people who, grabbing her by the arms, despite resistance and screaming, are taking her from the porch to the carriage! Sophia. Here is my savior! Starodum. My friend! Pravdin (Eremeevna). Now tell me where you wanted to take me, or what happened to the villain... Eremeevna. Get married, my father, get married! Mrs. Prostakova (behind the scenes). Rogues! The thieves! Fraudsters! I'll order everyone to be beaten to death! SCENE III The same, Ms. Prostakova, Prostakov, Mitrofan Ms. Prostakova. What a mistress I am in the house! (Pointing to Milon.) A stranger threatens, my order means nothing. Prostakov. Am I to blame? Mitrofan. Take care of people! Mrs. Prostakova. I don't want to be alive! Pravdin. The crime, to which I myself am a witness, gives the right to you as an uncle, and to you as a groom... Ms. Prostakova. To the groom! Prostakov. We are good! Mitrofan. All to hell! Pravdin. Demand from the government that the insult done to her be punished to the fullest extent of the laws. Now I will present her before the court as a violator of civil peace. Mrs. Prostakova (throwing herself on her knees) Fathers, it’s my fault! Pravdin. The husband and son could not help but take part in the crime... Simpletons. Guilty without guilt. Mitrofan. It's my fault, uncle. Mrs. Prostakova. Oh me, the dog's daughter! What have I done! SCENE IV The same and Skotinin Skotinin. Well, sister, it was a good thing... Bah! What is this? All of us are on our knees! Mrs. Prostakova (kneeling). Ah, my fathers, the sword does not cut off a guilty head. My sin! Don't ruin me. (To Sophia.) You are my dear mother, forgive me. Have mercy on me (pointing to my husband and son) and on the poor orphans. Skotinin. Sister! Are you talking about your mind? Pravdin. Shut up, Skotinin. Mrs. Prostakova. God will give you prosperity and with your dear groom, what do you want in my head? Sophia (to Starodum). Uncle! I forget my insult. Mrs. Prostakova (raising her hands to Starodum). Father! Forgive me too, a sinner. After all, I am a man, not an angel. Starodum. I know, I know that a person cannot be an angel. You don't even have to be a devil. Milo. Both the crime and her repentance are worthy of contempt. Pravdin (to Starodum). Your slightest complaint, your one word before the government... and it cannot be saved. Starodum. I don't want anyone to die. I forgive her. Everyone jumped up from their knees. Mrs. Prostakova. Forgive me! Ah, father!.. Well! Now I will give the dawn to the canals, my people. Now I'll go through everyone one by one. Now I’ll find out who let her out of his hands. No, scammers! No, thieves! I will never forgive this ridicule. Pravdin. Why do you want to punish your people? Mrs. Prostakova. Oh, father, what kind of question is this? Am I not powerful in my people too? Pravdin. Do you consider yourself to have the right to fight whenever you want? Skotinin. Isn't a nobleman free to beat a servant whenever he wants? Pravdin. Whenever he wants! What kind of hunt is this? You are straight Skotinin. (To Mrs. Prostakova.) No, madam, no one is free to tyrannize. Mrs. Prostakova. Not free! A nobleman, when he wants, is not free to whip his servants: but why have we been given a decree on the freedom of the nobility? * * “The Decree on the Liberty of the Nobility,” issued in 1762 by Peter III, provided the nobility with a number of advantages, including exempting nobles from compulsory service to the state. Prostakova understands the decree as permission for the nobles to do whatever they want. Starodum. A master at interpreting decrees! Mrs. Prostakova. If you please, mock me, but now I’m going to turn everyone upside down... (Tries to go.) Pravdin (stopping her). Stop, madam. (Taking out the paper and speaking in an important voice to Prostakov.) In the name of the government, I