Woe from wit, the image of the silent man is brief. Description of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit" by Griboyedov, description of the character of the hero

Plan

1. Introduction

2.Molchalin's activities

3 views of Molchalin

4.Molchalin's attitude towards women

5.Conclusion

Introduction

In the immortal work "Woe from Wit" A. S. Griboyedov described several collective images common in his era. As time shows, its characteristics are still relevant today. With any social system and level of technical development, there will always be their own Chatskys, Famusovs, Molchalins. The last image is the most numerous and indestructible. Seriousness, reverence for rank, and sycophancy for the sake of personal gain are extremely common social vices. Unfortunately, each person has his own Molchalin. The only difference is to what extent he is allowed to do his dark deeds.

Molchalin's activities

One of the main negative characters in the comedy is Famusov's secretary who lives in his house. A. S. Molchalin, apparently, is not a wealthy person. From childhood, his father taught him to "please all people." Having entered the service of Famusov, Molchalin became not only his secretary, but in fact a personal servant who is ready for any service, even a crime. The author hints at the not entirely clean nature of Famusov's affairs in the first act (the papers "must not be put into use", "there are contradictions").

The penchant for scams and secret money transactions is inherent in Molchalin's blood and is confirmed by all his actions and deeds. The attitude of Aleksey Stepanovich to Famusov is outwardly extremely respectful and respectful, sometimes reaching the level of humiliation. In fact, Molchalin does not care about his human dignity. He is driven only by the thirst for profit and the improvement of his social position. He is convinced that in this life everything depends on money, absolutely everything can be bought or sold. He works as a secretary only until he makes a sufficient fortune and can himself become a likeness of Famusov. This is his idea of \u200b\u200bthe ideal life path.

Molchalin's views

Alexei Stepanovich does not notice any special firm convictions. The first time he expresses his views in detail in a conversation with Chatsky. Above all, they value "moderation and accuracy." Molchalin believes that he is distinguished by precisely these qualities. An interested Chatsky continues to ask questions, trying to understand what kind of person he is. Alexey Stepanovich cites Tatyana Yurievna and Foma Fomich as authorities.

From the words of Chatsky it is clear that these are extremely stupid and limited people, whose entire merit is wealth. But for Molchalin, they are indisputable models that should be looked up to. Finally, Chatsky seeks from Molchalin his main characteristic: "In my years, you should not dare to have your own judgments." He explains his thought by the fact that a small rank forces him to depend on "the mighty of this world." Chatsky, incapable of cunning, concludes that his interlocutor is simply a fool. In fact, Molchalin is far from that stupid. Subsequently, he will partially reveal his innermost thoughts to Lisa.

Alexey Stepanovich deeply despises everyone in front of whom he humiliates himself. He does this out of necessity, hoping to take the place of his "idols". However, Molchalin's innate intelligence and education will never be used for an honest and noble cause. Having become a big boss, he will happily become a new "idol" who will also demand boundless respect and deference from his subordinates. Molchalin is convinced that the whole world is supported only by this.

Molchalin's attitude to women

For Alexey Stepanovich, love is the same product and a way to achieve his goals. His courtship of Sophia is caused by the desire to please Famusov even more. He is as honest as possible towards Lisa, but he tries to win her favor exclusively with the help of expensive gifts. Molchalin simply does not understand that people have feelings other than the desire for enrichment and power.

Conclusion

Molchalin is a collective negative image of a person for whom there are no high ideals. Such people are ready for any humiliation for the sake of money. Having gained power and authority, the Molchalins will be able to widely spread their poisonous influence. This will lead to the emergence of more and more low and vile people who replace honesty and truthfulness with deceit and venality. It is important for any society that there should be as few Molchalinins as possible.

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In Griboyedov's comedy Woe from Wit, the main opposing array of events falls on the characters of Chatsky and Famusov. The rest of the characters help to reveal the true state of affairs 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 suggest that you familiarize yourself with A. Griboyedov's comedy “Woe from Wit”.

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.

Alexei Stepanovich has not yet managed to rise to significant heights - so far he only holds the position of Famusov's secretary, but gives hope for early career advancement, which causes 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 pleased with this.

Aleksey Stepanovich has been working as the personal secretary of Famusov for the third year already, however, he was registered in a completely different position - based on official data, Molchalin works in the archive department, but in practice this is fictitious, he is only listed there. However, not without benefit for himself - during this service, he received three awards.

