Danko and larra are two types of attitude to the world and people. Gorky's early romantic stories The meaning of life according to bitter old woman Izergil
Homework to the lesson
1. Write out from the dictionary literary terms definition of the term romanticism.
2. Read the story of Maxim Gorky "Old Woman Izergil"
3. Answer the questions:
1) How many legends did the Old Woman Izergil tell?
2) What happened to the girl from the “big river country”?
3) What was the name of the son of the eagle by the elders?
4) Why, having come close to people, did Larra not defend himself?
5) What feeling gripped people lost in the forest, why?
6) What did Danko do for people?
7) Compare the characters of Danko and Larra.
8) Was Danko's sacrifice justified?
The purpose of the lesson
To acquaint students with Maxim Gorky's story "Old Woman Izergil" as a romantic work; improve the skills and abilities of analysis prose text; give an idea of the romantic aesthetics of early Gorky.
teacher's word
M. Gorky's story "Old Woman Izergil" was written in 1894 and first published in 1895 in Samara Newspaper. This work, like the story "Makar Chudra", belongs to the early period of the writer's work. From that moment on, Gorky declared himself as the spokesman for a special way of understanding the world and the bearer of a very specific aesthetic - romantic. Since by the time the story was written, romanticism in art had already experienced its heyday, early work Gorky in literary criticism is usually called neo-romantic.
At home, you had to write out the definition of romanticism from the dictionary of literary terms.
Romanticism- in the broad sense of the word artistic method, in which the subjective position of the writer in relation to the depicted phenomena of life is dominant, his attraction is not so much to reproduce, but to re-create reality, which leads to the development of especially conditional forms of creativity (fantasy, grotesque, symbolism, etc.), to the promotion to the forefront of exceptional characters and plots, to the strengthening of subjective-evaluative elements in the author's speech, to the arbitrariness of compositional connections, etc.
teacher's word
Traditionally, a romantic work is characterized by the cult of an extraordinary personality. Moral qualities hero is irrelevant. Villains, robbers, generals, kings, beautiful ladies, noble knights, murderers are at the center of the story - anyone, as long as their life is exciting, special and full of adventures. romantic hero always recognizable. He despises the miserable life of the townsfolk, challenges the world, often foreseeing that he will not be the winner in this battle. A romantic work is characterized by a romantic dual world, a clear division of the world into real and ideal. In some works perfect world realized as otherworldly, in others - as a world untouched by civilization. Throughout the work, plot development which is concentrated on the brightest milestones in the life of the hero, the character of an exceptional personality remains unchanged. The storytelling style is bright and emotional.
Writing in a notebook
Features of a romantic piece:
1. The cult of an extraordinary personality.
2. Romantic portrait.
3. Romantic duality.
4. Static romantic nature.
5. Romantic plot.
6. Romantic landscape.
7. Romantic style.
Question
Which of the books you have read before can you call romantic? Why?
Answer
Romantic works of Pushkin, Lermontov.
teacher's word
Distinctive features of Gorky's romantic images are proud disobedience to fate and impudent love of freedom, integrity of nature and heroism of character. The romantic hero strives for unrestricted freedom, without which there is no true happiness and which is often dearer to him than life itself. Romantic stories embody the writer's observations of contradictions human soul and the dream of beauty. Makar Chudra says: “They are funny, those your people. They huddled together and crush each other, and there are so many places on earth ... " The old woman Izergil almost echoes him: “And I see that people do not live, but everyone tries on”.
Analytical conversation
Question
What is the composition of the story "Old Woman Izergil"?
Answer
The story is in 3 parts:
1) the legend of Larra;
2) a story about the life of Izergil;
3) the legend of Danko.
Question
What is the basis for the construction of the story?
Answer
The story is based on the opposition of two characters who are carriers of opposite life values. Selfless love Danko to people and Larra's unrestrained egoism are manifestations of the same feeling - love.
Question
Prove (according to the plan in your notebook) that the story is romantic. Compare the portraits of Larra and Danko.
Answer
Larra is a young man “handsome and strong”, “his eyes were cold and proud, like those of the king of birds”. Not in the story detailed portrait Larra, the author pays attention only to the eyes and the proud, arrogant speech of the “son of the eagle”.
