Summary of who the main character is, the undergrowth. Characteristics of heroes
The main characters of the comedy "Minor"
Creating Character Prostakova, D. I. Fonvizin conveys the complexity and inconsistency of human nature. The playwright seeks to provide a “service to humanity” by showing it what the nature of a person is, even an insignificant, evil person who enjoys his right to offend other people. Hating slavery and despising serf-owners, D.I. Fonvizin loved man and grieved when he saw the abuse of him, no matter in what forms it manifested itself.
Prostakova is a rude, despotic and at the same time cowardly, greedy and vile nature, representing the brightest type of Russian landowner, at the same time revealed as an individual character - the cunning and cruel sister of Skotinin, a power-hungry, calculating wife who tyrannizes her husband, a mother who loves without his mind Mitrofanushka. And this individual characteristic allows us to show all the terrible, human-disfiguring power of serfdom. All the great, human and holy feelings of Prostakova are distorted. That is why even love for her son - Prostakova’s strongest passion - is unable to ennoble her feelings, for it manifests itself in base, animal forms. Her mother's love is deprived human beauty and spirituality.
The denouement to which D. I. Fonvizin’s comedy leads was conventional. Actions Pravdina, government official carrying out the will of the “highest power” were not confirmed by the Russian reality of that time. They reflected only the moods and aspirations of a certain part of the enlightened nobility and therefore were perceived as advice to the government about possible way regulation of relations between landowners and peasants. Because of this, the image of Pravdin in the comedy was not real, but conditional, ideal.
The image is more vibrant Starodum. But he also represents a rare event in the noble environment, judging by the attitude of Pravdin, Milon, Sophia towards him. They see in him not an ordinary nobleman, but a person with special “rules”. And indeed it is. The image of Starodum is associated in the comedy with the expression of the ideas of that part of the progressive nobility that was in opposition to Catherine’s rule and condemned her actions. Externally, Starodum’s dialogues with positive characters were based on a discussion of problems of morality and education, but on the issues raised in them and coverage different sides public life they were broader and contained criticism of the depravity of the modern court (“a crowd of stingy flatterers”), a condemnation of the monarch, whose soul is not always “great,” “to take the path of truth and never stray from it.” Indignation was caused by the abuse of serfdom (“to oppress one’s own kind is unlawful”) and the first estate’s oblivion of its responsibilities.
Although Starodum and Pravdin could not realize their ideals in social practice, their judgments, taken together, made the comedy ideologically consonant political tragedy. This was the new thing that the playwright introduced with the images of Starodum and Pravdin into the structure of “The Minor.” The comedy was given a socio-political orientation.
", is one of the first-class works of Russian literature. The playwright depicted in it, firstly, the ignorant ancient education of noble children; secondly, the gross arbitrariness of the landowners, their inhumane treatment of the serfs.
About the main characters of the play, Mrs. Prostakova , and her son, Mitrofanushka , you can read in the articles especially dedicated to them on our website: Characteristics of Mrs. Prostakova in “The Minor” by Fonvizin and Characteristics of Mitrofan in “The Minor” by Fonvizin. Next we will outline the other characters in the play.
Heroes of Fonvizin's "Undergrowth"
Prostakova's husband , Mitrofan's father, is a timid and weak-willed man, so downtrodden and intimidated by his wife that he has neither his own desires nor his own opinions. “Before your eyes,” he says to his wife, “mine see nothing.”
Skotinin, Prostakova's brother , is a comic face. He is depicted a little caricaturedly with his exaggerated passion for pigs, which he himself innocently explains as follows: “People in front of me are smart, but among the pigs I myself am smarter than everyone else.” He received the same upbringing as his sister, and is just as rude as she: he treats pigs “infinitely better than people”; but in his whole figure there is some kind of comic good nature, which, however, stems from extraordinary stupidity. His name is the same as the names of others characters, selected by Fonvizin in accordance with the properties of their characters or occupations.
Fonvizin. Minor. Maly Theater performance
In a few strokes, but very vividly, Mitrofan’s teachers, retired sergeant Tsyfirkin and seminarian Kuteikin are depicted. Tsyfirkin teaches Mitrofan arithmetic, as his name hints at; this is an honest old soldier. Kuteikin says that he left the seminary without completing the course: “fearing the abyss of wisdom.” He is a completely ignorant person; the only thing that remained with him from his stay in the seminary was his manner of often using Church Slavonic expressions; Moreover, Kuteikin is greedy and selfish, an “insatiable soul,” as Prostakova characterizes him.
