Characteristics of Molchalin from the story Woe from Wit. 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

The work “Woe from Wit” by A.S. Griboyedov belongs to the comedy genre, the events took place at the beginning of the 19th century, in it the author showed images of Moscow nobles. The main theme of the work can be identified as confrontation this century and the past, a difficult change from old ideals to new ones. On the side of the last century there was a significant number of people in comedy, one of them was a young nobleman who did not yet have any ranks of Molchalin. His job was to serve influential people.

Molchalin himself was a poor nobleman, born in Tver. In the comedy, he lived in Famusov’s house, who in turn took Molchalin as his secretary. Molchalin falls in love with Famusov's daughter and secretly meets with her. Famusov is an opponent of such relationships, because he believes that his daughter needs an influential husband with ranks. Although Molchalin does not meet these requirements, he has another quality that was appreciated by the inhabitants of Famusov’s house. He tried his best to serve in every possible way, and this attracted attention. That is why he managed to get the position of secretary, where business qualities are important, not honor.

In the work "Woe from Wit" the image of the main character can be called standard behavior young nobleman surrounded. We see how he tries to serve, and if necessary, even humiliate himself in front of the influential guests of Famusov’s house, all this goes with the expectation that they can be useful in life and further service. Molchalin even took it for granted to praise the fur of Khlestova’s dog. To describe the hero, a quote is suitable that says that while “we are small in rank,” “we must depend on others.” He believes that while you are young, you don’t have to have your own opinion.

Famus society was famous for its boasting trait; at every opportunity it was common to praise new successes, and Molchalin was the same. He was a frequent guest of Princess Tatyana Yuryevna. Although Molchalin’s character and behavior were the same as everyone else in society, although he agreed with everyone and supported ideas, this did not stop him from resorting to meanness. For example, his love for Sophia was only a fiction and he did it for his own benefit. In fact, he opens up sincerely when communicating with the maid Lisa, whom he liked. And then another character is revealed to the reader, you see that there is duplicity in him, which means such a person is dangerous.

There is not a drop of respect or warmth in his soul and heart for Sophia. He takes a great risk when he begins to secretly see Famusov’s daughter, because he was constantly in a state of fear that they would be noticed. This expresses cowardice. For Molchalin important role played the moment that he was worried about the opinions of others, and he was also afraid of what others would think of him. This meanness and deceit of his destroys him, because he begins to harm those with whom he has been surrounded for a long time. He remembered the words of his father, which said to please everyone without exception, which Molchalin followed. Based on this, we can draw a conclusion about the hero’s attitude to the description of the ideal last century, despite the fact that he is still young.

The author showed Molchalin as a worthy continuation and example of conservative nobles. Such a society is characterized by the fact that for them rank and money come first; these two categories allow them to evaluate others. As already mentioned, Molchalin was cunning and two-faced, these are the two main qualities that describe the hero.

Griboyedov touched upon a problem in his comedy that is still relevant today. After all, many cases are known when there were the same people who did not see anything in their way and were ready to go through everything for the sake of their goals. This topic will be relevant as long as there are people among us with the same values ​​as Molchalin and his society.

Essay on the topic Molchalin

The comedy "Woe from Wit", written by Alexander Sergeevich Griboyedov in the period from 1822 to 1824, tells the story of secular society and life of those times. One of central characters works is Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin, a man from common people seeking career growth.

Molchalin seems to be a decent young man, distinguished by his kindness and modesty. But in fact, all these qualities are just a mask that the hero uses to achieve his goals. His dream is a career, high rank and wealth. Respect among high society- the limit of his happiness. There are many in various ways to achieve these goals. But Molchalin chooses the fastest and most negative one. He takes steps towards his dream with the help of flattery, hypocrisy and duplicity. He does it so subtly and imperceptibly that many may envy.

