Griboedov's grief from wit characterization of Molchalin. Characterize Molchalin: what other characters say about him, how he characterizes himself (3 episodes, 3 acts), how he treats Sophia and Lisa, the meaning of his actions
A.S. Molchalin is Famusov’s secretary and enjoys his trust in official matters. He is not a nobleman by birth, but strives to make a career. Molchalin’s surname is justified by his behavior. “He’s on tiptoe and not rich in words,” says Chatsky. Molchalin is a seemingly modest young man. He plays the flute and loves sentimental poems. Sophia admires his kindness, compliance, meekness. She does not understand that all this is a mask that serves M-nu to achieve his life program.
The goal of M’s life is a brilliant career, rank, wealth. He sees the highest happiness in “taking awards and living a happy life.” For this, he chose the surest path: flattery, servility. If If Maxim Petrovich is a type of sycophant of the previous era , then Molchalin is a saint of the new time, acting more subtly and no less successfully. “He will reach the well-known levels, because nowadays they love the dumb,” Chatsky says about him with contempt for his mental abilities. Molchalin knows how he should behave and defines his tactics:
Firstly, to please all people without exception -
The owner, where he will live,
To the boss with whom I will serve,
To his servant, who cleans dresses,
Doorman, janitor, to avoid evil,
To the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate.
Molchalin is in awe of Famusov, he speaks politely, adding “s”: “with papers, sir.” He curries favor with the influential Khlestova. He carefully prepares a game for her to play cards, admiring her dog:
Your Pomeranian is a lovely Pomeranian, no bigger than a thimble,
I stroked him all over, like silk fur.
He achieves his goal: Khlestova calls him “my friend” and “my dear.”
He behaves respectfully with Sophia, pretending to be in love, cares for her not because he likes her, but because she is the daughter of his boss and her location may be useful in his future career. He is a hypocrite with Sophia and with cynical frankness admits to Lisa that loves Sophia “by position.” Molchalin says that at his age he should not dare to have his own opinion.” And he declares why:
After all, you have to depend on others,
We are small in rank.
Adulation and servility to superiors - that’s life principle Molchalin, already bringing him famous success.
"Since I've been listed in the Archives,
He received three awards,” he tells Chatsky, adding that he has two talents: “moderation and accuracy.” Ready for the meanness of wealth and rank, he approaches others with the same standard. Thinking that Lisa’s favor is easy to buy, he promises to give her “a toilet of exquisite workmanship.” At the decisive moment, when Sophia interrupts his embrace with Liza, Molchalin begins to crawl humiliatingly on his knees in front of her, not because he felt guilty before Sophia, but because he was afraid for his career. When Chatsky appears, Molchalin, completely chickened out, flees for his life. This causes Chatsky’s indignation. “Silent people are blissful in the world!” Chatsky exclaims with anger and indignation. And just so empty, insignificant person was the culprit of “a million torments” of the smart, noble Chatsky, the culprit of Sophia’s tragedy.
Griboyedov, in his comedy "Woe from Wit" created many typical characters. These images remain relevant today. One of these heroes is Molchalin. He is the brightest representative people who live in our time. Let's take a closer look at his character.
Molchalin is a poor young man originally from Tver, whom Famusov took into his service and gave the rank of collegiate assessor.
We can assume that Molchalin is a rootless man, probably from a family of philistines. Famusov says this about him: “He warmed up Bezrodny and brought him into my family.”
I believe that Molchalin can be described as a cowardly and low person. The most noticeable trait of his character is his silence - which is immediately evident from his last name. (“He is silent when he is scolded”, “Not a free word, and so the whole night passes”) He never expresses his own opinion, prefers short, choppy phrases in communication. “At my age I shouldn’t dare to have my own opinion,” says Molchalin. He seems to be afraid of not pleasing his interlocutor with his remarks.
