Starodum as an expression of the author's position. "Undergrowth": analysis of the work of Fonvizin, images of heroes

Denis Fonvizin's immortal comedy "Undergrowth" is an outstanding work of Russian literature of the 18th century. Bold satire and truthfully described reality are the main components of the skill of this writer. Centuries later, heated debates about the protagonist of the play, Mitrofanushka, emerge in modern society every now and then. Who is he: a victim of improper upbringing or a vivid example of the moral decay of society?

The comedy "The Brigadier" written by Fonvizin, which had a stunning success in St. Petersburg, became the basis of one of the world's greatest literary monuments. After its publication, the writer did not return to dramaturgy for more than ten years, more and more devoting himself to state issues and tasks. However, the idea of ​​creating a new book excited the author's imagination. Let's not hide the fact that, according to scientists, the first note related to the "Undergrowth" was started back in the 1770s, long before its publication.

After a trip to France in 1778. the playwright had an exact plan for writing the future work. An interesting fact is that initially Mitrofanushka was Ivanushka, which by itself spoke of the similarity of the two comedies (Ivan was a character in The Brigadier). In 1781 the play was completed. Of course, staging this type meant highlighting one of the most problematic issues of the noble society of that time. However, despite the risk, Fonvizin became the direct "instigator" of the literary revolution. The premiere was postponed due to the empress's dislike for any satire, but it nevertheless took place on September 24, 1782.

Genre of the work

COMEDY is a type of drama in which a moment of effective conflict is specifically resolved. It has a number of features:

1. does not entail the death of one representative from the warring parties;
2. aimed at "nothing carrying" goals;
3. The story is lively and vivid.

Also in the work of Fonvizin, a satirical orientation is obvious. This means that the author set himself the task of ridiculing social vices. This is an attempt to disguise life's problems under the guise of a smile.

"Undergrowth" is a work built according to the laws of classicism. One storyline, one place of action, and all events take place within a day. However, this concept is also consistent with realism, as evidenced by individual objects and places of action. In addition, the characters very much resemble real landowners from the hinterland, ridiculed and condemned by the playwright. Fonvizin added something new to classicism - merciless and sharp humor.

What is the piece about?

The plot of Denis Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" revolves around a family of landowners, which is completely mired in immorality and tyranny. Children became like rude and limited parents, from which their idea of ​​morality suffered. Sixteen-year-old Mitrofanushka is struggling to finish his studies, but he lacks the desire and ability. The mother looks at it through her sleeves, she does not care if her son develops. She prefers everything to remain as it is, any progress is alien to her.

The Prostakovs “sheltered” a distant relative, the orphan Sophia, who differs from the whole family not only in her outlook on life, but also in her good manners. Sophia is the heiress of a large estate, which Mitrofanushka's uncle, Skotinin, who is a great hunter, “looks at” as well. Marriage is the only available way to take possession of Sophia's household, so the relatives surrounding her are trying to persuade her to a profitable marriage.

Starodum - Sophia's uncle, sends a letter to his niece. Prostakova is terribly unhappy with such a "trick" of a relative who was considered dead in Siberia. The deceit and arrogance inherent in her nature is manifested in the accusation of a "fraudulent" letter, allegedly "amorous". Illiterate landowners will soon find out the true content of the message, resorting to the help of the guest Pravdin. He reveals to the whole family the truth about the left Siberian inheritance, which gives as much as ten thousand annual income.

It was then that Prostakova came up with an idea - to marry Sophia to Mitrofanushka in order to appropriate the inheritance for herself. However, officer Milon "breaks into" her plans, walking through the village with soldiers. He met with an old friend, Pravdin, who, as it turned out, was a member of the governor's board. His plans include watching the landowners mistreating their people.

Milon talks about his long-standing love for a sweet lady who was transported to an unknown place due to the death of a relative. Suddenly he meets Sophia - she is the same girl. The heroine talks about her future marriage with the undersized Mitrofanushka, from which the groom “flares up” like a spark, but then gradually “weakens” with a detailed story about the “betrothed”.

Sophia's uncle arrived. Having met Milon, he accepts Sophia's choice, while inquiring about the "correctness" of her decision. At the same time, the Prostakovs' estate was transferred to state custody due to the cruel treatment of the peasants. Looking for support, the mother hugs Mitrofanushka. But the Son did not intend to be courteous and polite, he is rude, which makes the venerable matron faint. Waking up, she wails: "I died completely." And Starodum, pointing to her, says "Here are worthy fruits of evil-mindedness!".