The hero worked as a secretary for Famusov, a rich and respected man. He did all the work conscientiously, spoke kindly and carefully, which is why Famusov liked him. He treated his master's daughter, Sophia, even better and even dared to play a lover young man. Naturally, he does not experience any high feelings towards the girl. On the contrary, he despises her and establishes relationships solely for his own benefit. Once, having offended a girl, he throws himself at her feet. The reason for this was far from repentance, but the fear of losing the trust of his master Famusov. Another person who was lucky enough to hear lies from Molchalin was Khlestova. He kindly played cards with her and complimented her dog. In fact, people are very pleased with such behavior towards them. Molchalin showed hypocrisy and helpfulness towards everyone living in the house: from servants to management. This was the hero's plan, which he strictly adhered to.

Thus, Molchalin in Griboyedov’s comedy is negative character. The reader cannot see any positive traits of the hero, but sees only hypocrisy and the desire to achieve a dubious goal through dirty means. With the help of this character, the author reveals a serious problem that still exists today. People who do not strive for anything high, but for fame and money, are ready to go over their heads and put on a mask of sincerity. Usually, having achieved their goals, such people live unhappy and lonely.

Option 3

In his comedy "Woe from Wit" Griboyedov talks about the nobles of Moscow in the 19th century, it was then that society split into conservatives and those who were impressed by the ideas of the Decembrists. The main idea of ​​the work is the contrast between the present century and the past century, the replacement of outdated ideals of the nobles with completely new ones.

Present in comedy great amount supporters of old ideals. Admirers of the old principles are weighty and significant people in society, such as the landowner Famusov, Colonel Skalozub, and the younger generation, who are simply forced to serve the “old men,” also serve the old nobles. Molchalin is one of these young people who is forced to serve the old nobles with their orders.

Molchalin himself is a poor nobleman, born in Tver, he lives in the house of Famusov, who gave him the rank of assistant and hired him as a secretary. Molchalin is also the lover of Famusov’s daughter, but Famusov himself does not know about this. The father does not want to have a son-in-law like Molchalin, because in Moscow it is customary to have rich relatives. Famusov appreciates in people the desire to serve him, and this is how Molchalin, with the help of his helpfulness, receives such positions.

In this play, the image of Molchalin very accurately corresponds to the nature of the command of a young, fragile nobleman in an influential society. Molchalin tries to curry favor with the distinguished guests in Famusov’s house as much as possible, because they can be useful for his future career growth. The young nobleman has sunk to the point where he begins to praise the fur of Khlestova’s dog. He believes that lower-ranking nobles should thus earn respect from their elders.

He, like all the characters in this comedy, considers it his duty to brag and be proud of his successes in career advancement. Molchalin is excellent at establishing connections with the people he needs, who can help him in his career. Molchalin brings enormous damage to the society in which he is located. He also deceives Famusov’s daughter, because he is courting her only for the sake of service to her father. He is the kind of person who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, and is capable of causing enormous damage to the society in which he is located.

In the comedy “Woe from Wit” A. S. Griboyedov, true to his talent for depicting life in real paintings and images, chooses a life situation - “ love triangle" Chatsky’s love for Sophia is one of the “springs,” according to I. A. Goncharov, on which the development of the action rests. Chatsky comes to Moscow to meet with Sophia. But Sophia’s heart is already occupied by someone else - Molchalin. Chatsky finds it difficult to believe that Sophia might prefer Molchalin to him - the one “who is like all fools”:

With such feelings, with such a soul We love! The liar laughed at me!

Chatsky all the time, right up to the final scene, is cruelly mistaken and deceived. But, firstly, love is blind: Chatsky idealizes Sophia, but she does not see any flaws in Molchalin; secondly, Sophia has changed during Chatsky’s absence, and Chatsky does not immediately understand this, and therefore underestimates Molchalin’s chances. Chatsky and Sophia look at Molchalin with “different eyes”. Sophia is in love, while Chatsky evaluates Molchalin primarily with civil positions and only towards the end of the action as a rival. What has changed in Sophia and why?