Of course, this was the exceptional work of Famusov. This position 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 not from his own pocket.

The text mentions the rootlessness of Molchalin, but there is no exact explanation. Based on this, several assumptions can be made regarding the essence of such a statement. The first is that Molchalin is a man of simple origin, the second is that he is an orphan, that is, a man of no kind.

The writer portrays Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin as an adult man. At the same time, Molchalin rejects even the possibility of his infantilism. Famusov, for whom the hero serves, takes advantage of Alexei's position. Officially, the hero works in the "Archives", because Famusov agreed so. However, this is a simple formality for obtaining ranks. Molchalin's real place of work is Famusov's house. The latter provides its employee with food, drink, shelter, career advancement. Molchalin, apparently, knows how to please Famusov.

Before working with Famusov, in Moscow, the hero lived in Tver. Molchalin, of course, is not a rich man at all. The simplicity of the hero's origin makes us assume that Molchalin is a tradesman. According to the "Table of Ranks", the hero holds the rank of collegiate assessor. This rank gives the right to nobility, which is what Molchalin achieves. The man even manages to get awards, in which his master probably helped Molchalin.

The symbolism of the surname

The image of Molchalin is symbolic. This is primarily due to his last name. It is based on the verb "to be silent". Indeed, this word is an accurate reflection of the essence of Molchalin. He is a silent and faceless servant of Famusov. Even his steps are devoid of any sound. It seems that he wants to be as unnoticed, quiet as possible.

From time to time, Alexey Stepanovich moves on tiptoe so as not to disturb the 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 a 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 take place and achieve significant achievements in life. Achievements in the eyes of Molchalin are in no way associated with improving the lives of ordinary, ignoble people or contributing to the development of the morality of the aristocracy. The highest goal of Alexei Stepanovich is to become a full-fledged representative of high society.

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

Molchalin and Sofya Famusova

You can improve your position in society even more through a profitable marriage. For this, girls needed to have a charming figure and no less 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 benevolence. Despite his low origin and financial insolvency, in the eyes of Famusov, Alexey Stepanovich looks like a more attractive son-in-law than the noble aristocrat Chatsky. The fact is that Pavel Afanasyevich believes that such an estate and diligence that Molchalin possesses can compensate for his origin and achieve a favorable position in society. To achieve a final advantage over other young people, Molchalin only needs to accumulate significant capital or start attacking Famusov from a different 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 starting to show interest in Famusov's daughter Sophia.

The relationship of young people is in the best traditions of platonic love - Molchalin does not allow anything superfluous in relation to the girl.

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

We offer to compare in A. Griboyedov'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 in relation to her. Young people of noble birth are not ready to grovel in front of Sonya as Molchalin does, therefore they do not arouse such interest in her.

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

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 not only depends on Famusov, but also seeks to become like them, could become an excellent opponent to Chatsky , if I had more persistence and individuality, however, since Alexey Stepanovich is used to being a silent observer and never betraying his attitude to certain situations, then there is no heated discussion between the characters.

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

Attempts to open the eyes of others to the erroneousness of their opinion do not lead to anything good - others are flattering to perceive their superiority than to realize that all the respect towards them was a farce.

Molchalin and Lisa

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

So, for example, Alexei Stepanovich has a feeling of affection and love in relation to the servant in the house of Famusov - Liza. The hero of the story faces a choice - to the end to play his role as Sonya's beloved, or to confess his feelings to Lisa.

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

Thus, Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin is a classic version of a character playing a double game. This trend continues in the case of Molchalin in all types of activities. He is a hypocrite in relation to Famusov, plays with the feelings of Sonya.

For Aleksey Stepanovich, a meek and silent servility is characteristic. For the sake of moving up the social ladder, he is ready to go even to the most immoral acts. The image of Molchalin has become a household name and is applied to a dishonest, hypocritical person.

Molchalin's character

The hero makes a double impression. On the one hand, Molchalin pleases everyone (in this man is a real master), he is shy, helpful, timid, calm, timid, modest, quiet, “wordless”. He is characterized by accuracy, moderation, lack of criticism of others. For this they love him, perhaps. But on the other hand, the hero is also characterized by duplicity and hypocrisy. Molchalin is considered a well-mannered and polite person, the hero evokes sympathy among others. The society does not see the true nature of the hero. On the contrary, in Molchalin they see a selfless person who is ready to forget about his own interests for the sake of others.

