Quotes from Chatsky in the work Woe from Wit. Characteristics of quotes from the hero Chatsky, their meaning and meaning
In the comedy A.S. Griboyedov's "Woe from Wit" depicts a society of nobles, embodying the features of a backward Russia clinging to past orders. This Famus society of the last century is contrasted with the young nobleman Alexander Andreich Chatsky. Chatsky is a bright representative of the younger generation of Russia, which won the Patriotic War of 1812.
This post-war period became a turning point for the country: the unshakable canons of autocracy suddenly began to shake. A fresh wind of change blew in and brought into the minds of the Russian people an understanding of the worthlessness of the government and the entire social system of Russia. Against this socio-political background, free-thinking citizens of the country unite in secret circles and societies. The Decembrists appear.
The young, energetic Chatsky and the ossified Famus society personify the struggle between old and new Russia, young and old generations, an obsolete socio-political system and new reformist trends, freethinking. Chatsky is the personification of a man of new times, differing from representatives of the outgoing era in his sober mindset and Decembrist views.
Since Chatsky's late father was a friend of Famusov, Chatsky grew up and was raised in Famusov's family along with his daughter Sophia. The play does not contain a detailed description of Chatsky's growing up, studies and wanderings. From the monologues of Chatsky and other characters in the work, we can conclude that he received a good education, writes and translates well, is engaged in literary activities, has visited abroad and served in the Russian army. A three-year stay abroad gave Chatsky the opportunity to expand his horizons, take a fresh look at the world, and acquire new knowledge. However, Chatsky does not at all boast that he has visited other countries, does not bow to everything foreign, like the majority of Famus society. The young nobleman remains a patriot of his homeland; he truly loves Russia and his people. Chatsky condemns and ridicules the stupid orders of the reality around him, he is noble and honest in his judgments.
Chatsky returns to Famusov's house with the hope of meeting Sophia and seeing a renewed Moscow. However, he will be disappointed. His beloved forgot about him, and Moscow appeared before him filled with vulgarity and lies, flattery and stupidity, immorality and limitations. Chatsky finds that Moscow has not changed at all; the same spirit of worthlessness, servility and suppression of the individual reigns here as before 1812.
Chatsky's deep disappointment leads him to an inevitable clash with Famus society. Chatsky, enthusiastic at the beginning of the play, becomes increasingly embittered towards the end, unable to come to terms with the ossified and established orders of the Moscow nobility. The growing contradiction between Chatsky and Moscow noble society is further aggravated by the fact that Chatsky himself is of noble origin. And this already reveals a struggle within the nobility itself, a struggle of views and beliefs.
1. This struggle of beliefs of two generations is depicted between Famusov, a representative and champion of the old order, and Chatsky, a new man, a Decembrist revolutionary. Chatsky’s monologue “Who are the judges?” exposes and debunks all the baseness and vulgarity of the society of Catherine's era, calling it an era of humility and fear, flattery and arrogance. Unlike Famusov, whose ideal is Maxim Petrovich, a flattering and vile nobleman, Chatsky considers his ideal to be a free-thinking, non-servile and intelligent person.
2. If Famusov and others like him serve for the sake of profit and the opportunity to please an important person, then Chatsky wants to serve for the good and prosperity of his homeland. It is precisely because of the need to serve and please his superiors that Chatsky leaves his service. He is happy to serve, but serving Chatsky is sickening. He strives to benefit his country by engaging in science, literature and art. However, a society clinging to antiquity does not understand the importance of this sphere of activity, and immediately persecutes everyone who is involved in science and culture and declares them to be dangerous dreamers. Chatsky is known as such a dangerous dreamer in Famus society. The good news is that he also has like-minded people in the person of Princess Tugoukhovskaya’s nephew and cousin Skalozub.
3. While Famus society, currying favor with the West, in particular with France, worships everything foreign and prefers the French language to Russian, Chatsky, as a true patriot, defends national culture in every possible way, despite the fact that he had to visit the West for a long time . He highly values the Russian people, their intelligence and ingenuity, believes in them and strives to improve their lives.
4. In contrast to Famus society, which evaluates a person by his wealth, kinship and number of serfs, Chatsky values a person’s personal qualities, his intelligence, dignity and talent.
5. Famusov and others like him are dependent on the judgments of others, they are afraid to openly express their opinion and act not as they would like, but in such a way as not to arouse the indignation of Princess Marya Aleksevna. The freedom-loving Chatsky, in a conversation with Molchalin, is surprised at the sanctity of someone else's opinion for Moscow inhabitants. He himself values each person’s own opinion and recognizes the right to defend it.