Main characters and their characteristics

Pravdin, Sofya, Starodum and Milon are representatives of the so-called "new" time, the Enlightenment. The moral components of their souls are nothing but goodness, love, craving for knowledge and compassion. The Prostakovs, Skotinin and Mitrofan are representatives of the "old" nobility, where the cult of material well-being, rudeness and ignorance flourish.

• The minor Mitrofan is a young man whose ignorance, stupidity and inability to adequately analyze the situation do not allow him to become an active and reasonable representative of the noble community. “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married” is a life motto that fully reflects the character of a young man who does not take anything seriously.
• Sophia is an educated, kind girl who becomes a black sheep in a society of envious and greedy people.
• Prostakova is a cunning, careless, rude woman with many flaws and a lack of love and respect for all living things, except for her beloved son Mitrofanushka. The upbringing of Prostakova is only a confirmation of the persistence of conservatism, which does not allow the development of the Russian nobility.
• Starodum brings up "his little blood" in a different way - Sophia for him is no longer a small child, but a formed member of society. He gives the girl freedom of choice, thereby teaching her the right basics of life. In it, Fonvizin portrays the type of personality that has gone through all the “ups and downs”, while becoming not only a “worthy parent”, but also an undoubted example for the future generation.
• Skotinin - just like everyone else, is an example of a "speaking surname." A person whose inner essence is more like some rough, uncouth cattle than a well-mannered person.

Theme of the work

• The upbringing of the "new" nobility is the main theme of the comedy. “Undergrowth” is a kind of allusion to the “disappearing” moral principles in people who are afraid of transformation. The landowners bring up their offspring in the old fashioned way, without paying due attention to their education. But those who were not taught, but only spoiled or intimidated, will not be able to take care of either their families or Russia.
• Family theme. The family is a social institution on which the development of the individual depends. Despite Prostakova's rudeness and disrespect towards all residents, she cherishes her beloved son, who does not at all appreciate her care or her love. Such behavior is a typical example of ingratitude, which is a consequence of spoiled and parental adoration. The landowner does not understand that her son sees her treatment of other people and repeats exactly that. So, the weather in the house determines the character of the young man and his shortcomings. Fonvizin emphasizes the importance of maintaining warmth, tenderness and respect in the family towards all its members. Only then will children be respectful and parents worthy of respect.
• The theme of freedom of choice. The "new" stage is Starodum's relationship with Sophia. Starodum gives her freedom of choice, not limiting her to her beliefs, which can affect her worldview, thereby educating her in the ideal of a noble future.

Main problems

• The main problem of the work is the consequences of improper upbringing. The Prostakov family is a family tree that has its roots in the distant past of the nobility. This is what the landlords boast about, not realizing that the glory of their ancestors does not add to their dignity. But class pride clouded their minds, they do not want to move forward and achieve new achievements, they think that everything will always be the same as before. That is why they do not realize the need for education; in their world enslaved by stereotypes, it really is not needed. Mitrofanushka will also sit all his life in the village and live off the labor of his serfs.
• The problem of serfdom. The moral and intellectual decay of the nobility under serfdom is an absolutely logical result of the unjust policy of the tsar. The landlords are completely lazy, they do not need to work to provide for themselves. Managers and peasants will do everything for them. With such a social structure, the nobles have no incentive to work and get an education.
• The problem of greed. The thirst for material well-being blocks access to morality. The Prostakovs are obsessed with money and power, they don’t care if their child is happy, for them happiness is a synonym for wealth.
• The problem of ignorance. Stupidity deprives the heroes of spirituality, their world is too limited and tied to the material side of life. They are not interested in anything but primitive physical pleasures, because they do not know anything else at all. Fonvizin saw the true "human appearance" only in the person who was brought up by literate people, and not by half-educated deacons.

comedy idea

Fonvizin was a personality, therefore he did not accept rudeness, ignorance and cruelty. He professed the belief that a person is born with a “clean slate”, therefore only upbringing and education can make him a moral, virtuous and intelligent citizen who will benefit the fatherland. Thus, the chanting of the ideals of humanism is the main idea of ​​The Undergrowth. A young man who obeys the call of goodness, intelligence and justice - that's a true nobleman! If he is brought up in the spirit of Prostakova, then he will never go beyond the narrow limits of his limitations and will not understand the beauty and versatility of the world in which he lives. He will not be able to work for the good of society and will not leave anything significant behind him.

