Why is silent grief from the mind terrible? Essay on the topic: Is Molchalin funny or scary in the comedy Woe from Wit, Griboyedov

At my age I shouldn’t dare to have my own opinion.

A. S. Griboyedov

The great Russian singer Alexander Blok called Griboyedov’s comedy a work “unsurpassed, the only one in world literature that has not been fully solved.” And indeed it is. No matter how many times you read this immortal comedy, so many times you discover some new facets of it.

Chatsky, Famusov, Sofya, Lisa... They are all interesting in their own way. But Molchalin remains the most intriguing and mysterious for me. It is difficult for me to fully understand this Griboyedov hero. It is difficult for me to understand how the beautiful, rich, educated and intelligent Sophia could fall in love with such a nonentity as Molchalin.

Let's remember the origin of our hero. Sophia's father found him in some office in Tver. If it weren’t for Famusov, Molchalin would still be toiling away in this hole. It is possible that he was originally from Tver, and lived somewhere on the outskirts in a run-down house, left to him by his father, who bequeathed “to please all people without exception”: the owner, the boss, his servant, and even the janitor’s dog, “so that it was affectionate” . Molchalin lived remembering this behest of his father. Even in Tver, his helpfulness was noticed and appreciated. And so Molchalin was found and benefited by Famusov. Thanks to his patronage, he was transferred to Moscow and received the rank of assessor. Living in Famusov's house, Molchalin was able to gain the trust of even Tatyana Yuryevna, before whom Famusov himself was in awe, and the famous Foma Fomich. The latter served in St. Petersburg under three ministers, and then was transferred to Moscow, where he lived for his own pleasure. He lived exactly the way Molchalin dreamed of living one day: “win awards and live happily.”

Taking advantage of Famusov’s patronage, Molchalin, however, is not able to feel gratitude for the benefits. Behind his benefactor's back, he tries, and not unsuccessfully, to seduce his daughter, although he does not feel any tender feelings for her. What explains Alexei Stepanovich's interest in Sophia? I think it’s because Molchalin, despite all his resourcefulness, has a hard time getting ranks. With a rich bride, his affairs will go better. And in order to win Sophia’s favor, he tries to be a kind of “husband-boy, husband-servant,” compliant, modest and quiet. Molchalin is an ideal husband who can be easily controlled.

What is Molchalin? Is he scary or pathetic? More scary than pitiful, I suppose. Even his famous talent - “moderation and accuracy”, does not pose a threat. If you think about it, there is nothing reprehensible either in moderation or accuracy. It's all about how these "talents" look against the background of the hero's general behavior. Analyzing Molchalin’s actions, you understand how difficult and dangerous this person is. Dangerous in the sense that he expresses many typical traits of his generation - the Molchalins will never fade into society. Their vitality lies in the fact that they will always find soil for themselves. In Molchalin his disgusting qualities were not immediately discerned. He can be unnoticed and slowly, insinuatingly, weave his webs. Material from the site

In the finale, however, Griboyedov deals with his hero and he gets what he deserves. Caught by Sophia in lies and treason, he is unable to resolve the conflict. The love of Sophia, who was deceived by him, is lost. It is possible that Sophia will tell Famusov the truth, and then Molchalin’s so successfully started career will be in jeopardy.

In life, very often scoundrels like Molchalin ruin other people’s destinies with impunity. That's what makes them scary.

I think Griboyedov’s merit is that he warns us against silent people, teaches us to understand people. I would like to believe that the final scene of the comedy will help someone avoid such deep disappointment as the main character of the comedy “Woe from Wit” had to endure.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Use the search

On this page there is material on the following topics:

• Is Molchalin pathetic or scary in the comedy Woe from Wit
• How many years did Molchalin live in Famusov’s house?
• Essay on the topic: Is silentlin pathetic or terrible?
• Is molchalin funny or scary?
• woe from mind is pathetic or terrible molchalin essay

Cunning is a hybrid of stupidity
with a developed sense of everyday life.
V. Borisov.