Danko is also very difficult to visualize. Izergil says that he was a "handsome young man", one of those who always dared because he was handsome. Again, the reader's special attention is drawn to the eyes of the hero, which are called eyes: "... a lot of strength and living fire shone in his eyes".
Question
Are they extraordinary personalities?
Answer
Undoubtedly, Danko and Larra are exceptional personalities. Larra does not obey the clan and does not honor the elders, goes where he pleases, does what he wants, not recognizing the right of choice for others. Talking about Larr, Izergil uses epithets that are more suitable for describing the animal: dexterous, strong, predatory, cruel.
Question
Answer
In the story “Old Woman Izergil”, the ideal world is realized as the distant past of the earth, a time that has now become a myth, and the memory of which has remained only in the legends of the youth of mankind. Only a young earth could, according to the author, give birth to the heroic characters of people obsessed with strong passions. Izergil emphasizes several times that modern " miserable" such a power of feeling and greed for life are not available to people.
Question
Do the characters of Larra, Danko and Izergil develop over the course of the story, or are they initially set and unchanged?
Answer
The characters of Larra, Danko and Izergil do not change throughout the story and are interpreted unambiguously: the main and only trait of Larra's character is selfishness, the denial of any law other than will. Danko is a manifestation of love for people, while Izergil subordinated her entire existence to her own thirst for pleasure.
Question
Which of the events described by the old woman can be considered unusual?
Answer
Both stories told by Izergil contain a description of extraordinary events. The genre of the legend determined their original fantastic plot basis (the birth of a child from an eagle, the inevitability of a completed curse, the light of sparks from Danko's burning heart, etc.).
Work with text
Match the heroes (Danko and Larra) according to the following parameters:
1) portrait;
2) the impression made on others;
3) understanding of pride;
4) attitude towards people;
5) conduct at the time of the trial;
6) the fate of the heroes.
| Stats/Heroes | Danko | Larra |
| Portrait | Young handsome man. The beautiful are always bold; in his eyes shone a lot of power and living fire |
A young man, handsome and strong; his eyes were cold and proud, like those of the king of birds |
| The impression made on others | We looked at him and saw that he is the best of all | Everyone looked with surprise at the son of an eagle; It offended them; Then they got really angry. |
| Understanding Pride | I have the courage to lead, that's why I led you! | He answered that there were no others like him; He stood alone against all; We talked with him for a long time and finally saw that he considers himself the first on earth and sees nothing but himself. |
| Attitude towards people | Danko looked at those for whom he endured labor, and saw that they were like animals; Then indignation boiled up in his heart, but from pity for people it went out; He loved people thought that maybe without him they would die |
She pushed him away and walked away, and he hit her and, when she fell, stood with his foot on her chest; He had no tribe, no mother, no livestock, no wife, and he did not want any of this; I killed her because, it seems to me, she pushed me away ... And I needed her; And he replied that he wanted to keep himself whole |
| Behavior at the time of judgment | What have you done to help yourself? You just walked and did not know how to save strength for a longer path! You just walked, walked like a flock of sheep! | - Untie me! I won't say bound! |
| The fate of the heroes | He rushed forward to his place, holding high his burning heart and lighting the way for people with it; But Danko was still ahead, and his heart was burning, burning! |
He cannot die! - people said with joy; - He was left alone, free, waiting for death; He has no life and death does not smile at him |
Analytical conversation
Question
What is the source of Larra's tragedy?
Answer
Larra could not and did not want to compromise between his desires and the laws of society. Egoism is understood by him as a manifestation of personal freedom, and his right is the right of the strong from birth.
Question
How was Larra punished?
Answer
As punishment, the elders doomed Larra to immortality and the inability to decide for himself whether he should live or die, they limited his freedom. People deprived Larra of what, in his opinion, it was worth living for - the right to live by his own law.
Question
What is the main feeling in Larra's attitude towards people? Support your answer with an example from the text.
Answer
In relation to people, Larra does not have any feelings. He wants "keep yourself whole" that is, to get a lot out of life without giving anything in return.
Question
What feeling is experienced by Danko, looking into the crowd of people judging him? Support your answer with an example from the text.
Answer
Looking at those for whom he, risking his life, went to the swamps, Danko is indignant, “But out of pity for the people, it went out. Danko's heart flared with the desire to save people and lead them "to the easy path".