At the end of the comedy, the author speaks of the triumph of "retribution": Prostakova loses the estate and the respect of her own son, who was brought up in accordance with her spiritual and physical ideals. This is the price of wrong education and ignorance.

What does it teach?

Comedy Denis Fonvizin "Undergrowth", above all, teaches respect for others. The sixteen-year-old youth Mitrofanushka did not take care of either his mother or his uncle at all, he considered this a self-evident fact: “Why did you overeat henbane, uncle? Yes, I don’t know why you deigned to jump on me. The logical result of rough treatment in the house is the finale, where the son pushes away the loving mother.

The lessons of the comedy "Undergrowth" do not end there. Not so much respect as ignorance shows people in a position that they carefully try to hide. Stupidity and ignorance hover in comedy, like a bird over a nest, they envelop the village, thereby not releasing the inhabitants from their own shackles. The author severely punishes the Prostakovs for their narrow-mindedness, depriving them of their property and the very opportunity to continue their idle lifestyle. Thus, everyone needs to learn, because even the most stable position in society is easy to lose, being an uneducated person.

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replicas of Starodum? Why does the comedy "Undergrowth" end with these words? 3) How are Mitrofanushka's teachers portrayed in the comedy "Undergrowth"?? What ideas do these images embody?
URGENT, PLEASE HELP))))

1) to prove that the comedy "undergrowth" refers to the works of classicism.
2) Who is to blame for the fact that it was not Mitrofan who grew up, but Mitrofanushka.
3) Why this comedy and its content remains relevant to this day

1) life; 2) military story; 3) word; 4) chronicle?

2. Which principle is "superfluous" for classicism:

1) unity of place; 2) unity of time; 3) unity of action; 4) unity of language?

4. The line "The abyss has opened, the stars are full ..." belongs to:

1) Fonvizin; 2) Trediakovsky; 3) Sumarokov; 4) Lomonosov?

5. Match works and literary trends:

A) "Poor Lisa"; b) "Felitsa"; Vasya"; t) Svetlana.

6. In what literary direction was a peaceful idyllic life in the bosom of nature portrayed as an ideal:

7. In which work is the "Tale of Lomonosov" included:

1) “Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow” by A.N. Radishchev; 2) "Monument" GR. Derzhavin; 3) "History of the Russian State" N.M. Karamzin; 4) "Captain's daughter" A.S. Pushkin?

8. Which characteristic does not apply to romanticism:

The division of genres into high and low;
contradiction between ideal and reality;
desire for freedom;
conflict between the individual and society?
9. The genre of what literary movement is elegy:

10. Which of the heroes of A. S. Griboedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit” owns the phrase: “He fell painfully - he got up great”:

1) Lisa; 2) Chatsky; 3) Famusov; 4) Sophia?

11. Who wrote that in the comedy "Woe from Wit" by A.S. Griboyedov "25 fools for one healthy
thinking person, and this person, of course, in contradiction with the societies, his

Surrounding":

1) IA. Goncharov; 2) A.S. Griboedov; 3) A.S. Pushkin; 4) V.G. Belinsky.

1) G.R. Derzhavin; 2) N.M. Karamzin; 3) V.A. Zhukovsky; 4) A.N. Radishchev?

13. From which country did the hero of A. S. Pushkin's novel "Eugene Onegin" return to his estate?
Vladimir Lensky:

1) Germany; 2) Italy; 3) England; 4) France?

What is the poetic size of the novel by A.S. Pushkin "Eugene Onegin"
1) anapaest; 2) trochee; 3) dactyl; 4) iambic?
What was the name of the estate where M.Yu. Lermontov spent his childhood?
1) Lermontov; 2) Tarkhany; 3) Boldino; 4) Streshnevo?
16. What is the story of M.Yu. Lermontov "A Hero of Our Time"
is the latest chronologically:

1) "Bela"; 2) "Maxim Maksimych"; 3) "Fatalist"; 4) "Princess Mary"?

17. Which epigraph was taken by N.V. Gogol for the comedy "The Government Inspector":
1) "Oh rus ... Oh Russia!";

"Take care of the dress again, and honor from a young age *"
“There is nothing to blame on the mirror if the face is crooked”;
"And the smoke of the fatherland is sweet and pleasant to us"?
18. What work is not included in the St. Petersburg stories of N.V. Gogol:

1) "Portrait"; 2) "Marriage"; 3) "Overcoat"; 4), "Carriage"?