The name of another teacher is German Vralman– very successfully composed of the Russian word “liar” and the German “mann” (man). In the person of Vralman, Fonvizin shows what kind of foreign teachers in those days taught noble children “all sciences.” Vralman for a long time was a coachman: having lost his job, he became a teacher, only so as not to die of hunger. In the Prostakovs' house, he, as a foreigner, is given special honor and preference over other teachers. He receives a salary of three hundred rubles a year, while honest Tsyfirkin should receive only ten. Prostakova lists all the benefits that Vralman receives in their house: “we seat you at the table with us; Our women wash his linen; where needed - a horse; at the table - a glass of wine; at night - a tallow candle." Prostakova is happy with the German: “he doesn’t force the child.” The cunning Vralman found a wonderful way to please his mistress, while at the same time hiding his ignorance: not only does he not teach Mitrofanushka anything, but he also prevents other teachers from studying with him, indulging Mitrofan’s laziness, praising him in every possible way before his adoring mother.
In the face Eremeevna, “mother” of Mitrofan, Fonvizin for the first time depicted the type of infinitely devoted, selfless serf servant, which in Russian literature was reflected in several images, male and female. Savelich, in “The Captain’s Daughter” by Pushkin, Evseich, in “Childhood of Bagrov the Grandson” by Aksakov, Natalya Savishna - in “Childhood and Adolescence” by Leo Tolstoy. In life, this type is known to everyone in the person of Pushkin’s nanny, Arina Rodionovna. Yes, how many of us have something dear associated with the name “nanny”, favorite face... It’s amazing that this very type is found only in Russian literature, among the Russian people!
But unlike other heroes and heroines of Russian writers similar to her, Eremeevna is a completely unhappy creature, not appreciated by anyone: it’s not for nothing that she serves in the Prostakovs’ house! For her faithful forty years of service and love, she receives only insults, abuse and beatings. “Am I not zealous for you, mother?” in tears she says to Prostakova, “you don’t know how to serve anymore... I would be glad not only that... you don’t regret your stomach... but everything is undesirable.” Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin ask her how much she receives for her service? “Five rubles a year, and five slaps a day,” Eremeevna answers sadly. Even her pet, Mitrofanushka, is rude to her and insults her.
Fonvizin tried to depict vicious morals in his work provincial nobility that time. A separate topic, on which the author tried to focus the reader’s attention is the problem of education younger generation. The image and characteristics of the main characters of the comedy “Minor” will help you understand who is positive and who negative character. Each of them is individual in its own way. Much can be understood by reading their first and last names. Looking at them, you see what character indicators they are endowed with and what they represent.
Prostakova
Noblewoman by birth. Mitrofanushka's mother. Doesn't like people and his spouse. At every opportunity, she lets her husband know that he is nobody in the house. Woman commander. Uneducated. Ill-mannered. Characterized by particular cruelty towards serfs. Evil, rude woman. Doted on his only son. Has a passion for money. For the sake of profit and profit, he will go over his head. Cunning and insidious. It was she who came up with a plan to trick the orphan and marry her son. Mitrofan’s future comes first for Prostakova. Everything is beloved to him, but the son himself is hardly able to appreciate the all-consuming mother's love and care.Prostakov
Prostakova's husband. Fully matches the surname. Such a simpleton. Henpecked. Passive, weak-willed man. I’m used to the fact that my wife rules everything in the house. He always tries to please her, otherwise you can fall under the hot hand of your wife, and she has a heavy one. I myself had to receive slaps in the face from my wife more than once. Loves his son. In his heart he is proud of his only heir. True, it is unclear what reasons there could be for pride if the son cannot cause anything but contempt.Mitrofan
The main character of the comedy. Son of the Prostakovs. Minor. A teenager of sixteen years old. Sissy. Accustomed to the fact that the mother and her entourage fulfill any desire at the click of a finger, and God forbid who disobeys the young master. A spoiled, selfish young man. Loves money. Doesn't respect elders. A worthless young man. Studying is hard work for him. The granite of science is too tough for him. Lazy. But the proposal to marry aroused genuine interest in the guy. If only such zeal would the right direction. Ignorant and stupid.Skotinin
Prostakova's brother. Nobleman. Loves pigs and money. Ignorant. Rough Uneducated. Because of the dowry, he was ready to marry Sophia, without having feelings for her. An ill-mannered, uncouth man. A copy of your sister.Sophia
Orphan. Noblewoman by birth. Starodum's niece, whom the Prostakovs took under their wing. Young, pure creation. A rich heiress, which was the reason for a clash between the owner’s son and Skotinin. Received a good education. Honest, decent. Good soul Human. It is responsive. Faithful. She loves her fiancé Milo. Ready to fight for my love to the last.Starodum
Sophia's uncle. The girl's guardian was forced to leave his niece for long time to improve the situation and get back on her feet for her benefit. A good mentor. Gives good advice. Strong, authoritative personality. Wise, reasonable. Kind. He earned everything he acquired through honest labor. Straightforward.Milo
Sophia's groom. Honest, decent guy. Military. Sincerely loves Sophia. Highly moral. Educated. Modest. Honor and courage are not empty words for him. A worthy match for any girl.Pravdin
State employee. Official. Honest, honest man. He is engaged in punishing landowners who are cruel to serfs.Tsyfirkin, Kuteikin, Vralman
Woe to the teachers of the master's son. None received proper education. All of them are former ordinary workers.Vralman worked as a coachman. German. Teaches Mitrofan foreign language. Sly, flattering. Capable of meanness and deception.