Molchalin lives by the principle bequeathed to him by his father: “to please all people without exception.” His helpfulness goes beyond the boundaries allowed by morality. We see a sharp contrast to this method of communication in Molchalin’s dialogue with Liza. He accepts her as “his own”, so he is not afraid to openly express his opinion, to say what he thinks. He tells her about his frivolous intentions in his relationship with Sophia, claims that he loves her only “by position.” He admits that he is using Sophia for his own benefit. This describes him as vicious, cowardly man, who, trying to get out among people, makes his way through silent lies and helpfulness. We learn about most of Molchalin’s qualities from the remarks of other heroes. At first, Sophia describes him as a wonderful spiritual organization of a person: “Molchalin is ready to forget himself for others,” “The enemy of insolence, always shyly, timidly...”. Her words clearly show how much she loves him. Chatsky, on the contrary, treats Molchalin with the deepest contempt. He openly doubts his abilities and does not believe that he can achieve anything. Chatsky considers Molchalin a fool, a “most pitiful creature”, incapable of any conscious action. But afterwards Chatsky realizes that this is just Molchalin’s mask, that in fact he is a cunning and unprincipled person who knows how to achieve his goals. Chatsky says that Molchalin “will reach the famous levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.” Molchalin also treats other heroes of the comedy differently. With people above him in rank he is helpful, he does not dare to say extra words. With Chatsky, he allows himself not only to express his opinion, but also to give him advice. After all, Chatsky is not only the same age as Molchalin, but also has no ranks. Therefore, Molchalin sees no reason for his usual helpfulness in the presence of Chatsky. The attitude of other heroes towards Molchalin and his attitude towards them characterizes him as an immoral person, seeing in others only ranks and titles, not taking into account the soul of a person.
Thus, Griboyedov created a negative, but interesting to study, image in his comedy. Such silent liars exist in modern society. And it is the duty of every person to eradicate in himself all those qualities that are in him, to develop in himself all that is good, bright, and not base and false. Everyone should try not to be Silent.
Updated: 2017-02-08
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The images of Moscow nobles of the early 19th century are presented, when a split emerged in society between the conservative nobility and those who adopted the ideas of Decembrism. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the “present century” and the “past century”, the painful and historically natural replacement of old noble ideals with new ones. Supporters of the “past century” in comedy are numerous. These are not only such significant and influential people in the world as the feudal landowners Famusov and Colonel Skalozub, but also young nobles who do not have high ranks and forced to “serve” powerful people. This is the image of Molchalin in the comedy “Woe from Wit”.
Molchalin is a poor nobleman originally from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who “gave him the rank of assessor and took him on as secretary.” Molchalin is the secret lover of Famusov’s daughter, but Sophia’s father does not want to see him as a son-in-law, because in Moscow it is supposed to have a son-in-law “with stars and ranks.” Molchalin does not yet meet these standards. However, his desire to “serve” is very valuable for Famus society.
Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the position of Famusov’s secretary, because usually such positions are hired only through patronage. Famusov says: “With me, strangers’ employees are very rare: more and more sisters, sisters-in-law and children; Only Molchalin is not my own, and that’s because he’s a businessman.” It is business qualities, and not honor and dignity, that are valuable in the Famus environment.
In the play "Woe from Wit" the image of Molchalin fully complies with accepted standards of behavior young nobleman in society. He curries favor and humiliates himself in front of influential guests in Famusov’s house, because they can be useful in his career advancement. Molchalin descends to the point that he begins to praise the smooth fur of Khlestova’s dog. He believes that while “we are small in rank,” “we must depend on others.” That is why Molchalin lives by the principle “At my age one should not dare to have one’s own opinion.”
Like everyone else in Famusov society, in the comedy “Woe from Wit” Molchalin is proud of his successes in his career and boasts of them at every opportunity: “As I work and effort, since I am listed in the archives, I have received three awards.” Molchalin also succeeded in establishing connections with the “right” people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because “officials and officials are all her friends and all her relatives,” and even dares to recommend this manner of behavior to Chatsky.
Despite the fact that Molchalin’s views and values completely coincide with the ideals conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is located. Famusov’s daughter will be deceived by this very man, since he assumes the guise of her lover “by position,” that is, for profit.
Molchalin fully reveals his face when interacting with the maid Liza, whom he expresses sympathy.
“You and the young lady are modest, but the maid is a rake,” she tells him. It becomes clear to the reader that Molchalin is not at all a stupid, modest person - he is a two-faced and dangerous person.