19. Match the titles of the works and their authors:

“Russia cannot be understood with the mind...”;
"Poet and Citizen";
"No, I'm not Byron...";
"I came to you with greetings...";
a) M.Yu. Lermontov; b) F.I. Tyutchev; c) N.A. Nekrasov; d) A.A. Fet.

What was the name of the heroine of the story by I.S. Turgenev "First Love":
1) Anastasia; 2) Zinaida; 3) Elena; 4) Tatyana?
Which writer was called "Columbus of Zamoskvorechye":
1) A.P. Chekhov; 2) N.V. Gogol;
3) A.N. Ostrovsky; 4) I.S. Turgenev?

22. As determined by the FA/. Dostoevsky genre of "White Nights":

Which work is “superfluous” for A.P. Chekhov’s “little trilogy”:
1) "Gooseberry"; 2) "Ionych"; 3) "About love"; 4) "Man in a case"?

Fonvizin's contemporaries highly valued "Undergrowth", he delighted them not only with his amazing language, clarity of the author's civic position, innovation of form and content.

Genre Features

By genre, this work is a classic comedy, it complies with the requirements of the "three unities" inherent in classicism (place, time, action), the heroes are divided into positive and negative, each of the heroes has his own role ("resonator", "villain", etc.). however, it also contains deviations from the requirements of the classic aesthetics, and serious deviations.So, the comedy was only supposed to amuse, it could not be interpreted ambiguously, there could not be ambiguity in it - and if we remember "Undergrowth", then we cannot help but admit that, raising the most important social issues of his time in the work, the author resolves them by means, far from comical: for example, in the finale of the work, when, it would seem, “the vice is punished,” the viewer cannot but sympathize with Mrs. Prostakova, who is rudely and cruelly repelled by the ungrateful Mitrofanushka, preoccupied with her own fate: “Yes, get rid of it, mother, as imposed. .." - and the tragic element imperiously invades the comedy, which was unacceptable .. Yes, and with the "unity of action" everything is also not so simple in comedy, it has too many storylines that do not "work" in any way to resolve the main conflict , but they create a broad social background that determines the characters of the characters. Finally, Fonvizin's innovation also affected the language of the comedy "Undergrowth", the speech of the characters is very individualized, it contains folklorisms, vernacular, and high style (Starodum, Pravdin), which also violates the classic canons of creating speech characteristics of characters. It is possible, summing up, to conclude that Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" became a truly innovative work for its time, the author pushed the boundaries of the aesthetics of classicism, subordinating it to the solution of the task set before him: to angrily ridicule the vices of his contemporary society, to rid him of "malice" capable of destroying both the human soul and public morality.

Image system

Let us analyze the system of images of the comedy "Undergrowth", which, as required by the aesthetics of classicism, represents two directly opposite "camps" - positive and negative characters. Here you can also notice a certain deviation from the canons, it manifests itself in the fact that it carries a duality, it is almost impossible to attribute them purely to positive or purely negative characters. Let's remember one of Mitrofanushka's teachers - Kuteikin. On the one hand, he suffers humiliation from Mrs. Prostakova and his student, on the other hand, he is not averse, if the opportunity arises, to "grab his piece", for which he is ridiculed. Or Mitrofan's "mother" Eremeevna: she is vilified and humiliated in every possible way by the hostess, she dutifully endures, but, forgetting herself, rushes to protect Mitrofanushka from her uncle, and does this not only out of fear of punishment ...

The image of Prostakova in the comedy "Undergrowth"

As already noted, Fonvizin innovatively portrays his main character, Mrs. Prostakova. Already from the very first scenes of the comedy, we have before us a despot who does not want to reckon with anyone or anything. She rudely imposes her will on everyone, suppresses and humiliates not only the serfs, but also her husband (how can one not recall Mitrofan's "dream in the hand" about how "mother" beats "father"? ..), she tyrannizes Sophia, she wants to force her to marry first his brother Taras Skotinin, and then, when it turns out that Sophia is now a rich bride, - for his son. Being herself an ignorant and uncultured person (with what pride she declares: “Read it yourself! No, madam, I, thanks to God, am not brought up like that. I can receive letters, but I always order another to read them!”), she despises education, although he is trying to teach his son, he does it only because he wants to ensure his future, and what is the cost of Mitrofan's "education" as it is presented in the comedy? True, his mother is convinced: "Believe me, father, that, of course, that is nonsense, which Mitrofanushka does not know" ...