Kuteikin teaches minors to read and write. Sexton. He's not much of a teacher. Calculating. Cowardly.
Tsyfirkin. From the former military. Teaches arithmetic. A kind, honest man. He's nothing like a teacher.
Eremeevna
Mitrofan's nanny. An ordinary peasant woman. A woman faithfully and devotedly, like a dog, serves her mistress throughout her life. Patiently endures insults and assault without expressing dissatisfaction. She receives a meager salary, but she doesn’t have the courage to ask for a raise, it’s not in her character. Accepts life as it is.Trishka
Serf peasant. Tailor at court. Has no professional sewing education. Not stupid. She can stand up for herself and snap back in response to the owner’s comments. Differs in prudence.Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" was written in best traditions Russian classicism. In accordance with the classic canons, the characters in the work are clearly divided into positive and negative, and their names and surnames succinctly characterize and reveal the main features of the characters. However, in contrast to the traditional images of classic plays, the heroes of “The Minor” are devoid of stereotypes, which is what attracts modern readers and viewers.
Positive actors include Pravdin, Sophia, Starodum And Milo. Each of them supports the ideas of the Enlightenment, considering the main human values virtue, honesty, love of country, high morality and education. They are depicted as complete opposites negative heroes – Prostakovs, Skotinin And Mitrofan. They are representatives of the “old” nobility, which with all its might clings to outdated ideas of serfdom and feudalism. Their core values are money, position in the social hierarchy and physical strength.
In Fonvizin’s play “The Minor,” the main characters are divided into peculiar dual pairs, in which the author portrays people with similar social roles, but depicting them in mirror distortion. So, in addition to a couple of “children” - Sophia and Mitrofan, we can distinguish “educators” - Starodum and Prostakov, “suitors” - Milon and Skotinin, as well as “owners” - Prostakov and Pravdin.
Mitrofan– undergrowth and main character comedy - a spoiled, stupid young man of sixteen, for whom his mother, nanny or servants always did everything. Having adopted from her mother the love of money, rudeness and disrespect for her family (Prostakova is ready to deceive sibling, just to arrange a marriage that is beneficial for her), and the father is completely weak-willed, he behaves like a small child - he does not want to study, while he finds marriage fun. The complete opposite of Mitrofan is Sophia. This is an educated, intelligent and serious girl with difficult fate. Having lost in early age parents and living in the care of the Prostakovs, Sophia does not adopt their values, but, in fact, becomes a “black sheep” in their society (Prostakova is even indignant that the girl can read).
Prostakova appears before readers, on the one hand, as an uneducated, cunning woman who is ready to do almost anything for the sake of profit, and on the other hand, as a practical housewife and loving mother, for whom the happiness and carefree future of her son comes above all else. Prostakova raised Mitrofan the way she was raised, and therefore was able to convey and show by her own example outdated, long-exhausted ideas and values.