What is she like now and what attracts her to Molchalin? The situation in Famusov's house, in the Moscow "fashion shops", the atmosphere of secular salons, gossip and gossip could not but influence Sophia. Hence her sentimentality and affectation, hypocrisy and hypocrisy. She is frightened by Chatsky’s bold speeches, but this is what captivates her in Molchalin:

Molchalin is ready to forget himself for others.

The enemy of insolence, always shy, timid

Who can you spend the whole night with like that?

Molchalin’s apparent modesty, shyness, and timidity, combined with his imaginary sensitivity, attentiveness, and humility, prevail in Sophia’s eyes over all his other qualities:

He will take your hand and press it to your heart,

He will sigh from the depths of his soul,

Not a free word, and so the whole night passes,

Hand in hand, and doesn’t take his eyes off me.

Sophia lives in the world of those ideals and ideas about life that are inspired by her reading sentimental novels, far from reality. This is exactly how the heroes of these novels behave, this is how she imagines her ideal lover. Molchalin met one more condition romantic hero: He was “born into poverty.” This elevates Molchalin in her eyes, warms up her feelings.

She is ready to patronize her beloved, poor, modest, who does not dare raise his eyes to her. She is ready to sacrifice herself, her position for the sake of unequal marriage with your chosen one. The future “husband-boy, husband-servant” apparently also seduced her. There were no other ideals to be found anywhere. Retelling her dream, she almost confesses her love for Molchalin: “It’s as if he is dearer to me than all the treasures.” Sophia, admiring Molchalin, gives him “darkness of qualities”: he is “nice”, and “timid”, and “smart”. Exactly what is attractive to Sophia in Molchalin repels her from Chatsky: Molchalin is shy, and Chatsky “knows how to make everyone laugh,” Molchalin is “the enemy of insolence,” and Chatsky is “sharp”; Molchalin is timid, and Chatsky “thought highly of himself.”

Sophia experiences a tragedy when, having overheard Molchalin’s conversation with Liza, she sees the person she loves in a new light: “But who would have thought that he would be so insidious!” She says decisively: “From now on, it’s as if I didn’t know you.” But Molchalin was too convenient for everyone, even for Sophia. And Chatsky correctly notes: “You will make peace with him, after sober reflection. Destroy yourself, and why!” How does Chatsky see Molchalin?

Chatsky remembers Molchalin completely by accident. In contrast to his own “talkativeness,” the “wordless” Molchalin comes to mind. It is no coincidence that Griboyedov gives him such a surname. At first, Chatsky does not take Molchalin seriously. For Chatsky, Molchalin is a complete nonentity, “the most pitiful creature.” Helpful, modest, with a blush in his face. Here he is on tiptoe and not rich in words.

Chatsky is outraged by Molchalin’s words: “At my age one should not dare to have one’s own judgment.” He defends freedom of thoughts and opinions, recognizes the right of every person to have his own beliefs and express them openly. For Molchalin, “other people’s opinions are only sacred.”

He sees in Molchalin a person who views service as a source of personal benefits, “service to persons, not to a cause.” Chatsky is ready to serve the Fatherland, and not serve his superiors. “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served,” he says. For Molchalin, the main thing is to be noticed by his superiors. Thanks to his talents - moderation and accuracy - he has already “received three awards.” Molchalin's servility is also a means to an end. Chatsky says about him:

The famous servant was here,

Like a thunderbolt...

Who else will settle everything so peacefully!

There he will pet the pug in time!

It's time to wipe the card.

In the last act, Chatsky’s personal drama ends: he lost the one he loved so much. He is very worried, seeing what a nonentity he was exchanged for:

When I think about who you preferred!

Here I am donated to!

I looked and saw and did not believe.

Molchalin is the antithesis of Chatsky, Griboedov was able to foresee in these images two paths that people would take after the end of the war with the French: the Chatskys will always choose struggle and open battle, the Molchalins will choose humility and peace. “Business-like, insinuating, timid Molchalin has already appeared to replace the heroes of 1812” (Yu. Tynyanov). One of the researchers of the comedy “Woe from Wit” wrote: “Molchalin remained invulnerable. The Molchalins turned out to be impossible to defeat - they were strong by someone else’s strength, they could not be killed with contempt or laughter - their dignity lay in someone else’s authority.”

