The images of the main characters are woeful. Characteristics of the main characters of the work Woe from Wit, Griboyedov

The main character of this comedy by Griboyedov is Alexander Chatsky, who ultimately suffered from his mind, which gave rise to the name of the comedy. Chatsky is the only comedy hero who represents the “present century.”

One of the main features of the comedy “Woe from Wit” by A.S. Griboedov is the presence in the play of two conflicts that are closely related to each other. One of them is love, the other is social.

Famusov in his comedy represents the “past century.” In the noble society, at which Griboyedov’s satire is directed, only rank and money are valued. Its main advantages are “moderation and accuracy.” Chatsky is sharply opposed to these heroes. When characterizing the characters in “Woe from Wit,” it is most difficult to interpret the image of Sofia Famusova.

Unlike her father and Molchalin, Sophia is not afraid of the opinions of society. The list of characters in “Woe from Wit” is not limited to the main characters. They do not participate in the actions of the comedy, but other characters talk about them, which allows us to more fully imagine the mores of the noble society of that time. Woe from Wit" is one of the most quoted texts in Russian culture. Moliere looks at his hero from above and exposes all his weaknesses and shortcomings.

Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit” is, first of all, a dispute with the very idea of ​​​​Moliere’s comedy “The Misanthrope”. A young man who is at odds with society is in love with a girl who belongs to this society and does not respond to his feelings. The conflict between man and society is the main problem of both comedies. In order to understand what this conflict is for Alceste and for Chatsky, you need to understand a lot about their characters.

Heroes of the comedy "Woe from Wit". Sofia, Famusov, Molchalin

His ideas and caustic, mocking words cause mistrust and push people away from him. This is partly the meaning of the title of the entire comedy. The mind makes itself hostile. The reason for Moliere's dislike for his hero was that the latter's actions and actions contradicted the tenets of the classicist consciousness. In order to reduce the pathos of Alceste’s words, hostile to the rules of classicism, Moliere forces the characters surrounding the protagonist to respond with a smile to his rantings.

On this occasion, Griboedov wrote in the same letter to Katenin: “I’ll add one thing about Moliere’s characters: “The Bourgeois in the Nobility”, “The Imaginary Ill” are portraits, and excellent ones. In connection with the above words of Acast, another important topic arises for understanding Moliere and Griboyedov. This is an attitude towards modern society and its predecessors.

However, after all the discussions about the author’s attitude towards the heroes and their ancestors, we should return to the comedy “The Misanthrope” itself. This is evidenced by the very location of the heroes. Pavel Famusov is Sophia's father, the owner of the mansion in which the comedy takes place, the gentleman and Molchalin's employer. A. S. Griboyedov was close to the Decembrists, and there was hostility in him towards the serfdom.

Analysis of the characters of Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit”

Woe from Wit” he completed in 1824, and it was immediately banned by censorship. The roles of the characters are not expressed as clearly as in the classical play. Even Griboyedov’s typical image has individual features; it is multifaceted and interesting.

Comedy by A. S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”: plot, characters, innovation in the work

It combines “situation comedy” and “character comedy.” Previously, comedy and sublime ideas were considered incompatible, but it is the social conflict that becomes the main one in Woe from Wit. A. S. Pushkin called Griboedov a “comic genius,” quite rightly predicting that half of his comedy poems would go down in history. Woe from Wit" was the first work with such an accurate and quick reaction to current events. Chatsky, the main character of the comedy, which appeared “on the eve of the disturbance on St. Isaac’s Square,” immediately began to be perceived by readers as a reflection of the Decembrist type in literature.

A lot of controversy and mixed opinions have accumulated about this comedy, and even more about its main character. The purpose of my essay is to consider and compare all the characteristics of Chatsky. This work provides an overview of all interpretations of the image of the main character, the attitude of contemporaries, critics and friends of Griboyedov towards him.

This determines the arrangement of the heroes of the comedy “Woe from Wit”. The love line is represented by Chatsky, Sophia and Molchalin. But Sophia greets him with extreme restraint, because she is in love with Molchalin. The main feature of the worldview of the conservative nobility is that they do not want any changes, because changes threaten their well-being.

