Images of “new people” in the novel by N.G. »

The “new people” that Chernyshevsky wrote about in his novel were representatives of a new phase in the development of society at that time. The world of these people was formed in the struggle against the old regime, which had outlived its usefulness, but continued to dominate. The heroes of the novel at almost every step encountered difficulties and adversities of the old order and overcame them. The “new people” in the work are commoners. They were determined, had a goal in life, knew what they should do, and were united by common ideas and aspirations. “Their main desire is for the people to be free, happy, and live in contentment.” The “new people” believed in their people, saw them as decisive, powerful, and capable of fighting. But in order for him to achieve his goal, he must be taught, inspired and united.

The commoners, who are the heroes of Chernyshevsky’s novel, have a developed sense of self-esteem, pride, and the ability to stand up for themselves. The author writes: “Each of them is a courageous person, who does not hesitate, who does not yield, who knows how to take up a task, and if he takes it up, he grasps it tightly, so that it does not slip out of his hands. This is one side of their properties; on the other hand, each of them is a person of impeccable honesty, such that the question does not even occur to you, can you rely on this person in everything, unconditionally? This is as clear as the fact that he is breathing through his chest; as long as this chest breathes, it is hot and unchanging, feel free to lay your head on it...” Chernyshevsky was able to show their common, typical features, but also the characteristics of each of them.

Lopukhov and Kirsanov always relied only on themselves, worked together in the name of a high goal - to develop and improve science, selfless, helping those who need help, who deserve it. They did not seek profit in treating the sick. But Dmitry Sergeevich is calmer, Alexander Matveevich is an emotional and artistic person.

It was difficult for Vera Pavlovna to live in her own home due to the constant oppression and reproaches of her mother, but she did not break under the oppression, did not surrender to the mercy of the old order. This heroine was strong by nature, from an early age she had her own views on life, she always wanted freedom and a life without lies. It was not her habit to be disingenuous in front of people and, most importantly, in front of herself. She could not build her happiness on the misfortune of others, and did not tolerate being treated like a thing. Vera Pavlovna tried to understand the rational structure of society, so she created a sewing workshop with fair procedures and conditions. She is not interested in money, she wants to see the process itself. By doing good for yourself, you do good for others. Vera Pavlovna, creating a workshop, sets out to educate “new people”. She believes that there are a lot of good people, but they need to be helped, and they will help others, and there will be more “new people.” Vera Pavlovna is a different character than Katerina Polozova.

Rakhmetov is a special person, of all the others he is the most active. He understands that the struggle for a new world will be life and death. By all possible means he prepares himself for it. This hero is “the salt of the earth, the engine of engines.” He renounced his personal interests for the sake of one goal. Has enormous energy, endurance, clarity of thoughts and behavior. As Chernyshevsky writes: “Rakhmetov is an ebullient person, he was a master of business, he was a great psychologist.”

“And Lopukhov, and Kirsanov, and Vera Pavlovna, and Polozova, and Rakhmetov are people of strong passions, great experiences, and rich temperament. But at the same time, they can control their feelings and subordinate their behavior to the great tasks of the common cause.” “New people” are people of high ideals. Activity for them was the implementation of these ideals. All “new people” lived according to the “theory of rational egoism.” By doing things for themselves and in their own name, they also benefit others. According to Chernyshevsky, “new people” behave the same in all situations: they remain human under any circumstances. “New people” are not two-faced. The heroes of Chernyshevsky’s novel respect their loved one, do everything to make his life better, and treat each other as equals. That is why their love is pure and noble.

Composition

In the novel by G.N. Chernyshevsky, a special place belongs to the so-called “new people”. They are between ordinary people, immersed in their selfish interests (Marya Alekseevna), and a special person of modern times - Rakhmetov.

Chernyshevsky’s “new people” no longer belong to the dark old world, but they have not yet entered another. Vera Pavlovna, Kirsanov, Lopukhov, and Mertsalovs found themselves at this intermediate stage. These heroes already solve the problems of family and social life in a different way. They gradually discard the conventions of the old world and choose their own path of development. In order to decide on such a path of development, which consists of reading, observing life, “no sacrifices are required, no hardships are asked...” “Intermediate” heroes prefer the peaceful path of intellectual development, the awakening of an ordinary person, accessible to the majority. At the height at which Vera Pavlovna, Kirsanov, Lopukhov stand, “all people must stand, can stand.” And this can be achieved without sacrifice or hardship.