The comedy "Woe from Wit" was never perceived only as a monument artistic history, she always lived modern life, updating and acquiring a new sound. Each era read it in its own way. People different generations and the destinies found in it the answer to their own questions. Looking around, we can see among our acquaintances the modern Famusovs, Silklins, Chatskys! Not only in the time of Griboyedov, but also in our time, “Silent people are blissful in the world,” because they please all their superiors, do not stand on ceremony with those who are lower than them. social status or according to the thickness of the wallet. And therefore, Chatsky’s position in his assessment of Molchalin is closer to me.

In the comedy “Woe from Wit” by A.S. Griboyedov presents images of Moscow nobles of the early 19th century, 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 are forced to “serve” influential 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 secret lover 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 corresponds to the accepted standards of behavior of a 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 he secret connection with Sophia it will open. 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, and not honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism.

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”

Work test

Work:

Woe from mind

Molchalin Alexey Stepanych is Famusov’s secretary, living in his house, as well as an admirer of Sophia, who despises her in his heart. M. was transferred by Famusov from Tver.

The hero's surname expresses his main trait - “wordlessness.” It was for this that Famusov made M. his secretary. In general, the hero, despite his youth, is a full-fledged representative of the “past century”, since he has adopted its views and lives by its principles.

M. strictly follows his father’s behest: “to please all people without exception - the owner, the boss, his servant, the janitor’s dog.” In a conversation with Chatsky, M. sets out his life principles - “moderation and accuracy.” They consist in the fact that “at my age I should not dare to have my own judgment.” According to M., you need to think and act as is customary in “Famus” society. Otherwise they will gossip about you, and, as you know, “evil tongues scarier than pistols" M.'s romance with Sophia is also explained by his willingness to please everyone. He obediently plays the role of an admirer, ready to read all night long with Sophia romance novels, listen to the silence and trills of nightingales. M. doesn’t like Sophia, but he can’t refuse to please his boss’s daughter.

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 intelligent, noble Chatsky, the culprit of Sophia’s tragedy.

MOLCHALIN - central character comedy "Woe from Wit" (1824). The significance of this image was realized over the course of historical time. N.V. Gogol was the first to notice something important in the appearance of the modest secretary Famusov: “this face is aptly captured, silent, low, quietly making its way into people.” M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin, in a series of essays “In an environment of moderation and accuracy,” makes M. an important official with an exotic feature: his hands are stained with the blood of innocent victims of his vital enterprise and “unconscious crimes.” M.’s place in the plot of “Woe from Wit” becomes clearer in relation to other characters in the play. Already in the very first minutes of the action, Griboedov determines Sophia’s choice in favor of M. This involves all the heroes of the triangle (Chatsky - Sophia - M.) in difficult psychological relationships. M., who recently “was poring over in Tver,” is not understood by Sophia: she mistakes his caution for tact, his coldness for restraint of feelings, his lackey’s calculation for sobriety of mind. M. is also not understood by Chatsky, whose love for Sophia prevents him from assessing the seriousness of his opponent. Deeply interested in maintaining his attractiveness to Sophia and Famusov, M. is more affected by Chatsky's arrival than this shows. Chatsky's presence in the house threatens revelations that are mortally dangerous for him. M.'s accidental fall from a horse, Sophia's fright, and her fainting provoke M.'s activity, seeking to protect his reputation, his already developing career. He enters into a duel, giving Sophia categorical instructions to defend herself from Chatsky’s claims by all possible means and pushes Sophia to choose a method of revenge on Chatsky. Circumstances will prompt the heroine to the moment when the harshness she uttered in a state of long-restrained irritation will take on meaning. public opinion: “He’s out of his mind...” M. is opposed to Chatsky not only as a rival in love affair, but also with all my life position. The conflict between Chatsky and M. accumulates the energy of collision until the third act of the play, when these characters meet in dialogue. She reveals Chatsky’s contemptuous inattention to M., which gives M. the advantage of being completely frank. This is one of the few scenes in the play where M. is sincere to the end. Sincere, but not appreciated by Chatsky as a worthy opponent. And only in final scene in the entryway, at the denouement, Chatsky will understand what power the apologist of “moderation and accuracy” has achieved over Sophia. In Griboyedov's plot, M.'s love bliss collapses. But this is more an exception than a rule in the life of Famusov’s Moscow, for he is one of the pillars on which it rests. Among the first performers of the role of M. was the famous vaudeville actor N.O. Dur (1831). Productions of “Woe from Wit” in the second half of the 20th century show that M. cannot be considered petty, minor character plays, as has happened over many decades of its stage history. M. is the second hero of Griboyedov’s plot, a serious opponent of Chatsky. This is exactly how this image was shown by K.Yu. Lavrov in the play by G.A. Tovstonogov (1962).