The main characters of Griboyedov’s comedies “Woe from Wit” and Moliere’s “The Misanthrope”

And Famusov is no exception. He speaks with pride of his uncle, Maxim Petrovich, who knew how to “curry favor” and therefore “knew honor before everyone.” Molchalin also speaks on behalf of the “past century”. Chatsky is the owner of an active, creative mind. He wants to serve “the cause, not individuals,” because he highly values ​​individual freedom, honor and dignity. It cannot be attributed either to the “present century” or “to the past century.”

V. Belinsky. "Woe from Wit." Comedy in 4 acts, in verse. Essay by A.S. Griboyedov.Second edition of St. Petersburg. 1839

She tells Molchalin as much when he asks her to be careful and not show her feelings in public. She plays music and reads books, which Famusov considers unnecessary and even harmful. But Sophia is not on Chatsky’s side, since his accusatory monologues threaten not only the comfortable life of the nobles, but also her personal happiness. That is why Sophia starts a rumor that Chatsky is crazy, and society is so actively spreading this gossip.

The main character of this comedy, Alceste, is disappointed in people and is obsessed with hatred of secular and any other human society. Sophia, whom he loves, does not understand him and does not respond to his love, preferring the quiet, mean Molchalin. But the main characters of the comedy are Famusov and Chatsky.

As I continue to look at the site, I often wonder who are the positive characters here and who are the negative ones? And I can’t clearly answer this question. It would seem that the most negative heroes subsequently do very good deeds, and the seemingly positive heroes do the opposite.

Types of Characters in Griboyedov's Comedy "Woe from Wit"
Characters of Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit"

Chatsky Alexander Andreevich is the main character of the comedy, a young nobleman.

>Sofya Famusova - Chatsky's lover

>Molchalin Alexey Stepanovich - secretary, Sophia’s lover

>Famusov Pavel Afanasyevich - Sophia's father

>Skalozub Sergei Sergeevich - a young colonel, a candidate for Sophia’s husband

>Gorici - a young lady Dmitrievna and her husband Platon Mikhailovich. Both are old acquaintances of Chatsky

Lisa is a servant and confidant of the owner's daughter, Sofia Pavlovna Famusova.

Tugoukhovsky - these spouses came here mainly to find rich grooms for their daughters. Chatsky also comes into their sight, but since he is not rich, they quickly lose interest in Chatsky. Prince Tugoukhovsky, following the logic of his surname, is deaf. Almost all of his lines are interjections. He is henpecked and does not disobey his wife in anything. The princess is distinguished by her evil disposition and causticity.

>Khryumins - grandmother and granddaughter. The granddaughter is an evil old maid. Chatsky responds to her caustic remarks no less harshly. He compares her to French milliners.

>Zagoretsky is a regular in living rooms and dining rooms, “a liar, a gambler and a thief.”

The old woman >Khlestova, Famusov's sister-in-law, is a minor character in the comedy "Woe from Wit" by Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov. She is a living ruin of the past, a remnant of Catherine's century, a typical lady of Catherine's time.

Repetilov is only able to repeat in words the lofty ideas of the Decembrists, without delving into their true meaning. He becomes the central figure of the fourth act.

>Petrushka - Servant in Famusov's house. Famusov addresses him with words that have become popular: “Read not like a sexton, but with feeling, with sense, with order.”

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Probably I like negative heroes because, firstly, they are beautiful, secondly, they all have a sad story, thirdly, they must be smart, and fourthly, he must be unhappy and lonely. But I think that the negative heroes are mysterious, brave, but it’s a pity that sometimes these heroes often die at the end of the film or at the end of the anime... But some heroes realize their guilt and begin to fight for the side of good.

Gorichi

Young lady Natalya Dmitrievna and her husband Platon Mikhailovich. Both are old acquaintances of Chatsky, which becomes known in scene 5 of the third act. Griboyedov portrays Gorichey, smiling ironically.

Chatsky
You are younger, fresher;
Fire, blush, laughter, play in all its features.
Natalya Dmitrievna
I'm married.
Chatsky
You should have said it a long time ago!

Tugoukhovskie

The Tugoukhovskys are among the first to arrive at Famusov’s ball. They are married, and came here mainly to find rich grooms for their daughters. Chatsky also comes into their sight, but since he is not rich, they quickly lose interest in Chatsky. Prince Tugoukhovsky, following the logic of his surname, is deaf. Almost all of his lines are interjections. He is henpecked and does not disobey his wife in anything. The princess is distinguished by her evil disposition and causticity.