However, Chernyshevsky knows that, in addition to development, reading and observation of life, a heroic struggle against tyranny and despotism, social inequality and exploitation is needed. “The historical path,” says G.N. Chernyshevsky, “is not the sidewalk of Nevsky Prospekt; it goes entirely through fields, sometimes dusty, sometimes dirty, sometimes through swamps, sometimes through wilds. Anyone who is afraid of being covered in dust and getting their boots dirty should not take up public activities.”

According to the author, not everyone is ready for such a struggle. Therefore, Chernyshevsky divides “new people” into “ordinary” (Lopukhov, Kirsanov, Vera Pavlovna, Mertsalovs, Polozova) and “special” (Rakhmetov, “a lady in mourning”, “a man of about thirty”).

The selection of these two types among the positive characters of the novel has its own philosophical and socio-historical reasons. But the writer does not contrast “special” people with “ordinary” people, the leaders of the revolutionary movement with ordinary figures, but outlines the connection between them. So, Lopukhov saves Vera Pavlovna from an unequal marriage, creates a family with her based on freedom, mutual understanding, and trust. The heroine herself does not want to go through life like her mother Marya Alekseevna. She does not want to live in constant lies, selfishness, and the struggle for existence by any means. Therefore, in Lopukhov she finds her salvation.

The heroes commit a fictitious marriage. They are organizing their economic activities in a new way. Vera Pavlovna starts a sewing workshop and hires dressmakers who live together. Describing in detail the activities of Vera Pavlovna in the workshop, G. N. Chernyshevsky emphasizes the new nature of the relationship between the workers and the mistress. They are not so much of an economic nature as they are based on achieving a common goal, mutual assistance, and good attitude towards each other.

The atmosphere in the workshop is reminiscent of a family. The writer emphasizes that Vera Pavlovna thus saved many of her charges from death and poverty (for example, Masha, who later became her maid). Here we see the enormous importance G.N. Chernyshevsky assigns to the role of labor. According to the writer, work ennobles a person, therefore “new people” should strive to direct their work for the benefit of others, thereby protecting them from the harmful influence of destructive passions. In the sphere of activity of “ordinary” people, Chernyshevsky included educational work in Sunday schools (teaching Kirsanov and Mertsalov in a group of sewing workshop workers), among the advanced part of the student body (Lopukhov could spend hours talking with students), at factory enterprises (Lopukhov’s classes in the factory office) .

The name of Kirsanov is associated with the plot of a clash between a common doctor and the “aces” of a St. Petersburg private practice - in an episode of the treatment of Katya Polozova, as well as the theme of scientific activity. His experiments on the artificial production of protein are welcomed by Lopukhov as “a complete revolution in the whole question of food, the whole life of mankind.”

These scenes reflected the writer's socialist views. Although time has shown that in many ways they turned out to be utopian and naive. The author of the novel himself deeply believed in their progressive role. At that time, the opening of Sunday schools, reading rooms, and hospitals for the poor was widespread among progressive youth.

Thus, G.N. Chernyshevsky accurately noticed and reflected the new positive trends of the era using the example of Vera Pavlovna’s workshop. The “new people” in his novel resolve their personal, intra-family conflicts differently. Although outwardly their family seems prosperous, friendly, and quite successful, in reality everything is different. Vera Pavlovna respected her husband very much, but never felt anything more for him. Unexpectedly, the heroine realized this when she met her husband’s best friend, Kirsanov. Together they took care of Lopukhov during his illness.

Vera Pavlovna has completely different feelings for Kirsanov. True love comes to her, which plunges her into absolute confusion. But in this episode, the key role is played not by the love story between Kirsanov and Vera Pavlovna, but by Lopukhov’s act. He does not want to interfere with his wife’s happiness; he cannot build a family on a lie. Therefore, he, like a true man of modern times, withdraws himself and stages suicide.

Lopukhov commits such a brave act because he does not want to cause his wife unhappiness or be the cause of her moral torment. Vera Pavlovna was inconsolable for a long time. Only Rakhmetov managed to revive her to life. There were no obstacles to the development of love for Kirsanov. As a result, Chernyshevsky’s heroes create a real family, based not only on mutual respect, but also on deep feeling.