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In Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit" the main opposing array of events occurs in the images of Chatsky and Famusov. Rest acting characters help to reveal true position things and the depth of the conflict.

Origin and occupation

One of these characters, with the help of which the tragedy of what is happening is enhanced, is the image of Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Famusov’s characteristics

Molchalin does not belong to the aristocracy - he is a man of ignoble origin, but thanks to his service, he has access to high society.

Alexey Stepanovich has not yet managed to rise to significant heights - he currently only holds the position of Famusov’s secretary, but he holds out hope for a quick promotion career ladder, which arouses Famusov’s special love.

Pavel Afanasyevich allocated a room in his house for Molchalin, although it is difficult to call it a full-fledged room: it is most likely a small closet, but Molchalin, deprived of fate, is quite happy with this.

Alexey Stepanovich has been working as Famusov’s personal secretary for three years now, however, he is registered in a completely different position - based on official data, Molchalin works in the archives department, but in practice this is a fictitious thing, he is just listed there. However, not without benefit for himself - during such service he received three awards.

Of course, this was Famusov’s exceptional work. This situation is also beneficial to Famusov and allowed him to get out of a difficult situation - he provided himself with a good secretary and, moreover, he had to pay out of his own pocket.

The text mentions Molchalin's rootlessness, but there is no exact explanation. Based on this, several assumptions can be made regarding the essence such a statement. The first is that Molchalin is a man simple origin, second, that he is an orphan, that is, a person without a family.

Symbolism of the surname

The image of Molchalin carries symbolic features. This is primarily due to his last name. It is based on the verb “to remain silent.” And indeed this word is accurate display essence of Molchalin. He is Famusov's silent and faceless servant. Even his step is devoid of any sounds. It seems that he wants to be as unnoticed and quiet as possible.

From time to time, Alexey Stepanovich moves on tiptoe so as not to disturb his household. This behavior of his is one of the ways to achieve his life goal.

The purpose of life

While most aristocrats are devoid of purpose in life and lazily live their lives without filling it with any meaning, Molchalin’s life has a pronounced character. His goal is to succeed and achieve significant achievements in life. Achievements in the eyes of Molchalin are in no way connected with improving the lives of ordinary, ignoble people or promoting the development of morality of the aristocracy. Alexey Stepanovich’s highest goal is to become a full-fledged representative of high society.

Molchalin is ready to die for the next promotion, so he serves Famusov with all his might - it is Pavel Afanasyevich who can help him achieve this goal. And Molchalin had already overcome the first step on this steep ladder - thanks to his ability to suck up and please the Famusovs, he was given the rank of collegiate assessor. Thus, Alexey Stepanovich turned from a commoner into a poor nobleman. Molchalin found a special charm in the fact that his rank tended to be inherited.