Khryumins

Countesses Khryumina: grandmother and granddaughter. The granddaughter is an evil old maid. Chatsky responds to her caustic remarks no less sharply. He compares her to French milliners.

Zagoretsky

Repetilov and Zagoretsky occupy a special place in the comedy. Critics classify them as secondary characters, but they are not his ardent defenders, they obviously do nothing bad to Chatsky, but it is their “tacit consent” that resolves important issues in the lives of other people. Zagoretsky is introduced by the author as a regular in living rooms and dining rooms, “a liar, a gambler and a thief.”

The Tugoukhovskys, Khryumins, Zagoretskys are a satire on Moscow society of those times.

Repetilov

Repetilov appears in the comedy in the fourth act as a guest at Famusov's ball. Griboedov in “Woe from Wit” gives meaningful surnames to many characters, so translated from French the surname Repetilov means “to repeat.” Thus, the author emphasizes that Repetilov is only able to repeat in words the lofty ideas of the Decembrists, without delving into their true meaning. He becomes the central figure of the fourth act. Guests departing from the ball, starting with Chatsky, stop near him, and from the conversations of the guests with Repetilov, gossip about madness reaches him.

Parsley

Servant in Famusov's house. Famusov addresses him with words that have become popular: “Read not like a sexton, but with feeling, with sense, with order.”

The events depicted in the play take place in the post-war years (after the War of 1812), when two opposing camps begin to emerge. These are advanced nobles and conservatives. In the play, Chatsky represents the progressive nobles, and all the conservatives

Conflict

The private conflict reflected an epoch-making conflict. But the public would not have become so significant if it had not been associated with specific individuals, albeit fictitious ones. An intelligent, honest, open young man fights against the vicious age of the past.

The work has two storylines: love and social. The comedy begins with a love affair. Chatsky, who had been absent for three years, arrives at Famusov’s house and is met by the owner’s daughter, Sophia. "Woe from Wit" presents a love story. Chatsky is in love and expects reciprocity from the girl. Further, the love line intertwines with the social one.

Chatsky and Famusov embodied two opposing camps in society. Alexander Andreich's conflict with the past century becomes inevitable as soon as Chatsky crosses the threshold of Famusov's house. With his honest views and ideas, he encounters depravity, mustiness and servility.

Speech of heroes and speaking names

If we talk about the speech of comedy characters, it quite clearly characterizes their characteristics. For example, Skalozub often uses military vocabulary, which indicates his profession. Khlestova uses rich, rich vocabulary. The main character Chatsky masterfully speaks Russian, which is worth only in his monologues, filled with such liveliness and beauty (“And who are the judges?”). Chatsky is not only a young man in love, he is, first of all, an ardent denouncer of the vices of Famus society. Only with words and nothing else does the truth-seeking Chatsky stigmatize those around him. Many phrases put into the mouth of the main character became catchphrases. Chatsky’s speech, on the one hand, was close to Radishchev’s language, on the other, it was very original. A.S. Griboyedov fundamentally abandoned book speech and foreign words in comedy in the monologues of the main character.

The names of the characters can be safely called telling. Molchalin in the comedy “Woe from Wit” (from the word “to be silent”) is a taciturn, quiet young man. This list can be supplemented with such surnames as Tugoukhovsky, Repetilov, Skalozub.

Skalozub

The writer considered the main task of the comedy to depict the images of Famus society. There are no unnecessary characters in the work. All images are important for characterizing both the main characters and their entire environment.

Skalozub is a rude lout with characteristic manners and appearance. The speech reveals the ignorance, stupidity and spiritual impoverishment of this person. This typical representative of Famus society opposes science and education as such. Naturally, Sergei Sergeich Skalozub is a welcome guest of the Famusov family and others like him. In addition, it is in the image of Skalozub that Griboyedov shows the type of careerist who does not disdain any means when moving up the career ladder.

Prince and Princess Tugoukhovsky, Khlestova

The Tugoukhovskys are shown in a satirical manner. Prince Tugoukhovsky is a typical henpecked wife. He hears practically nothing and only obeys the princess unquestioningly. The prince represents Famusov in the future. His wife is an ordinary representative of the surrounding society: stupid, ignorant, and has a negative attitude towards education. In addition, both are gossips, since they are the first to spread rumors that Chatsky has gone crazy. It’s not for nothing that critics divided all the minor characters into three groups: Famusov, a candidate for Famusov, Famusov the loser.