Cunning and resourcefulness are inherent in Mrs. Prostakova, she stubbornly stands her ground and is convinced that "we will take ours" - and is ready to commit a crime, kidnap Sofya and, against her will, marry a man from the "Skotinin family". When she meets a rebuff, she simultaneously tries to beg for forgiveness and promises punishment to those of her people, due to whose oversight the "enterprise" fell through, in which Mitrofanushka is ready to actively support her: "To be taken for people?" The “transformation” of Mrs. Prostakova is striking, who just on her knees humbly begged to forgive her, and, having received a petition, “jumping up from her knees”, promises with fervor: “Well! Now I will give dawn to the canals of my people. "I'll sort it out one by one. Now I'll try to find out who let her out of her hands. No, swindlers! No, thieves! I won't forgive a century, I won't forgive this mockery." How much voluptuousness is in this triple "now", and how truly scary it becomes from her request: "Give me a period of at least three days (Aside) I would let myself know ...".

However, as already noted, there is a certain duality in the image of Prostakova. She deeply and devotedly loves her son, is ready for anything for him. Is she guilty that she compares her love for him with the love of a dog for puppies "Have you heard that a bitch gave out her puppies?"? After all, we must not forget that she is from the Skotinin-Priplodin family, where such semi-animal love was the only possible one, how could she be otherwise? So she disfigures Mitrofan's soul with her blind love, her son pleases her in every possible way, and she is happy that he "loves" her ... Until he throws her away from him, because now he does not need her, and even those people who have just condemned Mrs. Prostakova sympathize with her in her maternal grief ...

The image of Mitrofan

The image of Mitrofan created by Fonvizin is also not quite traditional. "Undergrowth", who likes to be "small", who diligently takes advantage of his mother's attitude towards himself, is not so simple and stupid as it might seem at first glance. He has learned to use his parents' love for himself for his own benefit, he knows well how to achieve his goal, he is convinced that he has the right to everything he wants. Mitrofanushka's egoism is the driving force behind his actions, but the hero also has cruelty (remember his remark about "people"), and resourcefulness (which is worth his reasoning about the "door"), and lordly contempt for people, including his mother, from whom he seeks help and protection on occasion. And his attitude to education is so dismissive only because he does not see any real benefit from it. Probably, when he "serves", he - if it is profitable - will change his attitude towards education, potentially he is ready for anything: "According to me, where they are told." Consequently, the image of Mitrofan in the comedy "Undergrowth" also has a certain psychologism, as well as the image of Prostakova, which is Fonvizin's innovative approach to creating negative images that were supposed to be only "villains".

positive imagery

In creating positive images, the playwright is more traditional. Each of them is an expression of a certain idea, and as part of the approval of this idea, an image-character is created. Practically positive images are devoid of individual features, these are images-ideas inherent in classicism; Sophia, Milon, Starodum, Pravdin are not living people, but exponents of a "certain type of consciousness", they represent an advanced system of views for their time on relations between spouses, social structure, the essence of the human personality and human dignity.

The image of Starodum

At the time of Fonvizin, the image of Starodum in the comedy "Undergrowth" evoked special sympathy among the audience. Already in the very "speaking" name of the character, the author emphasized the opposition of "the current century to the past century": in Starodum they saw a person of the era of Peter I, when "In that century, the courtiers were warriors, but the warriors were not courtiers" Starodum's thoughts about education, about the ways in which a person can achieve fame and prosperity, about how a sovereign should be evoked a warm response from a significant part of the audience, who shared the advanced convictions of the author of the comedy, while the fact that he not only proclaimed these advanced ideas caused special sympathy for the image of the hero - according to the play it turned out that with his own life he proved the correctness and advantageousness of such behavior for a person. The image of Starodum was the ideological center around which the positive heroes of the comedy united, who opposed the dominance of morality by the Skotinins-Prostakovs.