U Staroduma a completely different approach to education - it does not treat Sophia as small child, talking with her as equals, mentoring her and advising her based on her own experience. In the matter of marriage, a man does not undertake to make final decisions for a girl, because he does not know whether her heart is free. In the image of Starodum, Fonvizin portrays his ideal of a parent and educator - an authoritative strong personality, who herself has gone through a worthy path. However, analyzing the character system of “Minor” from the point of view modern reader, it is worth noting that the image of Starodum as a teacher is also not ideal. The entire time he was away, Sophia was deprived of parental care and left to her own devices. The fact that the girl learned to read, values morality and virtue is most likely the merit of her parents, who instilled this in her at a young age.
In general, the topic of kinship is important both for goodies the play "The Minor" and negative ones. Sophia- daughter worthy people, Milo- son good friend Starodum. Prostakova received this surname only after marriage; in fact, she is Skotinina. Brother and sister are very similar, they are both driven by a thirst for profit and cunning, they are uneducated and cruel. Mitrofan is depicted as the real son of his parents and his uncle’s pupil, who inherited all of them negative traits, including a love for pigs.
Characters whose relationship is not mentioned in the play - Prostakov and Pravdin. Prostakov is radically different from his wife; compared to the active and active Prostakova, he looks weak-willed and passive. In a situation where he must show himself as the owner of the village, the man is lost against the background of his wife. This leads to the fact that the more active Pravdin, who was able to pacify Prostakova, becomes the owner of the estate. In addition, Prostakov and Pravdin act as some kind of “auditors” of what is happening. Pravdin is the voice of the law, while Prostakov is the opinion of the simple (remember the “talking” names of the play) people who do not like how the “old” nobility behave in the person of his wife and brother-in-law, but is afraid of their anger, therefore he speaks only aside and not negotiating.
The last couple of characters are Skotinin and Milon. Men represent outdated and new ideas about marriage and family life. Milon has known Sophia since childhood, they love each other, and therefore their relationship is built on mutual respect and friendship. Skotinin doesn’t even try to get to know the girl better, he’s only concerned about his dowry, and he’s not even going to arrange for her good conditions after marriage.
In addition to the main characters, the play contains secondary characters - teachers and educators of Mitrofan the underage. Characteristics of the supporting characters – Eremeevna, Tsyfirkina, Kuteikina And Vralman- associated with their social role in the play. The nanny is an example of a serf who faithfully serves his mistress all his life, enduring beatings and injustice. Using the example of images of teachers, the author exposes all the problems of education in Russia in the 18th century, when children were taught by retired military men who had not graduated from the seminary or even grooms.
For the 18th century, Fonvizin’s innovation was that the author depicted the characters in “The Minor” without excessive pathos and stereotypes inherent in many works of classicism. Each comedy hero is undoubtedly a composite image, but created not according to a ready-made “stencil”, but with its own individual traits. That is why the characters in the work “The Minor” remain with the brightest images Russian literature.
Work test
The original idea of Fonvizin’s comedy “The Minor” was to reveal the theme of education, which was very relevant in the Age of Enlightenment; a little later, socio-political issues were added to the work. The title of the play is directly related to the decree of Peter the Great, who banned the ability of young uneducated noblemen to serve and marry.
History of creation
The first manuscripts of sketches of “The Minor” date back to approximately 1770. To write the play, Fonvizin had to rework many works with the corresponding ideological content - works of Russian and foreign modern writers(Voltaire, Rousseau, Lukin, Chulkova, etc.), articles from satirical magazines and even comedies written by Empress Catherine II herself. Work on the text was completely completed in 1781. A year later, after some obstacles from censorship, the first production of the play took place, with Fonvizin himself being the director, and the first publication of the play took place in 1773.
Description of the work
Action 1
The scene begins with a heated discussion of the caftan made for Mitrofanushka. Mrs. Prostakova scolds her tailor Trishka and Prostakov supports her in her desire to punish the careless servant. The situation is saved by the appearance of Skotinin, he justifies the unfortunate tailor. What follows is a comical scene with Mitrofanushka - he reveals himself to be an infantile young man, and also very fond of eating heartily.
Skotinin discusses with the Prostakov couple the prospects of his marriage with Sofyushka. The girl’s only relative, Starodum, unexpectedly sends news of Sophia’s acquisition of an impressive inheritance. Now the young lady has no end to suitors - now the “minor” Mitrofan appears on the list of candidates for husbands.
Act 2
Among the soldiers staying in the village, by chance, turns out to be Sofyushka’s fiancé, officer Milon. He turns out to be a good acquaintance of Pravdin, an official who came to deal with the lawlessness happening on the Prostakov estate. During a chance meeting with his beloved, Milon learns about Prostakova’s plans to arrange the fate of her son by marrying a now wealthy girl. What follows is a quarrel between Skotinin and Mitrofan over the future bride. Teachers Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin appear, they share with Pravdin the details of their appearance in the Prostakovs’ house.