The comedy "Woe from Wit" was written at the beginning of the 19th century. The idea for the work arose from Griboyedov in the era when the emergence of secret political societies began in Russia. The writer himself, as is known, was a supporter of the Decembrists, and in “Woe from Wit” he depicted the clash of a man of progressive views with the reactionary mass of the nobility.
The main character of the comedy, Chatsky, is opposed to the “Famus society.” One of the most prominent representatives of this society is Molchalin, the same age as Chatsky, a “quiet” person who, however, strives at all costs to “get out into the public eye.”
At first glance, Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin is worthy only of contempt and pity, he seems so insignificant. However, at the end of the work we see that he wins a moral victory over the noble and ardent hero. So is Molchalin funny or scary?
In my opinion, when creating the character of this hero, Griboyedov sought to show the influence of bureaucratic morality on the character and behavior of a person. Molchalin is Famusov’s secretary, “is” in his department and “is listed in the archives.” From childhood, Alexei Stepanovich was taught slavish servility to the powers that be. That is why he grovels before his benefactor Famusov and all members of his family. But, besides this, Molchalin elevates into a cult every word spoken by local Moscow “authorities” - Princess Marya Alekseevna, old woman Khlestova and others.
Largely thanks to this, the hero already has the rank of assessor, “three awards” and continues to move toward “famous degrees.” “Moderation and accuracy” are the companions of this character. Unlike Chatsky, progressive, innovative ideas are not available to him; he does not strive for spiritual and mental development. Molchalin has other ideals, which he brings to life with all his might.
So, Alexey Stepanovich considers it his duty to please the boss and his household - in all possible ways. It’s not for nothing that Griboedov introduces the scene in Sophia’s bedroom into the comedy - Molchalin is ready to do anything “to please the daughter of such a man.” But he is a coward and does not dare to “go further”, but only serves Sophia like a little dog. But - and this is very important - the hero does not understand that he is acting deeply dishonestly towards Sophia. We remember that the girl is sincerely in love with Alexei Stepanovich, and he is only pretending, trying to please the boss’s daughter.
Reflecting on the image of Molchalin, the words of Sergei Dovlatov often come to mind: “He who was born to crawl does not want to fly.” They well characterize the life position of this character. Why strive for high ideals if everything is solved much simpler? Molchalin remembers that “...to get ranks, there are many channels”:
There he will stroke the pug in time,
It’s time to rub the card...
Alexey Stepanovich follows the behests bequeathed to him by his father: “to please all people without exception.” So he tries - he flatters everyone who can be useful, he believes that “at his age he should not dare to have his own judgments.” But with those from whom it is impossible to benefit, Molchalin is no longer so accommodating. So, with the maid Liza he is a rake, forgetting about timidity and good manners:
Lipstick is for lips, and for other reasons
Bottles of perfume: mignonette and jasmine.
Lisa ignores Famus’s secretary, she doesn’t like him, and she warns Sophia against loving her father’s secretary. In the end, Famusov's daughter is convinced of the baseness of her lover and asks him to leave the house before dawn. However, in the eyes of Famusov himself, Molchalin remains impeccable to the end. And, apparently, if Sophia had told her father everything, he would not have believed her. This, among other things, is the strength of the silent ones - they cannot be exposed!
At first, it seems that the essence of this hero’s character lies in his “impeccable” hypocrisy. But in fact Molchalin... is sincere! It is impossible to expose him because there is nothing to expose. He is insignificant, but he is not cunning, does not intrigue, he simply lives according to his father’s behests.
The young men of Griboyedov's era, from whom the author wrote his hero, sincerely believed it was important not to have an opinion about anything, not to contradict anyone under any circumstances, and to be on good terms with everyone. They sincerely believed that their duty was to remain silent, listen and obey. What is most amazing and terrible is that “the silent ones are blissful in the world”! In 1833, K. A. Polevoy wrote: “... look around: you are surrounded by silent people.”
This “pathetic” hero shows his true – terrible – face towards the end of the comedy. However, in my opinion, the tragedy is not that Molchalin is bad, but that there are many like him. And it is they, these insignificant people, who are brought to the fore by the state; it is their stupid, petty, mean and empty humility that is valued more than genuine intelligence and talent. It is not Molchalin who is terrible, but the silent ones. They infect and corrupt society, but they were born by this society. This means that in order to get rid of the silent ones, you need to re-educate not them, but yourself, re-evaluate your own values, and then being silent will become unnecessary and shameful.