Question
What is the function of the "cautious man" episode?
Answer
The mention of the "cautious man" is introduced into the legend of Danko in order to emphasize the exclusivity of the hero. "Cautious Man" is perceived as one of many, thus the author will determine the essence ordinary people, "not heroes" who are not capable of sacrificial impulses and are always afraid of something.
Question
What is common in the characters of Larra and Danko and what is the difference between them?
Answer
This question can lead to ambiguous answers. Students can perceive Larra and Danko as opposite characters (egoist and altruist), or interpret them as romantic characters who oppose themselves to people (for various reasons).
Question
What place does society occupy in the inner reflections of both characters? Is it possible to say that heroes exist in isolation from society?
Answer
Heroes think of themselves outside of society: Larra - without people, Danko - at the head of people. Larra “He came to the tribe, he stole cattle, girls - everything he wanted”, He "hovering around people". Danko was walking "ahead of them and was cheerful and clear".
Question
What moral law determines the actions of both characters?
Answer
The actions of the characters are determined by their own value system. Larra and Danko are their own law, they make decisions without asking the elders for advice. Proud, triumphant laughter is their answer to the world of ordinary people.
Question
What is the function of the image of the old woman Izergil in the story? How do the images of Larra and Danko relate to each other with the help of the image of the old woman Izergil?
Answer
Despite the brightness, completeness and artistic integrity of both legends, they are only illustrations necessary for the author to understand the image of the old woman Izergil. It "cements" the composition of the story both at the substantive and at the formal level. In the general narrative system, Izergil acts as a narrator, it is from her mouth that the I-character learns the story of the "son of the eagle" and the burning heart of Danko. At the level of content in the portrait of the old woman, one can find features of both Larra and Danko; in how insatiably she loved, Danko's character was reflected, and in how thoughtlessly she threw her loved ones - the seal of the image of Larra. The figure of Izergil links both legends together and makes the reader think about the problem of human freedom and his right to dispose of his life force at his own discretion.
Question
Do you agree with the saying that “in life there is always a place for a feat”? How do you understand it?
Question
Is achievement possible in every life? Does every person use this right of achievement in life?
Question
Did the old woman Izergil accomplish the feat she is talking about?
These questions do not require an unambiguous answer and are designed for independent answers.
conclusions write them down in their own notebooks.
Some of Nietzsche's philosophical and aesthetic ideas were reflected in Gorky's early romantic works. Central image early Gorky has a proud and strong personality, embodying the idea of freedom. "Strength is virtue", Nietzsche argued, and for Gorky, the beauty of a person lies in strength and achievement, even aimless: « strong man has the right to be “beyond good and evil”, to be outside of ethical principles, and a feat, from this point of view, is resistance to the general flow of life.
Literature
D.N. Murin, E.D. Kononova, E.V. Minenko. Russian literature of the twentieth century. Grade 11 program. Thematic lesson planning. St. Petersburg: SMIO Press, 2001
E.S. Rogover. Russian literature of the XX century / St. Petersburg: Paritet, 2002
N.V. Egorova. Lesson developments in Russian literature of the twentieth century. Grade 11. I semester. M.: VAKO, 2005
In my opinion, of all the early works of Maxim Gorky, the story “Old Woman Izergil” is the most romantic and poetic. His characters are brave, strong-willed people. On their example, the writer talks about good and evil, about the meaning and wisdom of life. Very interesting story structure. The story of the life of the old woman Izergil is framed by two legends - about Larra and Danko. Before us are several human destinies- choose! Judge for yourself the meaning of life! What is it? In Larra's individualism or in selfless service to people, to which Danko devoted himself? Or maybe you should strive to live a free, adventurous life? The old woman Izergil experienced a lot of grief and joy, different people she met on her duty life path. The images of those whom she loved remained forever in her memory. This is both an arrogant gentry, and “a worthy pan with a chopped face”, and a young man - “a pale and fragile flower of the east, poisoned by kisses”.
The years took away Izergil's former beauty, extinguished the sparkle of her eyes, hunched her slender figure, but gave her wisdom, knowledge of life and true spirituality.
It is no coincidence that Gorky puts the legends about Larra and Danko into the mouth of this particular woman. She has something in common with both characters. Izergil had to sacrifice herself for the sake of her beloved, show selflessness, and at the same time she lived a life for herself, free from any duties and obligations. The writer does not condemn her: ideal people really found only in fairy tales, but in the living, real people can be both good and bad.