Molchalin and Sofya Famusova

You can further improve your position in society through a profitable marriage. For this, girls needed to have a charming figure and an equally charming face. In the case of the male half of society, it was enough to have a helpful character. It is the ability to serve well that becomes the criterion for favor. Despite his low origins and financial insolvency, in the eyes of Famusov, Alexei Stepanovich looks like a more attractive son-in-law than the noble aristocrat Chatsky. The fact is that Pavel Afanasyevich believes that such wealth and diligence, which Molchalin possesses, can compensate for his origin and achieve an advantageous position in society. To achieve a final advantage over other young people, Molchalin can only accumulate significant capital or start attacking Famusov from another front - if Sonya falls in love with Alexei Stepanovich, then she will be able to convince her father to make a decision in his favor.

Alexey Stepanovich accelerates this process by beginning to show interest in Famusov’s daughter, Sophia.

Relationships between young people take place in best traditions platonic love– Molchalin does not allow anything unnecessary towards the girl.

Thus, he demonstrates his respectful attitude towards Sophia and the seriousness of his intentions. In addition, such behavior contributes to achieving his goal with marriage - Molchalin does not need to possess Sonya, he needs to become her husband, so debauchery is an unacceptable thing for him.

We propose to compare the monologues of Chatsky and Famusov in A. Griboedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit”.

In communicating with Sophia, Alexey Stepanovich adheres to the same principle as with her father - he pleases her all the time. Naturally, Molchalin’s behavior differs sharply from the behavior of other aristocrats towards her. Young people of noble origin are not ready to grovel before Sonya the way Molchalin does, which is why they do not arouse such interest in her.

To some extent, Famusova’s attachment to Molchalin was caused by the lack of proper candidates - after Chatsky’s departure, the girl chooses the least evil from the remaining ones. At the time of the emergence of attachment and the beginning of communication, Sonya did not experience enthusiasm and love attraction for Molchalin, her act could be regarded as revenge on Chatsky, but as a result, such an act did not bring the desired effect, Sonya eventually got used to Molchalin’s oddities and began to perceive them as ordinary things . In Molchalin, Sonya has found a wonderful “living toy”; he not only treats her with adoration (which, as it turned out, was feigned), but is also ready to fulfill any of her desires.

Chatsky and Molchalin

The conflict between Chatsky and Molchalin was a priori predetermined - an honest and noble aristocrat cannot understand and accept the position of Famusov and his society, Alexey Stepanovich, who is not only dependent on Famusov, but also strives to become like them, could become an excellent opponent to Chatsky , if he had more persistence and individuality, however, since Alexey Stepanovich is used to being a silent observer and never revealing his attitude to certain situations, there is no heated discussion between the characters.

In addition, the insightful Chatsky notices Alexei Stepanovich’s strange attitude towards Sonya Famusova. Over time, he discovers Molchalin's true attitude towards the girl and his ghostly love. Chatsky is amazed double standards Molchalin - on the one hand, he is ready to flatter immensely, but, on the other hand, he immediately does not neglect to publicly announce his disdain and even disgust for those whom he idolized just a couple of minutes ago.

Attempts to open the eyes of others to the fallacy of their opinions do not lead to anything good - it is more flattering for others to perceive their superiority than to realize that all the respect towards them was a farce.

Molchalin and Lisa

No matter how two-faced Molchalin may be, he still sometimes reveals his true feelings and intentions. This state of affairs is not exposed in discussions or small talk (since he tries in advance not to take part in them).

So, for example, Alexei Stepanovich develops a feeling of affection and love towards the maid in Famusov’s house, Liza. The hero of the story is faced with a choice - to play his role as Sonya's lover to the end or to confess his feelings to Lisa.

Unfortunately, how dishonest man Molchalin is not limited to this state of affairs and takes care of two girls at once.

Thus, Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin - classic version a character playing a double game. This trend continues in the case of Molchalin in all types of activities. He is hypocritical towards Famusov and plays with Sonya’s feelings.

Alexei Stepanovich is characterized by resigned and silent servility. For the sake of moving up the social ladder, he is ready to do even the most immoral acts. The image of Molchalin has become a household name and is used in relation to a dishonest, hypocritical person.

Characteristics of Molchalin in the comedy “Woe from Wit” by Griboyedov, description of the character of the hero