Molchalin in Griboyedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit” is a very cunning person. He goes to meet those people whose acquaintance is beneficial for him. He secretly meets with the daughter of his boss in order to marry her favorably. He flirts with her maid for his own pleasure. Under Famusov, he behaves very modestly so as not to lose the patronage of this influential man. Thanks to Famusov's help, he received rank and nobility. He could never have achieved this on his own merits. He's funny because he's stupid.

He is scary because he is very cunning and calculating. While this is beneficial for him, he works for Famusov and has an affair with his daughter. But I’m sure that as soon as he meets someone more influential, he will immediately leave Famusov and Sophia. He is too calculating to be in Famusov’s service all the time. As soon as he feels that he will achieve nothing more here, he will abandon them.

In real life, such calculating people are very scary. They go over their heads for their goal. They easily step over those who previously helped them.

That's why Molchalin is funny and scary at the same time.

Molchalin and Chatsky. Two poles in Griboyedov’s brilliant comedy. Next to the ardent Chatsky, a passionate fighter and a furious accuser, the wordless Molchalin is completely unnoticeable. Therefore, probably, both readers and viewers do not pay so much attention to him. But behind the expressionless appearance and gray thinking lies a whole philosophy of life, very tenacious and persistent.

Let's think about what Molchalin is? Is he worthy of sympathy or condemnation?

In the beginning, we are introduced to him mainly through the characteristics given to him by other characters in the play.

Famusov is pleased with him, entrusting his timid but faithful assistant with the performance of his simple duties.

Loving Sophia notes that he

Compliant, modest, quiet,

Not a shadow of worry in your face

And there are no actions in my soul.

And Molchalin himself says that moderation and accuracy are his main talents.

And only once will Sophia burst out with regret:

Of course, he doesn’t have this mind...

Possibly referring to Chatsky's brilliant and sharp mind.

But how wrong she was! The inconspicuous Molchalin is smart, very smart, but prefers to hide it for the time being. After all, it is much more profitable to wear a mask, presenting yourself as others want to see him: tenderly submissive with Sophia, obsequiously devoted with Famusov, falsely humble with Chatsky, familiar with Lizonka.

It seems that only with the maid is he completely sincere, revealing his position in life:

My father bequeathed to me:

Firstly, to please all people without exception;

The owner, where he will live,

The boss with whom I will serve,

His servant, who cleans the dress,

The doorman, the janitor, in order to avoid evil,

To the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate.

Why pride and self-esteem for people like Molchalin: servility is the main thing in his philosophy.

But all his behavior indicates that he is deeper than the characteristics given to himself.

He is resourceful and careful; he tries to hide his relationship with his master’s daughter from strangers, and having unexpectedly met Famusov at an inopportune time near Sophia’s room, he does not get lost and instantly comes up with a plausible explanation.

A conversation with Chatsky shows that Molchalin does not value an intelligent guest. Having humbly started the conversation, Molchalin soon goes on the offensive: he asks questions, condemns, advises

Have you not been given ranks, have you had no success in your career? -

He asks ironically, And here’s some advice:

Well, really, to serve you in Moscow And win awards and have fun?

Molchalin is not only not in love - he is not even passionate about Sophia. He says frankly and shamelessly:

Let's go share love with our deplorable theft...

And later Lizin’s question about a possible wedding calmly answers:

There is a lot of hope ahead,

We'll waste time without a wedding.

All his intelligence, cunning and resourcefulness are designed to serve one goal - to get a good, soft, sweet place in life.

And only the disaster that occurred at the end of the play prevents the implementation of his plans. After the scene in the hallway, Molchalin cannot remain the same: the mask is pulled off, and everyone sees his true face.

But the old Molchalin was too convenient for everyone, even for Sophia. And Chatsky correctly notes:

You will make peace with him, after sober reflection.

So, Molchalin’s defeat is apparently temporary. He will be forgiven, And achieving his life goal will become even sweeter.

Molchalin is the antithesis of Chatsky. But how correctly Griboyedov was able to foresee in these images the two paths that people would take: the Chatskys will always choose struggle and open battle, the silent ones - humility and peace.

So, we have no one to feel sorry for: not a pathetic one, but a cunning and resourceful, surprisingly tenacious guy in front of us. Take a look around. Are there no modern silent people among the people around you?!