However, it is unlikely that the legend of Danko could have come from the lips of a spiritually wretched, cowardly and vile person.
In the legend of Larra, Gorky debunks the individualism of those who reject people and do not want to reckon with universal human laws. Someone may object that this is precisely what true freedom is - to do what you want, to go anywhere, not to reckon with anyone, that is, "keep yourself whole." However, those who choose this path will face a tragic and sad fate - loneliness. Indeed, “for everything that a person takes, he pays with himself: with his mind and strength, sometimes with his life.” In other words, one cannot only consume without giving anything in return. Larra neglected this law, and a terrible punishment awaited him. It would seem that he did not lack anything: “he stole cattle, girls - everything he wanted”, and at the same time he was free as a bird. Then why did he finally begin to dream of death and “there was so much longing in his eyes that it could have poisoned all the people of the world with it?” Apparently, for someone who does not know how to give, to give warmth, who “sees nothing but himself”, it is difficult to be happy and worthy to go through life.
The romantic antipode of Larra is Danko - a brave handsome man, whose heart caught fire with great love for people. In his image, Gorky embodied his idea of \u200b\u200btrue heroes, of those in whom he saw an ideal. It is no coincidence that even the landscape creates in the reader a feeling of something unusual, fantastic. He helps us move from real life(Izergil's story about himself) into the romantic world of the legend: “And in the steppe distance, now black and scary, as if hiding, hiding something in itself, small blue lights. Here and there they appeared for a moment and went out, as if several people, scattered across the steppe far from each other, were looking for something in it, lighting matches, which the wind immediately extinguished. They were very strange blue flames that hinted at something fabulous.” As blue sparks enliven the black steppe, as if fraught with something unkind, so people like Danko are able to bring goodness and light into life.
Danko is beautiful both externally and internally: “We looked at him and saw that he was the best of all, because a lot of strength and living fire shone in his eyes.”
The energy and strength of Danko is opposed to the lack of will and cowardice of the crowd. Tired and evil people, irritated by their impotence, lose their human appearance: “Danko looked at those for whom he suffered labor, and saw that they were like animals. Many people stood around him, but they were not on the faces of their nobility, and it was impossible for him to expect mercy from them. But Danko managed to overcome the indignation that flared up in him, because pity and love for people turned out to be stronger in him. To save them, he does spiritual feat. “What will I do for the people?” Danko shouted louder than thunder. And suddenly he tore his chest with his hands and tore out his heart from it and raised it high above his head. It burned as brightly as the sun, and brighter than the sun, and the whole forest fell silent, illuminated by this torch. great love to people-.". The flaming heart of Danko is a symbol of sacrificial service to people, and the hero himself is the embodiment of all the best in a person. And how miserable and low against his background seems a “cautious person”, who, “afraid of something, stepped on a proud heart with his foot ...”
I think that in the legend of the burning heart Danko expresses author's position about the meaning of life. In other words, the whole meaning of life, according to Gorky, is in sacrificial, selfless service to people. True, at present such a position is unlikely to be popular. It seems to me that most of us are likened to a “cautious person” stepping foot on a burning heart. Isn't that why we have to go through a painful crisis, both moral and material.
Of course, one cannot demand sacrifices from people by force, and not everyone can do great feats. But if we try to become kinder, more responsive, to help those who need it, then the world will surely change for the better. And the life of a person who gives people warmth can be called beautiful and meaningful.
Aquilam volare doces*
Larra walked for the third day. The scorching sun, hunger and thirst exhausted his body, his bare feet were worn to the blood, his eyes doubled. The rustle of the grass was not heard, and she herself, like Larra, bent over the earth, as if she were able to save her from the heat. The heat did not give rest even at night. The young man walked, overcoming himself. He desperately looked for food, but nothing grew nearby and there was not a single tribe from which anything could be stolen. Larra couldn't ask. The legs were bleeding. It seemed to him that the grass should serve as a pillow for them, but its dried and hardened roots stuck out, tearing the skin like a knife. Now he was unlike the birds that proudly flew over him. When his father became weak, he rushed to the rocks: what should Larre do? He had no weapons, no wings, no nothing. But he didn't need it before. He felt that his mind was being lost. His legs buckled, and everything went dark before his eyes.