The life of a new person, according to G.N. Chernyshevsky, should be harmonious in social and personal terms. Therefore, Lopukhov is not left alone either. He saves Mertsalova from death and marries her. And in this marriage he finds well-deserved happiness. Moreover, G.N. Chernyshevsky goes further, depicting ideal relationships between people, without mutual hostility, anger, or hatred. At the end of the novel we see two happy families: the Kirsanovs and the Lopukhovs, who are friends with each other.

Describing the life of “new people,” the writer focuses our attention on the economic and personal side of the heroes’ lives. With their help, he proves that the unjust, inhumane principles of life of the old world are outdated, and in society there is a desire for renewal, new relationships between people.

Other works on this work

/ / / “New people” in Chernyshevsky’s novel “What is to be done?”

The abolition of serfdom brought certain changes to the development of society. Among the gray and monotonous mass, “new people” began to appear.

Who were they? Children of officials and minor nobles, merchants and priests. Representatives of this generation quickly traveled to the capitals, to big cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. They entered educational institutions and institutes and absorbed the knowledge offered like sponges. In addition, new people introduced their own customs into the surrounding society, taken from small provincial towns.

What was their purpose? In the formation of a new era that has come in the life of the Russian person.

The novel “What to do?” presents readers with heroes - revolutionaries who dreamed of universal happiness, who believed in a bright future. The author of the novel knows not only the thoughts and emotions that swirl and spin in the heads of “new” people. He understands the reasons for their laughter, compassion, and sadness. The writer can confidently talk about the relationships of such people, about their family life, about how they try to help each other and lend a helping hand.

Representatives of the new generation are Kirsanov, Lopukhov and Vera Pavlovna. N. Chernyshevsky calls them ordinary, simple people who do not differ from other residents of cities and settlements. Throughout the novel, the author repeatedly calls his heroes ordinary, not outstanding people. And everyone can be like this, without exception, if they have the desire.

To create a contrast, Chernyshevsky includes in the text of the work such a figure as. He can be called a special person who experiences the misfortunes of other people, who takes everything that happens around him to heart and tries with all his efforts to help.

The main characters of the novel are students who pore over the natural sciences and make their way into life through their own efforts. The reader gets acquainted with Kirsanov's student circle, in which revolutionary sentiments are promoted. In order to create a special society and become an unusual person, you need to devote yourself entirely to work. And this idea works. The members of Kirsanov's circle have followers.

The image of a woman – “new”, useful – does not go unnoticed in the novel. Using the example of the heroine Vera Pavlovna, the reader sees how she emerges from the shadow of bourgeois life and wants to become a doctor in order to benefit others. A woman creates her own workshop, helps unfortunate girls who have lost their way and cannot find their way.

Heroes of the novel such as Lopukhov and Kirsanov represented a new generation that strived for a bright future and stubbornly walked towards its intended goal. Their ideas inspired other people as well. Of course, there were still not many like-minded people of this theory. However, every day this idea gained the attention of more and more of the population.

The main characters of the novel “What is to be done?” breathed fresh breath into the established life of Russians, invigorating air that can bring change. And such people must definitely appear in society, stir up old morals and ideas and turn them into something bright and giving hope.

"New People" in the novel by N.G. Chernyshevsky "What to do?" (2)

I wanted to portray ordinary decent people of the new generation.

The revolutionary-democrat Chernyshevsky, a follower of Belinsky, is close and dear to all honest people of the earth with his faith in a better future for working humanity, with his historical optimism. Chernyshevsky’s novel “What to do?” was a political testament addressed to revolutionary youth. The strength of the novel lies in the fact that it convinces of the truth, beauty and greatness of the new, advanced in life. It answers the most important question of the era: what should people do who do not want to live in the old way, who strive to bring a beautiful tomorrow closer to their Motherland and all humanity. Chernyshevsky's heroes are progressive people of Russia. They are convinced socialists, the ultimate goal of their activities is a people's revolution. They embody the character traits of the revolutionaries emerging in Russia with their unyielding will to fight, high moral nobility, and boundless devotion to the people and the Motherland. The heroes of the novel contain the best traits of Chernyshevsky himself and his friends.