The image of Pravdin

Pravdin, a government official, embodies the idea of ​​statehood, which protects the interests of education, the people, which seeks to actively change life for the better. Guardianship of the Prostakova estate, which Pravdin appoints by the will of the empress, inspires hope that the ruler of Russia is able to defend those of her subjects who need this protection most, and the decisiveness with which Pravdin carries out transformations should have convinced the viewer, that the supreme power is interested in improving the life of the people. But how then to understand the words of Starodum in response to Pravdin's call to serve at court: "It is in vain to call a doctor to the sick is incurable"? It is likely that the System was behind Pravdin, which confirmed its unwillingness and inability to carry out real transformations, and Starodum represented himself, an individual person in the play, and explained why the image of Starodum was perceived by the audience with much more sympathy than the image of the "ideal official" .

Milon and Sophia

The love story of Milon and Sophia is a typically classic love story of two noble heroes, each of whom is distinguished by high moral qualities, which is why their relationship looks so artificial, although, against the background of the "Skotinin" attitude towards the same Sophia ("You are my dear friend! if now, without seeing anything, I have a special peck for each pig, then I’ll find a light for my wife”) she really is an example of a high sense of moral, educated, worthy young people, opposed to the “fertility” of negative heroes.

The meaning of the comedy "Undergrowth"

Pushkin called Fonvizin "a bold ruler of satire", and the comedy "Undergrowth", which we analyzed, fully confirms this assessment of the writer's work. In it, the author's position of Fonvizin is expressed quite unambiguously, the writer defends the ideas of enlightened absolutism, he does it extremely talentedly, creating convincing artistic images, significantly expanding the scope of the aesthetics of classicism, innovatively approaching the plot of the work, to creating images-characters, some of which are not simply represents the expression of certain socio-political ideas, but has a pronounced psychological individuality, expresses the inconsistency of human nature. All this explains the great importance of Fonvizin's work and the comedy "Undergrowth" for Russian literature of the 18th century, the success of the work among contemporaries and its significant influence on the subsequent development of Russian drama.

After the decree of Catherine II "On the Liberty of the Nobility", the landlords become especially cruel and ignorant. In this regard, enlightened people begin to worry about the future of the country, since the principles of educating the nobility are reduced to ignorance and tyranny. From the current situation, D.I. Fonvizin sees only one way out - a return to the ideas of enlightenment - goodness, honor and duty.

The influence of Prostakova on the upbringing of her son

Prostakova has an undeniable influence on the development of her son Mitrofan. In translation, the name Mitrofan means "revealing his mother", which fully reflects his image.

Prostakova, cruel with serfs, with members of her family, is guided in life only by her own desires. Such behavior destroys the remnants of dignity and respect in her. So Fonvizin is trying to convey to society that the lifestyle of the modern local nobility is destructive.

So Mitrofan copies the mother's demeanor, the features of her communication with others. Without a shadow of a doubt, he mocks Eremeevna, treats his own parents with disdain, calling them rubbish.

Mitrofan's upbringing

Mitrofan is spoiled, ignorant, lazy and selfish, he is only interested in his own entertainment, mental and physical labor is alien to him. The teachers hired for his education are not able to give him real knowledge, but Mitrofan is not able to assimilate the minimum that they give him. Through the author's laughter at the ignorance of the undersized Mitrofanushka, we hear distinct indignation and anxiety for the future of Russia - the future of the country will be based on such people.

Expression of the author's position on the problem of education

Fonvizin puts his own idea of ​​raising the younger generation into the mouth of Starodum, who conveys personal experience to his niece Sofya. It is in teaching the younger generation to the elders that Fonvizin sees the ideal of becoming the future arbiters of the fate of his native state.

Starodum talks with the girl on a variety of topics - about the nobility of a nobleman, which is expressed in the number of good deeds he has done, about wealth that needs to be shared with those who need it more than you. Family relations, according to the hero, are built on the principle: the husband must obey reason, and the wife must obey her husband. And the main thing in life is to feel worthy of the benefits that you possess.

Conclusion

The problem of education is central in the comedy "The Undergrowth". It is inextricably linked with thoughts about the future of Russia. The author is frightened that the local nobility is turning into an ignorant mass. The main hope of Fonvizin is a return to the principles of education. I think that in the form of a play, Fonvizin sets out his own program for educating the younger generation.

The immortal comedy of D. I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth" was and remains one of the most relevant works of Russian classics. The breadth of the writer's views, his deep convictions about the benefits of education and enlightenment, are reflected in the creation of this brilliant work. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with a brief analysis of the work according to the plan. This material can be used to work at a literature lesson in grade 8, to prepare for the exam.

Brief analysis

Year of writing– 1782

History of creation– The writer came up with the idea of ​​a comedy after returning from abroad, under the influence of the educational views of a foreign country.