6. Chatsky caustically ridicules and condemns arbitrariness and despotism, flattery and hypocrisy, the emptiness and worthlessness of the vital interests of the conservative strata of the nobility.
The image of Chatsky is more fully conveyed by his speech, intonation, and manner of communication. Chatsky is an intelligent, highly educated person. His literate speech is characterized by a rich vocabulary. He uses both folk expressions and foreign words. In his speech there are also ancient Russian words such as just now, indeed, more, tea. He does not flaunt foreign words in vain, but uses them only as a last resort, if a suitable Russian word is not available. Chatsky reads a lot and uses quotes from literary works in his speech. For a more vivid perception of what he said, Chatsky uses many aphorisms.
Chatsky’s speech is quite emotional, it is filled with exclamatory and interrogative sentences, it fully conveys his feelings, be it anger, love, contempt, or ridicule. Chatsky can accurately describe any person.
The tone of his speech depends on Chatsky’s state of mind. When communicating with Sophia, he worries like any lover, so he is talkative and animated. The words addressed to the girl are covered with lyrical notes. When communicating with Famusov at the beginning of the play, he is open and good-natured. However, as he stays in Famus’ deceitful society, Chatsky becomes more and more irritated and his speech reaches the highest intensity of indignation and caustic ridicule at the very end of the work.
Comedy “Woe from Wit” by A.S. Griboyedov occupies a special place in the history of Russian literature. It combines the features of outgoing classicism with new artistic methods: realism and romanticism. In this regard, literary scholars note the features of the portrayal of the characters in the play. If in the comedy of classicism before all the characters were clearly divided into good and bad, then in “Woe from Wit” Griboyedov, bringing the characters closer to real life, endows them with both positive and negative qualities. This is the image of Chatsky as the main character of the play “Woe from Wit”.
The background of the main character of the play "Woe from Wit"
In the first act, Alexander Andreevich Chatsky returns from a long trip around the world, where he went to “search for his mind.” Without stopping home, he arrives at Famusov’s house, because he is driven by sincere love for the daughter of the owner of the house. They were once brought up together. But now they haven’t seen each other for three long years. Chatsky does not yet know that Sophia’s feelings for him have cooled down, and her heart is occupied with something else. The love affair subsequently gives rise to a social clash between Chatsky, a nobleman of progressive views, and the Famus society of serf-owners and rank-worshippers.
Even before Chatsky appears on stage, we learn from Sophia’s conversation with the maid Lisa that he is “sensitive, and cheerful, and sharp.” It is noteworthy that Lisa remembered this hero when the conversation turned to intelligence. It is intelligence that is the trait that sets Chatsky apart from other characters.
Contradictions in Chatsky's character
If you trace the development of the conflict between the main character of the play “Woe from Wit” and the people with whom he is forced to interact, you can understand that Chatsky’s character is ambiguous. Arriving at Famusov’s house, he began a conversation with Sophia by asking about her relatives, using a sarcastic tone and sarcasm: “Has your uncle jumped off his life?”
Indeed, in the play “Woe from Wit” the image of Chatsky represents a rather hot-tempered, in some moments tactless young nobleman. Throughout the entire play, Sophia reproaches Chatsky for his habit of ridiculing the vices of other people: “The slightest oddity in someone is barely visible, your wit is immediately ready.”
His harsh tone can only be justified by the fact that the hero is sincerely outraged by the immorality of the society in which he finds himself. Fighting her is a matter of honor for Chatsky. It is not his goal to prick his interlocutor. He asks Sophia in surprise: “...Are my words really all caustic words? And tend to harm someone?” The fact is that all the issues raised resonate in the soul of the hero; he cannot cope with his emotions, with his indignation. His “mind and heart are not in harmony.” Therefore, the hero lavishes his eloquence even on those who are clearly not ready to accept his arguments. A.S. After reading the comedy, Pushkin spoke this way about this: “The first sign of an intelligent person is to know at first glance who you are dealing with, and not to throw pearls in front of the Repetilovs...” And I.A. Goncharov, on the contrary, believed that Chatsky’s speech was “boiling with wit.”
The uniqueness of the hero's worldview
The image of Chatsky in the comedy “Woe from Wit” largely reflects the worldview of the author himself. Chatsky, like Griboyedov, does not understand and does not accept the slavish admiration of the Russian people for everything foreign. In the play, the main character repeatedly ridicules the tradition of inviting foreign teachers into the house to educate children: “...Nowadays, just like in ancient times, regiments are busy recruiting teachers, more in number, at a cheaper price.”