Act 3
Arrival of Starodum. Pravdin is the first to meet Sophia’s relative and reports to him about the atrocities happening in the Prostakovs’ house in relation to the girl. The entire owner's family and Skotinin greet Starodum with hypocritical joy. The uncle’s plans are to take Sofiushka to Moscow and marry her off. The girl submits to the will of her relative, not knowing that he chose Milon to be her husband. Prostakova begins to praise Mitrofanushka as diligent student. After everyone has left, the remaining teachers Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin discuss the laziness and mediocrity of their underage student. At the same time, they accuse the rogue, Starodum’s former groom, Vralman, of hindering the learning process of the already stupid Mitrofanushka with his dense ignorance.
Act 4
Starodum and Sofyushka are having a conversation about high moral principles and family values- true love between spouses. After a conversation with Milo, making sure of his high moral qualities young man, the uncle blesses his niece to marry her lover. What follows is a comical scene in which the unlucky suitors Mitrofanushka and Skotinin are shown in a very unfavorable light. Upon learning of the departure happy couple, the Prostakov family decides to intercept Sophia on the road.
Action 5
Starodum and Pravdin are having pious conversations, hearing a noise, they interrupt the conversation and soon learn about the attempt to kidnap the bride. Pravdin accuses the Prostakovs of this crime and threatens them with punishment. Prostakova begs Sophia's forgiveness on her knees, but as soon as she receives it, she immediately accuses the servants of being slow in kidnapping the girl. A government document arrives announcing the transfer of all the Prostakovs’ property to Pravdin’s custody. The scene of paying off debts to teachers ends with a fair denouement - Vralman’s deception is revealed, the modest hard worker Tsyfirkin is generously rewarded, and the ignorant Kuteikin is left with nothing. The happy young people and Starodum are preparing to leave. Mitrofanushka heeds Pravdin’s advice to join the army.
Main characters
Considering the images of the main characters, it is worth noting that speaking names The characters in the play express the one-linearity of their character and leave no doubt about the author’s moral assessment of the characters in the comedy.
The sovereign mistress of the estate, a despotic and ignorant woman who believes that all matters, without exception, can be solved with the help of force, money or deception.
His image is the focus of stupidity and lack of education. He has an amazing lack of will and unwillingness to make decisions himself. Mitrofanushka was called a minor not only because of his age, but also because of his total ignorance and low level moral and civic education.
A kind, sympathetic girl who received a good education and has high level internal culture. Lives with the Prostakovs after the death of his parents. She is devoted to her fiancé, officer Milon, with all her heart.
A person who personifies the truth of life and the word of the law. As a government official, he is on the Prostakov estate in order to understand the lawlessness happening there, in particular the unfair treatment of servants.
Sophia's only relative, her uncle and guardian. A successful person who managed to bring his highly moral principles to life.
Sophia's beloved and long-awaited groom. A brave and honest young officer distinguished by high virtue.
A narrow-minded, greedy, uneducated person who does not disdain anything for the sake of profit and is distinguished by deceit and hypocrisy to a high degree.
Analysis of the work
Fonvizin's "minor" is classic comedy in 5 acts, all three unities are strictly observed in it - the unity of time, place and action.
The solution to the problem of education is the central moment of the dramatic action of this satirical play. The accusatory sarcastic scene of Mitrofanushka’s exam is a true culmination in the development of the educational theme. In Fonvizin's comedy there is a collision of two worlds - each of them with different ideals and needs, with different styles life and speech dialects. The author innovatively shows the life of the landowners of that time, the relationship between the owners and ordinary peasant people. Complex psychological characteristics heroes gave impetus to the subsequent development of Russian domestic comedy as a theatrical and literary genre of the era of classicism.
Final conclusion
Fonvizin's comedy became a unique iconic work for his contemporaries. In the play there is a clear contrast between the high moral principles, real education and laziness, ignorance and waywardness. In the socio-political comedy “The Minor,” three themes rise to the surface:
- the topic of education and upbringing;
- theme of serfdom;
- the theme of condemnation of despotic autocratic power.
The purpose of writing this a work of genius is clear - the eradication of ignorance, the cultivation of virtues, the fight against the vices that have afflicted Russian society and the state.