Life-giving moisture is the first thing Larra felt after waking up. It covered his throat, and he spat it out, afraid to choke. But someone very close said "Hush, hush," and the young man realized that this was not a dream. He greedily took a sip of water from the stranger, and sighed in disappointment when it was taken away. - It's hard, isn't it? - said the invisible. He couldn't make out the intonation with which the man said those words, but he didn't care. Larra is used to humiliation. What else could you expect from people? Perhaps he got the young man drunk precisely in order to continue his torment, to mock at his unfortunate lot. And Larra was seized by a feeling of hatred, he wanted to look into the eyes of this man, and then tear him apart. He opened his eyes with difficulty, and when his eyes cleared, he looked angrily at the speaker. Larra froze in amazement. Before him stood a young man of his age, blond hair framing him Beautiful face, A blue eyes radiated ... kindness. Larra was embarrassed that he wanted to kill him. - You are alone? Larra croaked out of habit. - No, there behind is my tribe. I was sent to reconnaissance as young and sighted. And I found you in the middle of the steppe. - the young man smiled at him, as if he had found a treasure. A thought flashed through his mind whether he would have time to rob this young man and run away, but for the first time Larra could not bring himself to do this - his hand did not rise. - Do you want to eat? - As if hearing Larra's thoughts, the young man asked. Larry nodded slightly. The young man opened the knapsack and took out food. Having a snack, Larra gained strength. - Can you get up? the stranger asked again. Larra pushed off the ground with his hands and quickly jumped to his feet, but his legs responded with monstrous pain, and he collapsed back. It seemed that after the break they would not be able to go at all. "Lie down here, I'll be right back," he heard the retreating cry of a stranger. Turning around, Larra saw that he was rushing in the direction from which his tribe was supposed to come.
People. There are a lot of people, and everyone looks at him strangely. He didn't want to be among people he despised them. Larra's legs were still aching, and therefore he was now riding in a wagon that was intended for the old and the poor. The cart was dragged by the stranger who found it in the steppe. Larra didn't even bother to ask his name. The people who followed the wagon laughed at him, and a fire of indignation lit up in Larra's soul. What funny thing did they see? And the answer was immediate: even the elders and women go, but he cannot. - Stop. - Larra said to the young man. He glanced over his shoulder as if he wanted to say something, but stopped anyway. - I wanna go. said the son of the eagle. Have the wounds on your legs healed? - asked the young man. - No, but ... - he was interrupted by the rumble of wheels spinning again. - But it's humiliating! Larra said with feeling. - Help is not humiliating, - the young man answered, - but this is yes. - And with these words, he lifted up the handrails of the cart, which he held on to, so that Larra flew off it like a sack of potatoes. It was unpleasant for him, and the stranger was already standing on him, and a question flashed in his eyes: “ Got the difference?". And Larra really understood, so he lowered his gaze, unable to look any longer into the blue eyes of the young man, like the sky above them. He looked down and noticed his savior's feet. They were hurt just like his own, but he never complained about it. Larra would not have noticed if he had not seen it with his own eyes. “Your legs…” Larra said after they set off again. Why didn't you tell me, why didn't you ask me for anything? - Help should be disinterested. And if I asked you for something in return, what kind of help would it be? - answered the young man. Larra thought about what had been said for a long time, but firmly decided that someday he himself would help this young man for dragging him, despite the pain, as if not noticing it. For the first time, he wanted to help a person. He was calm with this young man, there was a firm conviction that he would not do him anything bad. They were completely different, and although Larra did not want to admit it, he began to like this strange young man with eternally shining eyes.