Chatsky also has a special attitude towards service. For Famusov, Chatsky’s opponent in Griboedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit,” his attitude towards the hero is determined by the fact that he “does not serve, that is, he does not find any benefit in that.” Chatsky clearly outlines his position on this issue: “I would be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served.”
That is why Chatsky speaks with such anger about the habit of Famus society to treat disadvantaged people with contempt and curry favor with influential people. If for Famusov his uncle Maxim Petrovich, who fell on purpose at a reception with the empress in order to please her and the court, is a role model, then for Chatsky he is just a buffoon. He does not see among the conservative nobility those from whom it would be worth following an example. Enemies of a free life, “passionate for rank,” prone to extravagance and idleness - this is what the old aristocrats are for the main character of the comedy “Woe from Wit” by Chatsky.
Chatsky is also irritated by the desire of the Old Moscow nobles to make useful acquaintances everywhere. And they attend balls for this purpose. Chatsky prefers not to mix business with fun. He believes that everything should have its place and time.
In one of his monologues, Chatsky expresses dissatisfaction with the fact that as soon as a young man appears among the nobles who wants to devote himself to the sciences or arts, and not to the pursuit of rank, everyone begins to fear him. And they are afraid of people like Chatsky himself, because they threaten the well-being and comfort of the nobles. They introduce new ideas into the structure of society, but the aristocrats are not ready to part with the old way of life. Therefore, the gossip about Chatsky’s madness, started by Sophia, turned out to be very opportune. This made it possible to make his monologues safe and disarm the enemy of the conservative views of the nobles.
Feelings and features of the hero’s internal experiences
When characterizing Chatsky in the comedy “Woe from Wit,” you can pay attention to his last name. She's talking. Initially, this hero bore the surname Chadsky, from the word “chad”. This is due to the fact that the main character is, as it were, in the clouds of his own hopes and shocks. Chatsky in the comedy “Woe from Wit” experiences a personal drama. He came to Sophia with certain hopes that did not come true. Moreover, his beloved preferred Molchalin to him, who is clearly inferior to Chatsky in intelligence. Chatsky is also burdened by being in a society whose views he does not share and which he is forced to resist. The hero is in constant tension. By the end of the day, he finally understands that he has parted ways with both Sophia and the Russian conservative nobility. There is only one thing the hero cannot accept: why is fate favorable to cynical people who seek personal gain in everything, and so merciless to those who are guided by the dictates of the soul, and not by calculation? If at the beginning of the play Chatsky is in the midst of his dreams, now the true state of affairs has been revealed to him, and he has “sobered up.”
The meaning of Chatsky's image
Griboyedov was led to create the image of Chatsky by the desire to show the brewing split in the nobility. Chatsky's role in the comedy "Woe from Wit" is quite dramatic, because he remains in the minority and is forced to retreat and leave Moscow, but he does not give up his views. So Griboyedov shows that Chatsky’s time has not yet come. It is no coincidence that such heroes are classified as superfluous people in Russian literature. However, the conflict has already been identified, so the replacement of the old with the new is ultimately inevitable.
The given description of the image of the main character is recommended for reading by 9th grade students before writing an essay on the topic “The image of Chatsky in the comedy “Woe from Wit””
Work test
A. S. Griboyedov decided to write his satirical work “Woe from Wit” for various reasons, and various people from his own society became stereotypes of the heroes he invented. So, as for the main character Chatsky, some argued that this character very much resembled Griboyedov’s friend, Pyotr Chaadaev, who sharply criticized and who was also once declared crazy due to differences in views with society. But there is an opinion that this hero became the prototype of the author himself, on whom the shadow of madness also fell, and also due to the fact that he went against the opinion of established views in society, which is why he was sent to serve in Now with great interest I would like to understand the topic “Quoted description of Chatsky” and find out what kind of person he was, whom society accepted as insane. Maybe there is some truth in this...
Quote The appearance of the hero
All brilliant people are a little crazy, because they often look at seemingly the most common things and circumstances differently. Both Pushkin and Lermontov with their freedom-loving poetry, which denounced modern morals and rulers, were probably attributed to such crazy people.