In Molchalin’s heart there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he puts on this performance “to please the daughter of such a man,” and on the other hand, he is mortally afraid that his secret relationship with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid of ruining the opinion of himself in society, because “ gossips scarier than a pistol" Even Sophia is ready to go against the light for the sake of love: “What do I hear?!” This is probably why Molchalin does not find “anything enviable” in his marriage to Sophia.
It turns out that with his meanness Molchalin causes harm even to the society of which he is a product. Molchalin simply clearly follows his father’s advice - “to please all people without exception - the owner, where I happen to live, the boss with whom I will serve...”
This hero fully corresponds to the ideals of the “past century”, although he belongs to to the younger generation nobles He knows the main thing - to adapt, and therefore “Silent people are blissful in the world.”
Thus, Molchalin is the product and worthy continuation of representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values only rank and money and evaluates people only by these standards. The cunning and duplicity of this hero are the defining features of Molchalin’s characterization in the comedy “Woe from Wit.” That’s why Chatsky claims that Molchalin “will reach the well-known levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.”
The problem that Griboyedov raises in the comedy “Woe from Wit” remains relevant to this day. At all times there have been Molchalins who stopped at nothing to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as such values as wealth and position in society, rather than honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism, are put at the forefront.
Characteristics of the hero, reasoning about his views and ideals, description of relationships with other characters - all these arguments will help 9th grade students when writing an essay on the topic of the image of Molchalin in the comedy “Woe from Wit”
The image of Molchalin in the comedy “Woe from Wit” by Griboyedov - a characterization for an essay on the topic |
In A.S. Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit,” the poet depicts the image of Molchalin, the meaning of which has not lost its relevance today. N.V. Gogol was the first to notice the features of a sycophant, secretly, with the help of undisguised frank flattery, and M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin, in the grotesque manner characteristic of the writer, portrays Molchalin as an official with blood-stained hands, trying to rise through the ranks. career ladder, pushing aside the smarter and more worthy ones as they go.
The image of Molchalin emerges especially clearly in his interactions with other characters in the play and, above all, in his relationship with Sophia. Molchalin understands that by feigning love for Famusov’s daughter, he enlists her support and appears before Sophia as a timid and modest lover. The girl does not catch his pretense, and perceives the absence of sincere and passionate feelings as restraint and sobriety of mind. Molchalin understands that Chatsky’s appearance in Famusov’s house threatens his relationship with Sophia, and therefore his career. He is trying in every possible way to strengthen his position. Molchalin fakes a fall from a horse, pretending to be so injured in front of Sophia that the girl in love with him faints. He is so hypocritical that he immediately gets up and shakes himself off as soon as Sophia is carried into the house in a fainting state.
Molchalin's cynicism knows no bounds. Despite possible exposure, he brazenly pesters Lisa, not paying attention to her refusal and reproaches that Molchalin is a rake with the maid, and a modest one with the young lady. Mean by nature, Molchalin tries in every possible way to denigrate Chatsky in the eyes of Sophia, portraying him as talkative and frivolous, ready to ridicule anyone as a tactless person. Succumbing to his harmful influence, Sophia begins to look at Chatsky through the eyes of Molchalin. She gets into an argument with Chatsky and proves to him that Molchalin is a decent and virtuous young man. She even tries to contrast the virtuous Molchalin with the mocking and sharp-tongued Chatsky. This opposition, put into Sophia’s mouth, acquires much more deep meaning than contrasting the characters and traits of two rivals. This is a contrast between two different life positions. On the one hand, a sincere, decent person, who does not tolerate pretense, flattery, who does not mix pleasure and work, on the other hand, he is a most pitiable creature, a fool, who is nothing worthwhile, who achieves success in dirty and vile, roundabout ways. Without hesitation, Molchalin himself says that he fulfills his father’s will to please everyone in order to avoid evil, be it the owner, boss, servant, doorman or janitor’s dog. And Molchalin strictly follows his father’s precepts, not only in words. He gives the noble lady Khlestova the opportunity to win at cards, strokes and praises her dog, winning the favor of the eminent lady.