Lopukhov and Kirsanov are typical commoner democrats, who through their labor created the opportunity for themselves to receive an education. They are atheists and materialists in their worldview. Chernyshevsky’s “new people” not only destroy the old world, but also build a new society themselves. They recognize art, the aesthetic impact of the beauty of nature on a person, firmly believe in friendship and show a comradely attitude towards women. They give their whole lives to the people, work for their benefit, sparing no effort, and find great satisfaction in this. Chernyshevsky's heroes are even ready for people to condemn their behavior if this is necessary for the common good.

Chernyshevsky's heroes passionately defend their right to self-respect. This is their “benefit”, their “selfishness”. Like real revolutionaries, Lopukhov and Kirsanov want happiness, equality, brotherhood for all peoples. So Lopukhov, having arrived in America, is actively involved in the struggle for the liberation of blacks.

Chernyshevsky gave in his novel the image of a “new woman,” Vera Pavlovna, whom Lopukhov saved from the “basement of bourgeois life.” Vera Pavlovna is a harmoniously developed person. She actively helps her comrades in all their endeavors. What is especially remarkable about her is her desire to improve - she decides to become a doctor in order to bring even greater benefit to people.

We see that all the activities of Lopukhov, Kirsanov, Vera Pavlovna are inspired by faith in the advent of a bright future. They are no longer alone, although their circle of like-minded people is still small. But it was precisely people like Kirsanov, Lopukhov, Vera Pavlovna and others that Russia needed at that time. Their images served as an example for shaping the worldview of the revolutionary generation.

Chernyshevsky realized that the people depicted in the novel were his dream. But this dream at the same time turned out to be a prophecy. “Years will pass,” says the author of the novel about the type of new person, “and he will be reborn in more numerous people.”

Chernyshevsky's work was continued by other people. They were ahead of him in many ways, but they proceeded from the foundations that he laid while living and working in feudal Russia.

Bibliography

To prepare this work, materials from the site http://ilib.ru/ were used

“New people” in Nikolai Chernyshevsky’s novel “What is to be done?”
Chernyshevsky’s novel “What to do?” is a work of art, represents a “mental experiment” of the author, who seeks to understand the possible development of those situations, conflicts, types of personalities and principles of their behavior that have already developed in modern life.
Chernyshevsky sees the task of his work as showing how positive ideals, far from the reality of dreams, gradually move into the sphere of real, practical activity, accessible to ordinary people, people of a new type. After all, the novel itself is not just called “What is to be done?”, but has a special subtitle: “Stories about new people.”
New people become, according to Chernyshevsky, a phenomenon of everyday life. Now ideals are moving from the sphere of dreams to the sphere of practical life, and life accessible to ordinary people. Therefore, the author himself bases the plot of the novel on the example of the life of an ordinary woman.
New people are significantly different from the nihilist Bazarov. The main character of “Fathers and Sons” considered his main task to be “clearing the place.” Chernyshevsky, against the backdrop of the controversy developing around Turgenev’s novel, poses a qualitatively new task: to show that new people build, and not just destroy, i.e. show not the destructive, but the creative role of new people.
The theory of rational egoism, or the theory of calculation of benefits, proclaimed and put into practice by new people, is also essentially new.
Chernyshevsky does not question the rationality of a person, saying that a person can fully rationally calculate his egoistic path to happiness. Calculating one's own benefit, according to the author of the novel, also involves a certain respectful attitude towards other people: “In order for people to enjoy the happiness of love, they must be surrounded by equally happy people.” Thus, the theory of rational egoism is manifested by the theory of revolutionary altruism.
An example of reasonable egoism is the reasoning of Lopukhov, who foresaw the need for himself to “leave the stage” when he saw that Vera Pavlovna and Kirsanov loved each other: “It’s unpleasant for me to lose a friend; and then - it’s time for me to go underground.”
Lopukhov's actions show that the moral level of new people is very high. And Vera Pavlovna herself calms down only when Lopukhov becomes completely happy.
By creating images of “ordinary new people” in his work, Chernyshevsky shows that personal freedom does not mean a reduction in moral requirements for oneself and the people around him, but, on the contrary, gives a person the opportunity to reveal his mental and creative potential most fully and brightly.