However, Molchalin pleases and is silent for the sake of self-interest, for the sake of achieving his goal. Such parting words were given to the hero by his father. The behavior of the hero depends on the circumstances. For example, with Famusov's daughter, a man behaves emphatically politely and modestly. But Molchalin does not really love Sophia. The hero is in love with Lisa. However, there is no need to behave decently with a simple girl. The true face of Molchalin is seen, perhaps, only by Chatsky, who considers the assessor to be a stupid, cowardly and pitiful person. However, Vyazemsky, on the contrary, emphasizes the prudence of the hero, a rational approach to life. Molchalin's soul is cold and callous. The servant Liza also talks about this later.

Among the heroes of "Woe from Wit" (see summary, analysis and full text) Famusov stands at the top rungs of the service and social ladder. Molchalin, being on the lower steps of the same staircase, tries to climb it, following the principles and rules of life of his boss. Seriousness and obsequiousness, widespread in Famus society, were instilled in him from childhood:

“My father bequeathed to me,

says Molchalin,

First, to please all people without exception;
The owner, where he happens to live,
The chief with whom I will serve,
To his servant who cleans the dress,
To a Swiss, a janitor, to avoid evil,
To the janitor's dog, to be more affectionate.

We can say that Molchalin really fulfills his father's will! We see how he tries to please the noble old woman Khlestova, how he praises and caresses her dog; and although Khlestova treats him very haughtily ("Molchalin, here is your closet!"), however, she allows him to behave arm in arm, plays cards with him, calls "my friend", "dear", and probably will not refuse his patronage when he needs it. Molchalin is sure that he is going the right way and advises Chatsky to go "to Tatiana Yuryevna," as in his words "often we find patronage there where we don't mark."

Woe from wit. Maly Theater performance, 1977

Molchalin himself recognizes two "talents": "moderation" and "accuracy", and there is no doubt that with such properties "he will reach the degrees of the known", as Chatsky notes, adding: "After all, nowadays they love the dumb." Molchalin is indeed dumb, since not only does he not express, but even does not have his own opinion, it is not for nothing that Griboyedov called him “Molchalin”:

“In my years I shouldn't dare
Have your own judgment "-

he says. Why risk “having your own judgment” when it’s so much easier and safer to think, speak and act as the elders do, as Princess Marya Alekseevna does, like “everyone else”? And can Molchalin have his own opinion? He is undoubtedly stupid, limited, although cunning. This is a shallow soul. We see the baseness and meanness of his behavior with Sophia. He pretends to love her because he thinks that it can be beneficial to him, and at the same time flirts with Lisa; he sneakily crawls on his knees in front of Sophia, begging for her forgiveness, and immediately after that he hurries to hide from Famusov's anger, like a real coward. The pathetic type of Molchalin is portrayed by Griboyedov with merciless realism.

In the comedy "Woe from Wit" A.S. Griboyedov presents images of Moscow nobles of the early 19th century, when a split was outlined in society between the conservative nobility and those who accepted 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. The supporters of the "past century" in comedy are numerous. These are not only such weighty and influential people in the world as the feudal landlords 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 from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who "gave him the rank of assessor and took him as secretary." Molchalin is the secret lover of Famusov's daughter, but Sophia's father does not want to see him in his sons-in-law, because in Moscow it is necessary 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 the Famus society.

Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the post of Famusov's secretary, because usually such places are taken only under patronage. Famusov says: “In my presence, foreign employees are very rare: more and more sisters, sister-in-law, children; only Molchalin is not my own, and that is because he is businesslike. " It is business qualities, not honor and dignity, that are valuable in the Famusian 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 curses and humiliates influential guests in Famusov's house, because they can be useful in his promotion. Molchalin sinks to the point that he begins to praise the smooth fur of Khlestova's dog. He believes that as long as "we are small in ranks," "we must depend on others." That is why Molchalin lives according to the principle "In my years you should not dare to have your own judgment."

Like everyone else in Famus society, in the comedy Woe From Wit, Molchalin is proud of his successes in the service and boasts of them at every opportunity: “As I worked and worked, since I was listed in the archives, I received three awards.” Molchalin also succeeded in establishing contacts with "necessary" people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because "officials and officials are all her friends and all relatives", and even dares to recommend this demeanor to Chatsky.