Molchalin’s speech deserves special attention, obsequious with those who occupy the highest position in society and condescendingly dismissive with those on whom he does not depend. Molchalin is laconic and cautious; he carefully and diligently selects the right words depending on who it is addressed to. In a conversation with Famusov, he is respectful and always emphasizes his desire for work; he addresses Khlestova with undisguised flattery. While with Sophia Molchalin is modest all night long and only holds her hand, with Lisa he does not choose words, but directly and rudely demands intimacy from her. Molchalin also does not stand on ceremony with Chatsky, he shows him his superiority, boasts of his career and love successes and even tries to encourage Chatsky to follow his example and visit the influential Tatyana Yuryevna in order to achieve rank. Chatsky rightly and with regret states that in the existing society the dumb enjoy special favor from their superiors, they can go far and achieve well-known degrees.
The final scene of the play debunks Molchalin's hidden agenda, and Sophia rejects him. However, Moscow at that time gave preference to the likes of the Molchalins, who moved up the career ladder with the help of flattery and helpfulness, and rejected the smart and energetic Chatskys in every possible way. "Woe from Wit" is performed on the stage of many theaters and the problems of careerism raised in this play remain relevant to this day. This was proven by many actors who played the role of Molchalin, including the first vaudeville actor N.O. Dur in 1831 and K.Yu. Lavrov, who showed Molchalin as the second main character of the plot Griboyedov's comedy in 1962
Updated: 2011-05-07
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Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin is one of the main characters of the comedy by A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit".
Molchalin serves as Famusov’s secretary and enjoys his trust in official matters. He sees the purpose of his life in rank, wealth and career. His highest happiness is “to win awards and live happily.” To achieve his goals, Molchalin makes connections with influential people, believing that this The best way climb the career ladder. Trembling before Famusov, he always speaks, politely adding “s” (with papers, s). He plays cards with the influential Khlestakova, admiring her dog:
Your Pomeranian is a lovely Pomeranian, no bigger than a thimble.
I stroked him all over - like silk fur.
He achieves his goal, Khlestakova calls him “my friend” and “my dear.”
Molchalin has a telling surname.
“Here he is on tiptoe and not rich in words,” Chatsky says about him. Molchalin does not express his opinion:
At my age I shouldn't dare
Have your own opinion.
He is taciturn, his phrases are fragmentary, especially when communicating with people of higher rank than him. And even with the girl who loves him, Sofia, he is silent:
He will sigh from the depths of his soul,
Not a free word, and so the whole night passes.
Despite this, Molchalin talks freely with Lisa, confessing his feelings to her, and tells Chatsky about his base position. Therefore, we can say that taciturnity is not so much a character trait of Molchalin, but another way to achieve goals. It was not for nothing that Chatsky said that Molchalin would reach “the famous levels, because nowadays they love the dumb.”
In addition, Molchalin sacredly honors his father’s instructions: “to please all people without flaw”
Thus, we can say that Chatsky was not mistaken when he said: “The silent ones are blissful in the world.”
Molchalin's character is revealed gradually, in relationships with other people.
So, with Famusov he is a helpful and quiet young man. He depends on Famusov, so he is very modest. When communicating with Lisa, he is much more emotional: “You are a cheerful creature! Alive!"). He openly confesses his love to Lisa, while insulting Sophia. He cynically calls her: “our deplorable theft.” At the same time, when communicating with Sophia, Molchalin is respectful, he pretends to be in love with the girl and looks after her for promotion.
In the comedy, Molchalin is contrasted with Chatsky, who is truly in love with Sophia. And we see how the dramatic knot between Molchalin, Sophia and Chatsky is slowly unraveling. Molchalin is also the main figure in the struggle between Sophia and Chatsky. After all, Chatsky, calling Molchalin stupid, offended Sophia’s beloved. And she took revenge by making Chatsky look crazy. We also cannot help but notice that Molchalin is one of the main persons in last scene, where everything fell into place. Sophia found out about Molchalin's true intentions, and he began to crawl humiliatingly on his knees, not because he felt guilty before Sophia, but because he was afraid for his career. When Chatsky appeared, he ran away completely. Here all of Molchalin’s cowardice and meanness were fully revealed.
As a result, we can say that Molchalin will always have a place in Famus society.
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Updated: 2017-10-04
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