Khlestova is presented as a smart lady, however, she is also subject to the general opinion. In her opinion, a person’s honesty and intelligence directly depend on social status and wealth.

Repetilov and Zagoretsky

Repetilov is the type of Famusov the loser in the comedy “Woe from Wit.” A character who has absolutely no positive traits. He is quite stupid, careless, and loves to drink. He is a superficial philosopher, a kind of parody of Chatsky’s line. The author made Repetilov into a parody double of the main character. He also promotes social ideas, but this is just following fashion and nothing more.

Another Famusov loser is A.A. Zagoretsky. In the characteristics given to him by the other characters, one can see several times words synonymous with the term “fraudster.” For example, Gorich says: “An out-and-out swindler, rogue: Anton Antonich Zagoretsky.” However, all his fraud and lies remain within the confines of everyday life, otherwise he is a completely law-abiding citizen. In Zagoretsky there is even more from Molchalin than from Famusov. Everyone needs him, despite the fact that he is a gossip and a liar. He not only picks up the rumor about Chatsky’s madness, but also complements it with his own fantasies.

The character for whom Griboedov showed a little sympathy is Gorich. “Woe from Wit” brings onto the stage Chatsky’s friend, who arrived at Famusov’s ball with his wife. He is a kind person who soberly assesses the surrounding reality. It is not included by the author in any group. Chatsky’s friend and ally earlier, now, having heard about his “illness,” does not believe it. But it is not without its shortcomings. Having a gentle character, after marriage Gorich became henpecked by his wife and forgot his beliefs. His image is that of a servant husband.

In other words, in the comedy “Woe from Wit” this character and a number of others personify the “past” century with its rules, ideals and habits. All of these are individuals limited in their development, who are categorically against everything new, and most importantly, against the open truth.

The difference between comedy and literature of the 18th century

The huge and fundamental difference between Griboedov’s comedy and the works of the 18th century is that almost all the characters in it are not just positive or negative types, they are shown in many ways. In “Woe from Wit,” the character of Famusov is depicted not only as a person who is in spiritual stagnation; Famusov is a good father of his family, a real gentleman. Chatsky is very passionate and sensitive, at the same time witty and intelligent.

Chatsky in the comedy “Woe from Wit” leaves, disappointed in the object of his love. To the question of who he is - a winner or a loser, one can answer this way: Chatsky was broken by the amount of old power, but he defeated the past century with the quality of the new power.

This is how the social typification of characters manifests itself. If here the author departs from classicism, then in the love affair, on the contrary, he tries to comply with the laws of this particular direction. There is a heroine and two lovers, an unsuspecting father and a maid covering for her mistress. But otherwise there is no similarity with the classic comedy. Neither Chatsky nor Molchalin are suitable for the role of the first lover. In the comedy "Woe from Wit" there are no heroes-lovers from classicism: the first one loses, the second one is not a positive hero in all respects.

Sophia cannot be called an ideal heroine either. “Woe from Wit” presents to our attention a girl who is not stupid, but is in love with the worthless Molchalin. He's convenient for her. He is someone who can be pushed around for the rest of his life. She does not want to listen to Chatsky and is the first to spread the rumor about his madness.

Lisa is more of a reasoner than a soubrette. Among other things, the comedy traces a second, comic love line and a third, related to the relationship between Liza, Molchalin, Petrusha and Famusov.

Off-stage characters

In addition to the main and minor characters, off-stage characters were introduced into the work by the skillful hand of the writer. They are needed in order to increase the scale of the conflict of two centuries. These characters embody both the past and the present century.

Just remember the chamberlain Kuzma Petrovich, who was rich himself and was married to a rich woman. These are Tatyana Yuryevna and Praskovya, narrow-minded foreigners who came to Russia to earn money. These images and a number of others lead the reader to the idea of ​​the large-scale conflict presented vividly in the play “Woe from Wit.” The character who shows the reader that Chatsky is not alone, behind him there are those who will promote ideas that support him, is also presented, and not in one way, but in several. For example, the comedy mentions Skalozub’s cousin from the village, a relative of Princess Tugoukhovskaya.

The main task that the writer performed when portraying the characters in the play was to show their views on society, and not to reveal their psychological characteristics. Griboyedov is first and foremost a writer-educator, therefore in each image he clearly outlines certain moral qualities or the lack thereof. He typifies character traits and qualities and immediately individualizes them.