order you to immediately gather your people and peasants to announce to them a decree that for the inhumanity of your wife, to which your extreme weakness of mind allowed her, the government commands me to take custody of your house and villages . Prostakov. A! What have we come to! Mrs. Prostakova. How! New trouble! For what, father? That I am the mistress in my house... Pravdin. An inhuman lady, who cannot tolerate evil in a well-established state. (To Prostakov.) Come on. Prostakov (walks away, clasping his hands). Who is this from, mother? Mrs. Prostakova (sad). Oh, grief has taken over! Oh, sad! Skotinin. Bah! bah! bah! Yes, that’s how they’ll get to me. Yes, and any Skotinin can end up under guardianship... I’ll get out of here in a good, healthy way. Mrs. Prostakova. I'm losing everything. I'm completely dying! Skotinin (to Starodum). I was coming to you to get some sense. Groom... Starodum (pointing to Milo). There he is. Skotinin. Yeah! So I have nothing to do here. Harness the wagon, and... Pravdin. Yes, go to your pigs. Don’t forget, however, to tell all the Skotinins what they are exposed to. Skotinin. How not to warn your friends! I will tell them to be people... Pravdin. Loved more, or at least... Skotinin. Well... Pravdin. At least they didn't touch it. Skotinin (leaving). At least they didn't touch it. SCENE V Mrs. Prostakova, Starodum, Pravdin, Mitrofan, Sofya, Eremeevna Mrs. Prostakova (Pravdin). Father, don’t destroy me, what did you get? Is it possible to somehow cancel the decree? Are all decrees being implemented? Pravdin. I will not step down from my position in any way. Mrs. Prostakova. Give me at least three days. (Aside.) I would make myself known... Pravdin. Not for three hours. Starodum. Yes, my friend! Even in three hours she can do so much mischief that you can’t help it with a century. Mrs. Prostakova. How can you, father, get into the details yourself? Pravdin. It's my business. Someone else's property will be returned to its owners, and... Ms. Prostakova. How about getting rid of debts?.. Teachers have not been paid extra... Pravdin. Teachers? (Eremeevna.) Are they here? Enter them here. Eremeevna. The tea that arrived. And what about the German, my father?.. Pravdin. Call everyone. Eremeevna leaves. Pravdin. Don't worry about anything, madam, I will please everyone. Starodum (seeing Mrs. Prostakova in anguish). Madam! You will feel better about yourself, having lost the power to do bad things to others. Mrs. Prostakova. Thankful for the mercy! Where am I good for when in my house my hands and will have no power! SCENE VI The same, Eremeevna, Vralman, Kuteikin, Tsyfirkin Eremeevna (introducing the teachers to Pravdin). That's all our bastard for you, my father. Vralman (to Pravdin). Fache high-and-plachorotie. Have you fouled me to ask the sepa?.. Kuteikin (to Pravdin). The call came and came. Tsyfirkin (to Pravdin). What will the order be, your honor? Starodum (since Vralman’s arrival he peers at him). Bah! Is that you, Vralman? Vralman (recognizing Starodum). Ay! ah! ah! ah! ah! It is you, my gracious master. (Kissing the floor of Starodum.) Are you going to cheat the old lady, my dear fellow? Pravdin. How? Is he familiar to you? Starodum. How come I don’t know you? He was my coachman for three years. Everyone shows surprise. Pravdin. Quite a teacher! Starodum. And you are one of the teachers here. Vralman? I thought, really, that you were a kind person and would not take on anything that was not your own. Vralman. What are you saying, my father? I’m not the first one, I’m not the last one. For three months in Moscow I was staggering around the place, kutsher nihte not nata. It came to me to either measure the lipo or the ear... Pravdin (to the teachers). By the will of the government, having become the guardian of this house, I