As for our topic “Quote characterization of Chatsky” (“Woe from Wit”, Act 1), we can begin to reveal it with the explanation that Chatsky is a nobleman who returns to Moscow from abroad to quickly meet Sofia Famusova . He hadn't seen her for almost three years. They were friends in childhood, then their relationship grew into love, but Chatsky unexpectedly left without even warning Sophia about it. And in the first act, he appears in the Famusovs’ house and hurries to see Sophia, but she greets him very coldly, since she has not forgiven him and is now very much infatuated with Molchalin.
Molchalin - antipode
Griboyedov loves to contrast heroes, and, of course, the complete opposite of Chatsky, especially if you compare them by character, worldview and position in society, is Molchalin. He is a typical representative of the Famus era, which is gradually becoming obsolete. In his work, Molchalin’s interactions with people are meekness and education, but he is the personification of selfishness, veneration and flattery. This hero is a faceless quiet person, about whom it is customary to say that he can reach the famous levels, “after all, nowadays they love the dumb.” He is ready to curry favor and bow to anyone, if only for the sake of his selfish goals. Career and obtaining a high rank are above all else for him. He has no concepts of honor and pride. He is always ready to adapt to the powers that be, and even himself notes that already at his age “one should not dare to have one’s own judgment.”
Molchalin is a two-faced young man, he deceives Sophia and, when no one is looking, pursues the maid Liza. However, Griboedov still diluted his numerous vices with moderation and accuracy.
New Generation
The quotation description of Chatsky is very different from Chatsky - a representative of a new emerging society and, on the contrary, a very open and self-confident young man. He is a real patriot, but he left the service because he did not see any use in it. Chatsky does not find any benefit for the state and the people in the service, but if he only wanted, he could make a good career, “he’s a smart guy,” “and writes and translates well,” that is, he knows languages. As you can see, the quotation description of Chatsky and Molchalin speaks for itself.
Chatsky is a man of the Decembrist plan, he believes that Russia is on the verge of dawn, where there will be no unhappy and oppressed people, and he sharply condemns. He is sure that society will wake up sooner or later. And as for service, he makes the remark that he is ready to serve the state, and not individuals. Or his other famous phrase: “I would be glad to serve,” but, as they say later, “being served is sickening.”
Quoted description of Chatsky (“Woe from Wit”) - the philosophy of a new way of life
It’s a pity, but people like Chatsky have almost no friends, he is lonely, even the person he loved has become indifferent to him. His communication with others is based on conversations and monologues that cause disputes and conflicts, and they are addressed primarily not to the opponent, but to society as a whole.
Griboyedov specifically contrasts these two heroes in order to more clearly reveal their essence and character. He presents them as two philosophies and two sciences of life of the present and past centuries, but he sympathizes and fully approves of the views and judgments of Chatsky, an intelligent, educated and honest man.
Conclusion
At that time there were people like Molchalin and Famusov in large numbers, but they no longer have the strength to cover their ears and avoid the truthful speeches of people like Chatsky, who nevertheless managed to stir up the measured life of the Moscow gentlemen. This means that he emerged victorious.
This is roughly how you can open the topic of the essay “Quoted characteristics of Chatsky.” But the reasoning can be completely different, because everyone has their own point of view.
Characteristics of quotes from the hero Chatsky, their meaning and meaning
“But be a military man, be a civilian,
Who is so sensitive, and cheerful, and sharp,
Like Alexander Andreich Chatsky!” Sophia
"...He's nice
He knows how to make everyone laugh;
He chats, jokes, it’s funny to me;
You can share laughter with everyone" Sophia
"Oster, smart, eloquent,
I'm especially happy with friends,
He thought highly of himself.” Sophia
“Not a man, a snake!” Sophia
"Oh my god! He's a Carbonari! Famusov
"A dangerous person!" Famusov
“What he says, and he speaks as he writes!” Famusov
“He wants to preach freedom!” Famusov
“He doesn’t recognize the authorities!” Famusov
“Here they are scouring the world, beating their thumbs,
They’re coming back, expect order from them.” Famusov
“You appear to be quite generous:
“You are so indifferent to your neighbor’s misfortune” Sophia
CONCLUSION: Chatsky is smart, educated, spiritually developed, has sound judgment and sobriety in assessing surrounding phenomena. He is fair, revenge and servility are not characteristic of him. His intelligence and love bring Chatsky only grief and disappointment. Everyone united against him, calling him crazy.
Alexander Andreevich Chatsky is a nobleman who has about 400 serfs on his estate. He was orphaned early, so most of his upbringing was spent in the house of his father’s friend, Famusov. As soon as Alexander entered adulthood, he began to live independently. He wanted to get acquainted with the life of the world, and he left his home for 3 years. In this article we will look at the image and characterization of Chatsky in the comedy in verse “Woe from Wit” by A. S. Griboedov.