Chatsky has surpassed his age in everything. That is why he became a model of sincerity and nobility, and Famusov and Skalozub became a symbol of vulgarity and stagnation. Thus, using the example of 20 individuals, the writer reflected the fate of an entire generation. Chatsky's views are the views of the entire progressive movement of future Decembrists. Chatsky and Famusov are representatives of two generations, two centuries: the enlightened century and the obsolete century.

Alexander Andreevich Chatsky- a young nobleman who adheres to new, more modern views and concepts. He goes against the old and all hundred-year-old traditions. Chatsky believes that it is precisely because of old customs that Russia cannot become the greatest power.

Alexander has a bad attitude towards submission, lies, bribery and much more. He sees no point in loving and running in search of tender feelings. Chatsky also does not understand why old people adhere to old opinions, forgetting about the present, and cannot understand that it is science that will take the country to heaven.

Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov- one of the most prominent representatives of the old times, who was accustomed to bribes and other vices. Famusov has a high rank, but received it not thanks to his intelligence and ingenuity, but with the help of other people. Paul does not understand new trends and blindly believes in the old orders.

But you shouldn’t think that the hero has some negative traits; he also has others. After the death of his friend, he took custody of his son and raised him as his own. Famusov is an arrogant person who finds love only in money, and therefore believes that you need to get married only if it brings money, otherwise there is no need to worry.

Sofia Famusova- daughter of Pavel Famusov. She is a proud, arrogant, narcissistic woman who does not mind playing with a man’s feelings, either for profit, or simply for her own amusement. At one time, she fell in love with Chatsky, and “played” with him for quite a long time until it was all over. Also, Sophia at the same time “had fun” with Molchalin, who suited her more than his friend.

The main problem, why Sophia did not get along with her relationship with Chatsky, is the different views on life. Like her father, the woman is quite critical of everything new and prefers the older orders and foundations.

Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin- is Famusov’s chief secretary. He is a rather arrogant and cunning person who first tries to find benefit for himself in everything. Alexey is a person who prefers to remain silent and stay away in order to enter into conflict in time, and has adopted a more correct and advantageous position for himself.

Despite his cunning and arrogance, he is quite a dreamy person who believes in a better future. Molchalin is a careerist, and dreams of finding a rich and profitable job, having a high rank, being respected and praised by others, and also ascending to high society. It is thanks to this that a man tries to please every person from high society. Molchalin does not have a noble family, so in these ways he tries to take his place under the stars.

Option 2

The main theme of the work in the form of a confrontation between the present century and the past, combined with a love storyline, is revealed by the writer in the images of the main characters of the comedy Chatsky, Famusov, his daughter Sophia and Molchalin.

Chatsky is presented as a young nobleman who does not recognize the ossified orders of the old society, criticizes the negative vices of officialdom, and shows true patriotic feelings.

He is contrasted with a representative of the nobility in the image of Famusov, who does not accept changes in public life, supporting the existing situation in a country mired in bribery and the use of necessary connections.

Famusov's daughter, Sophia, is a proud and dreamy girl who supports her father's position and considers Chatsky's proposals unreasonable.

In the image of Molchalin, the writer represents a true careerist, trying, with the help of flattery and servility, to gain access to secular society and acquire a high rank.

The secondary characters of the comedy are Repetilov, depicted as an old friend of Famusov, distinguished by stupidity and empty talk, a wealthy middle-aged officer Skalozub, described as an ignorant martinet who dreams of the rank of general, as well as the maid of the Famusov family Lisa, characterized by quick wit, intelligence, but at the same time frivolity.

An important place among the characters in the comedy is occupied by tertiary heroes, some of whom do not appear in the play in person, but their names are mentioned in the dialogues and monologues of other heroes of the work. Among them are Zagoretsky, an active participant in card games, the elderly Tugoukhovsky couple, who attend social events with the goal of marrying off their six daughters, and the Gorich couple, consisting of the head of the family, Platon Mikhailovich, who is henpecked by his young wife, Natalya Dmitrievna.

In addition, among the representatives of Famus society, the writer presents the old woman Khlestova, a pompous woman who became interested in breeding cats in her old age, as well as the bartender Petrushka, a poor servant distinguished by kindness and sincerity.

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