am releasing you. Tsyfirkin. Better not. Kuteikin. Are you willing to let go? Yes, first let’s part ways... Pravdin. What do you need? Kuteikin. No, dear sir, my account is very large. For six months for studying, for shoes that I wore out at the age of three, for simple work that you came here, it happened, in vain, for... Ms. Prostakova. Insatiable soul! Kuteikin! What is this for? Pravdin. Do not interfere, madam, I beg you. Mrs. Prostakova. But if it's true, what did you teach Mitrofanushka? Kuteikin. It's his business. Not mine. Pravdin (to Kuteikin). Good good. (To Tsyfirkin). How much do you need to pay? Tsyfirkin. To me? Nothing. Mrs. Prostakova. For one year, father, he was given ten rubles, and for another year he was not paid a half ruble. Tsyfirkin. So: with those ten rubles I wore out my boots in two years. We're even. Pravdin. What about studying? Tsyfirkin. Nothing. Starodum. Like nothing? Tsyfirkin. I won't take anything. He didn't adopt anything. Starodum. However, you still have to pay less. Tsyfirkin. My pleasure. I served the sovereign for more than twenty years. I took money for service, I didn’t take it in vain, and I won’t take it. Starodum. Here is a straightforward, kind man! Starodum and Milon take money out of their wallets. Pravdin. Aren't you ashamed, Kuteikin? Kuteikin (downing his head). Shame on you, damned one. Starodum (to Tsyfirkin). Here's to you, my friend, for kind soul. Tsyfirkin. Thank you, Your Highness. Thankful. You are free to give me. Having not earned it myself, I will not demand a century. Milon (giving him money). Here's more for you, my friend! Tsyfirkin. And thanks again. Pravdin also gives him money. Tsyfirkin. Why, your honor, are you complaining? Pravdin. Because you are not like Kuteikin. Tsyfirkin. AND! Your Honor. I'm a soldier. Pravdin (to Tsyfirkin). Come on, my friend, with God. Tsifirkin leaves. Pravdin. And you, Kuteikin, perhaps come here tomorrow, and take the trouble to settle accounts with the lady herself. Kuteikin (running out). With myself! I'm giving up on everything. Vralman (to Starodum). Starofa hearing is not ostafte, fashe fyskorotie. Take me back to the sepa. Starodum. Yes, Vralman, I guess, have you fallen behind the horses? Vralman. Hey, no, my dad! Shiuchi with the best hospots, it concerned me that I was with the horses. SCENE VII The same and Valet Valet (to Starodum). Your carriage is ready. Vralman. Will you kill me now? Starodum. Go sit on the box. Vralman leaves. LAST APPEARANCE Mrs. Prostakova, Starodum, Milon, Sophia, Pravdin, Mitrofan, Eremeevna Starodum (to Pravdin, holding the hands of Sophia and Milon). Well, my friend! We go. Wish us... Pravdin. All the happiness to which honest hearts are entitled. Mrs. Prostakova (rushing to hug her son). You are the only one left with me, my dear friend, Mitrofanushka! Mitrofan. Let go, mother, how you imposed yourself... Mrs. Prostakova. And you! And you leave me! A! ungrateful! (Fainted.) Sophia (running up to her). My God! She has no memory. Starodum (Sofya). Help her, help her. Sofya and Eremeevna are helping. Pravdin (to Mitrofan). Scoundrel! Should you be rude to your mother? It was her crazy love for you that brought her the most misfortune. Mitrofan. Yes, it’s as if she doesn’t know... Pravdin. Rude! Starodum (Eremeevne). What is she now? What? Eremeevna (looking intently at Mrs. Prostakova and clasping her hands). He will wake up, my father, he will wake up. Pravdin (to Mitrofan). With you, my friend, I know what to do. I went to serve... Mitrofan (waving his hand). For me, where they tell me... Ms. Prostakova (waking up in despair). I'm completely lost! My power has been taken away! You can’t show your eyes anywhere out of shame! I don't have a son! Starodum (pointing to Ms. Prostakova). These are the fruits worthy of evil!