Chatsky's education
Chatsky is a member of the English Club, which included rich and noble representatives of the nobility. He is intelligent, as evidenced by his ability to speak eloquently. From the words of the heroes of the comedy, it becomes known that the young man knows foreign languages and tries to write himself:“He writes and translates well.”
Chatsky’s speeches are so correctly composed that it seems that he is not speaking, but writing. The young man’s progressive views are not similar to the positions of representatives of Famusov’s circle. It is knowledge and the desire for self-improvement that distinguish Alexander Andreevich from other heroes of the work. Famusov sees the reason for Alexander’s behavior in education:
“Learning is a plague,
Learning is the reason..."
The fading nobility is ready to close schools, lyceums and gymnasiums, just so that the Chatskys do not appear in their way.
Inconsistency of character
Griboyedov is trying to bring the situation in the landowner's house closer to reality. This explains that all the heroes of the work have positive and negative traits, like ordinary people. Chatsky is no exception.Intelligence and categoricalness. The hero's intelligence does not prevent him from being tactless. He does not analyze his judgments, and is not afraid to ridicule the defenseless. They cannot answer him in kind, since they are limited in mental capabilities. Only statements against immorality justify the behavior of the young nobleman. He tries to fight it with categorical judgments. But, as an intelligent person, he could understand that he was talking in vain. His statements do not reach those to whom they are directed. At times he just shakes the air. It feels like this is a conversation with yourself. It was this quality that A. Pushkin did not like. He believes that throwing pearls in front of the Repetilovs is not the job of smart people.
Love and passion. Another contradiction is the hero’s feelings. He is in love with a girl who has chosen someone else. Moreover, it is difficult to even simply compare them. Love made Chatsky blind. His passion and desire to find out who was preferred made him comparable to the funny characters at a comedy ball. I want the hero to leave the stage with his head held high, but he simply runs away from those who slandered him and started gossip.
The hero's love of freedom
Chatsky thinks freely and does not adhere to the rules imposed on him by the older generation. It is the speeches that frighten Famusov. The old landowner includes him among the Jacobins and Carbonari. He does not understand Chatsky's ideas. Freethinking causes fear and apprehension. The love of freedom led the young man to a path incomprehensible to old people. Two career lines were common throughout the century:- military service;
- work as an official.
“I put my mind into science...”
“In my soul... there is a fervor for creative, high and beautiful arts.”
He is not interested in a position among officials, nor in promotions in the ranks of military service or civilian ranks.
Love of truth is the main character trait. The hero always gets to the truth, whatever it may be. It was freedom of thought and liberalism that allowed him to be classified as crazy.
Chatsky's weaknesses
Alexander Andreevich, subtly noticing the characteristics of people’s character and behavior, easily teases and ridicules their vices and weaknesses. He does not try to offend or humiliate his interlocutors with words. Not everyone understands his barbs. He directs most of his judgments against stupid and intellectually limited people. He will make you laugh, make you look like a buffoon, so that the person being ridiculed may not even understand why they are making fun of him. Other weaknesses of the young landowner:Sharpness of judgments. Angry - intonation changes:
"a menacing look and a harsh tone."
Pride. Chatsky does not accept disrespect:
“...you are all proud!”
Sincerity. Alexander does not want to be cunning, does not want to pretend. He cheats on himself only because of his love for Sofia:
“Once in my life I’ll pretend.”
Sensitivity. The quality of the hero distinguishes him from all the guests in Famusov's house. He is the only one who worries about the girl, does not believe in her changes, love for the insignificant Molchalin, without principles and moral principles.
Chatsky's patriotism
Through the hero, Griboyedov conveyed his worldview. He cannot change the servility of the Russian people. He is surprised by the admiration for everything foreign. The author ridicules such aspirations of the landowners: foreign teachers, clothes, dancing, games and hobbies. He is confident that the Russian people should have their own teachers. The hero has a special relationship with language. He doesn’t like the fact that Russian speech has been made into a mixture of “French and Nizhny Novgorod.” He hears the beauty of Russian speech, its unusualness and melodiousness. Therefore, there are many popular words in speech: just now, Pushche, tea. He easily inserts proverbs and sayings into his speech and respects literature. Chatsky quotes the classics, but shows that foreign words should be present in the speech of an educated person, but only where they have a place.Alexander Andreevich, like the entire advanced part of society, loves Russians, appreciates the people as they are.