Despite the fact that the views and values \u200b\u200bof Molchalin fully coincide with the ideals of the conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is. Famusov's daughter will be deceived by this particular person, since he assumes the appearance of her lover "by position", that is, out of profit.

Molchalin fully reveals his face when interacting with the servant Lisa, who expresses sympathy. “You are modest with the young lady, but with the maid a rake,” she tells him. It becomes clear to the reader that Molchalin is not at all a stupid modest man - he is a two-faced and dangerous person.

In the heart of Molchalin there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he is putting on this performance "for the sake of the daughter of such a person," and on the other, he is mortally afraid that his secret connection with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid to spoil the opinion of himself in society, because "evil tongues are worse than a gun." Even Sophia is ready to go against the light for the sake of love: "What is the rumor to me ?!" 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 just clearly follows the advice of his father - "to please all people without exception - to the owner where he will live, the boss, with whom I will serve ..."

This hero fully corresponds to the ideals of the "past century", although he belongs to the younger generation of nobles. He knows the main thing - to adapt, and therefore "The silencers are blissful in the world."
Thus, Molchalin is a product and a worthy continuation of representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values \u200b\u200bonly ranks and money and evaluates people only by these standards. The cunning and duplicity of this hero are the defining features in the characterization of Molchalin in the comedy Woe from Wit. Therefore, Chatsky claims that Molchalin "will reach the degrees of the known, because nowadays they love the dumb."

The problem raised by Griboyedov in the comedy "Woe from Wit" remains relevant to this day. At all times, there were Molchalins who did not stop at anything to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as values \u200b\u200bsuch as wealth and position in society are at the forefront, rather than honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism.

Characteristics of the hero, reasoning about his views and ideals, describing relationships with other characters - all these arguments will help 9th grade students when writing an essay on the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit"

Product test

Molchalin is one of the most memorable characters in the comedy Woe from Wit. He is endowed with a speaking surname. So, what is this character "silent" about?

We meet with Molchalin at the very beginning of the comedy, when we learn that they have mutual love with Sophia, the daughter of the owner of the house. However, later it becomes clear that the reciprocity of love exists only in the imagination of Sophia, and Molchalin himself is not as simple as it seems.

Molchalin's life position is most fully revealed during his dialogue with Chatsky ... "My father bequeathed to me: firstly, to please all people without exception - the Master, where I will live, the Chief, with whom I will serve, His servant, who cleans the dress, the Swiss, the janitor, to avoid evil, The janitor's dog, so that she was affectionate", - says Molchalin. Indeed, this character can always achieve what he wants precisely because of his ability to find an approach to people. His main goal (like any representative of the "Famus society") is to achieve a high position in society by any means. And here he, realizing that the daughter of Famusov is in love with him, so as not to offend her, plays a romantic and timid lover. He knows that Sophia reads French romance novels and therefore understands how he should appear in front of her. And it works: Sophia admires his complaisance, modesty, gentleness. He behaves modestly under Famusov too. During the ball, Molchalin tries with all his might to please Khryumina, knowing that she occupies a high position in society ( "Your spitz is a lovely spitz, no more than a thimble").

However, it is interesting to observe how his behavior changes with other people. Alone with the servant Lisa, he becomes rudely cheeky. With Chatsky, he talks politely and emphatically restrained, because he understands: Chatsky is an unwanted guest in this house and it is not profitable to show him respect. In addition, Molchalin is amazed that Chatsky does not know one noble lady - Tatyana Yurievna. This shows how important connections and reputation are for Molchalin (and how little they matter to Chatsky). Chatsky's desire to prove to everyone that he is right and Molchalin's restraint are also opposed to each other ( "In my years you shouldn't dare to have your own judgment").

If Chatsky turned out to be an outcast in this society, then Molchalin feels like a fish in water here. It was not for nothing that Chatsky said: "The silent people are blissful in the world." Molchalin is a type of person who, unfortunately, is in demand in any society at any time. It is these people who often achieve a lot precisely because of their hypocrisy. Therefore, to the rather popular question of what will become of Molchalin after the scandal at the end of the work and the exposure, it is fashionable to give an affirmative answer: everything will be forgotten pretty quickly and he will continue to live in Famusov's house as if nothing had happened.