Act one

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.) Go ahead, Eremeevna, give the child breakfast. Vit, I’m having tea, the teachers will come soon.

Eremeevna. He already, mother, deigned to eat five buns.

Mrs. Prostakova. So you feel sorry for the sixth one, beast? What zeal! Please take a look.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mitrofan. What! Three slices of corned beef, and hearth slices, I don’t remember, five, I don’t remember, six.

Eremeevna. Every now and then he asked for a drink at night. I deigned to eat a whole jug of kvass.

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 (loosen 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, I am still related to her; and I love that strangers listen to me.

Prostakov (to Skotinin). To tell the truth, we treated Sophia like an orphan. After their father, they 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 did not attack anyone, and any loss, rather than going after it, I would rip off from my own peasants, and the ends would go to waste.

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 joyful information. 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.) I bet it's some kind of amorous. And I can guess from whom. This is from the officer who was looking to marry you and whom you yourself wanted to marry. What a beast gives you letters without my asking! I'll get there. This is what we have come to. They write letters to the girls! The girls can read and write!

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

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

Sophia. Let me read it.

Mrs. Prostakova. 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...

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

Mrs. Prostakova. 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. Wherever 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 does not bondage 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, lying on their sides, ranks fly to themselves. Why is their Mitrofanushka worse? Bah! Yes, by the way, our dear guest came here.

Scene VII

Same with Pravdin.

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

Pravdin. I am glad to have made your acquaintance.

Skotinin. Okay, my lord! As for the last name, I didn’t hear it.

Pravdin. I call myself Pravdin so you can hear.

Skotinin. Which native, my lord? Where are the villages?

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

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

Mrs. Prostakova. That's enough, brother, let's start about 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.

Pravdin. 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.

Pravdin. 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...”

Skotinin and both Prostakovs. Ten thousand!

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

Mrs. Prostakova. You as heiress!

Prostakov. Sophia is the heiress!

Skotinin. Her heiress!

Ms. Prostakova (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 protects him, that he is still alive.

Skotinin (extending his hand). Well, sister, quickly shake hands.

Ms. 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? Even if you read for five years, you won’t get better than ten thousand.

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

Scene VIII

Pravdin, Prostakov, Skotinin, servant.

Servant (to Prostakov, out of breath). Master! master! soldiers came and stopped in our village.

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

Pravdin. What are you afraid of?

Prostakov. 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 insolence. Come with me to him. I am sure that you are timid in vain.

Pravdin, Prostakov and the servant leave.

Skotinin. Everyone left me alone. The idea was to go for a walk in the barnyard.

End of the first act.

Prostakov.

Ms. Prostakova, his wife.

Mitrofan, their son, a minor.

Eremeevna, Mitrofanova's mother.

Pravdin.

Starodum.

Sophia, Starodum's niece.

Milo.

Skotinin, brother of Mrs. Prostakova.

Kuteikin, seminarian.

Tsyfirkin, retired sergeant.

Vralman, teacher.

Trishka, tailor.

Servant Prostakova.

Valet Starodum.

Action in the village of Prostakovs.

Act one

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.) Go ahead, Eremeevna, give the child breakfast. Vit, I’m having tea, the teachers will come soon.

Eremeevna. He already, mother, deigned to eat five buns.

Mrs. Prostakova. So you feel sorry for the sixth one, beast? What zeal! Please take a look.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mitrofan. What! Three slices of corned beef, and hearth slices, I don’t remember, five, I don’t remember, six.

Eremeevna. Every now and then he asked for a drink at night. I deigned to eat a whole jug of kvass.

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 (loosen 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?

Denis Ivanovich fonvizin ignorant full content. Comedy test Nedorosl

A very brief summary of the comedy “Minor”

Characters of the play:

Summary of the play “Minor” by action

Act I. One bride - two grooms

Act II. The appearance of Milo - Sophia's real lover

Act III. Return of Starodum

Act IV. Starodum intends to take Sophia away from the Prostakov family

Act V. What everyone deserves

The main characters of the comedy "Minor"

Other characters in the play "The Minor"

Briefly about the history of creation and the main idea of ​​Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin’s work “Minor”

Act one

Phenomenon I

Phenomenon II

Scene III

Phenomenon IV

Phenomenon V

Scene VI

Scene VII

Scene VIII

Act one

Phenomenon I

Phenomenon II

Scene III

Phenomenon IV

Phenomenon V

Briefly about the history of creation and the main idea of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin’s work “Minor”