Topic- The main theme of the "Undergrowth" is enlightenment and education, the upbringing of a new generation in the spirit of new trends of the times and political transformations.

Composition- the comedy is built according to all the rules of the genre, it observes three components - the unity of action, place and time. Consists of five actions.

Genre– The play is a comedy, a bright and lively narration that does not contain tragic episodes.

History of creation

In The Undergrowth, the analysis of the work involves the disclosure of the theme, the main idea of ​​the comedy, its essence and idea.

First, let's define the meaning of the name. In the eighteenth century, the word "underage" meant a person who did not have a document on education. Such a person was not hired and not allowed to marry.

Fonvizin lived in France for more than a year, delving deeply into its educational doctrines. He was occupied with all spheres of the social life of the country, he delved into philosophy, jurisprudence. The writer paid much attention to theatrical productions, in particular, comedies.

When the writer returned to Russia, he came up with the idea of ​​the comedy "Undergrowth", where the characters will receive speaking surnames in order to better express the meaning of the comedy. Work on the history of creation took the writer almost three years, began in 1778, and the final year of writing was 1782.

Topic

Initially the main theme of the comedy the theme of the upbringing and education of the new generation was assumed, later socio-political problems were included in the problems of the “Undergrowth”, which directly related to the decree of Peter the Great on the prohibition of the service and marriage of noblemen - underage.

The Prostakov family, which has undergrowth Mitrofanushka, has deep noble roots. In the first place among such Prostakovs is pride in their noble estate, and they do not accept anything new and progressive. They absolutely do not need education, since serfdom has not yet been abolished, and there is someone to work for them. Above all, for the Prostakovs, material well-being, greed and greed turn a blind eye to the education of their son, power and wealth are more important.

The family is the example on which a person grows and is brought up. Mitrofanushka fully reflects the behavior and lifestyle of her despotic mother, but Mrs. Prostakova does not understand that she is an example for her son, and wonders why he does not show her proper respect.

revealing comedy problems, family conflict Prostakov, we come to the conclusion that everything depends on the upbringing of a person. Only from a worthy upbringing in the family depends on the attitude of a person to surrounding strangers, his decency and honesty. What the writer's comedy teaches is education, respect for one's neighbor, good manners and prudence.

Composition

Masterfully executed features of the composition allow you to get acquainted with the main characters at the very beginning of the play. Already at the end of the first act, the plot starts. Immediately, Pravdin and Sofya appear in the comedy. There is intrigue in the comedy - Sophia's rich dowry, which they learn about from Starodum's story, and a struggle for her hand flares up.

In the next two acts, events are developing rapidly, tension is growing, the peak of which falls on the fourth act, in which the idea comes to Prostakova's head to kidnap Sophia and force her to marry an undergrowth.

Gradually, the development of the action begins to decline, and in the fifth act the comedy comes to a denouement. It becomes known about the unsuccessful kidnapping of Sophia. Pravdin accuses the Prostakovs of evil intentions and threatens with punishment.

A paper arrives about the arrest of the property of the Prostakovs, Sophia and Milon are going to leave, and Mitrofanushka is forced to join the soldiers.

Using in his comedy such artistic means as speaking surnames and first names, the author gives a moral assessment of the characters, which does not raise any doubts about its justice. This is the general characteristic of comedy.

main characters

Genre

Fonvizin's play is built according to the laws of classicism. Events take place throughout the day in one place. The comedic orientation of the play is clearly expressed by sharp satire, mercilessly ridiculing the vices of society. The play also contains funny motifs permeated with humor, there are also sad ones in which the landowner arrogantly mocks her serfs.

The writer was an ardent supporter of education, he understood that only a comprehensive education and proper upbringing can help a person grow into a highly moral person, become a worthy citizen of his homeland. A huge role in this should be played by the institution of the family, where the foundations of human behavior are laid.

Critics enthusiastically reacted to the comedy "Undergrowth", calling it the pinnacle of Russian drama of the 18th century. All critics wrote that Fonvizin described with maximum accuracy and straightforwardness the typical images and characteristics of society that look caricatured and grotesque, but in fact, are simply taken from life and described from nature. And in the modern world, comedy remains relevant: now in society there is also a large number of “mitrofans”, for whom the meaning of life lies in material wealth, and education is given a minimal place.

Artwork test

Analysis Rating

Average rating: 4.2. Total ratings received: 2099.