The sun rolled towards the horizon. Having bypassed all the old and infirm, Danko stopped at the young man he had found, clutching a coverlet in his hands. He slept, occasionally shuddering in drowsiness. Chest heaved evenly, jet-black hair blowing in an almost weightless wind. Despite all their differences, Danko seemed to have something in common. He approached the young man and covered him with a veil. He was glad that he found him then, in the steppe. No one deserves to die forgotten by everyone. He walked away and stopped, still looking at the young man. - When he recovers, he will have to leave. - I heard the voice of one of the elders nearby. Let him survive on his own, we did everything we could for him. Hard times are coming, and an extra mouth will be a problem for us. - Is it extra hands will we be disturbed? He can help us. Danko answered. - He's an outcast. How can he help those he despises? He only talks to you. - He's a man just like us. Why should we chase him? “Forsworn are cursed by the Gods, and that is not to be trifled with. It will affect the entire tribe if we adopt him. - The elder fell silent, and then, looking at Danko, he muttered, - Do not sacrifice yourself, he will destroy you. Think about what your parents would say about it. - You know they would have done the same. - Depressed Danko said muffledly, leaving. Approaching the young man sleeping in the wagon, he sat down next to him, leaning his back against the wall of the wagon. Danko was overcome with sadness that he would have to be kicked out. It seemed unthinkable to him to save a person in order to quit again. He could not even imagine how the young man would react to this news.
Noon is a time of strong sunshine. The tribe settled down near a high forest, in its shadow. Danko was returning from the council of elders. No matter how he tried to dissuade them, nothing came of it. They decided to expel the young man and ordered Danko to inform him about it. Some of the people slandered him, saying that he saw how he steals supplies at night. But Danko knew that at night he slept next to him. And he told the elders about it, but they did not want to believe him. They asked if he knew why the young man was expelled, and Danko did not have an answer to this question. Therefore, the elders decided to abandon the young man, saying at the same time that they were doing him a favor, because they were in dense forest awaits where terrible to take into account, and any tribe will be afraid to touch an outcast. Danko was jarred by such an attitude towards the young man he had saved: it’s not his fault that the tribe expelled him, he shouldn’t have to pay for it all his life, everyone has a second chance. But no one listened to him. The young man sat cross-legged, far away from all other people. Danko slowly approached, forced smile. - Tell me, what did you do then in the steppe alone? Why did the tribe leave you? he asked quietly. - What's the difference to you? Human? - the young man said rudely, drilling Danko with the eyes of an eagle driven into a corner. He seemed to sense danger. Danko was touched by rudeness, from the lips of a young man a word Human sounded so insignificant. - I see a person like me in front of me. Whatever you think you are, you don't have wings behind your back, just like me. he said. The young man stopped burning it and, looking down, stared at the grass. And Danko thought that perhaps he called him a man simply because he did not know his name. - I'm Danko. he suddenly blurted out. The young man raised his black eyes to him and, after thinking for a second, said: - They called me Larra. And after these words, it became even more difficult for Danko to inform about the decision of the elders. He sat down next to Larra and, looking at him, said: - You must leave, your legs are already in order, and you cannot stay here any longer. - He wanted to say this, looking into his eyes, but faced with the look of Larra, full of pain, in impotence discarded this idea, feeling so insignificant and pathetic. How difficult it was for him to say these words and how he did not want to let him go. Danko managed to become attached to Larra. But right now, his biggest fear was that the young man would think he wanted him to leave too. Danko expected anything - that Larra would refuse to leave, that he would massacre, that he would try to convince the elders to leave him. But none of this followed. - Well, I'll leave, - Larra said indifferently, - If You you ask me about it, I'll leave. Larra was hurt, people rejected him again. And it was painful because it was Danko who was sent to him with this decision, the person who cared about him, the person who did not leave him. Larra easily got to his feet and wandered away. - What about supplies? Danko called after him. I came here with nothing and I'm leaving with nothing. I don't need anything from you. Larra said. And Danko watched as the silhouette of a person whom he did not want to lose moved away towards the horizon, and tears welled up in his eyes.
A few days in the forest knocked down dozens of people. They fell dead right before Danko's eyes, and he could not help them in any way. The young man concentrated on finding a way out of the forest. He woke up and went to bed with this thought. Danko knew that there must be a way out, but how long it would take to get to it and how many people would have to be sacrificed, he did not know. They stopped for the night. People cowered in fear of the shadows that danced from the fire. The foliage suddenly rustled near Danko, and he decided to check what was there. Taking the torch, he walked past the spreading roots, which seemed alive and ready to grab at any moment, skirted the trees, the trunk of which it was impossible to grasp with his hands. And among the trees it seemed to him that he saw someone's silhouette. Moving away from his tribe, he shouted: - Come out! The leaves rustled again. Danko could not believe his luck. He only smiled madly when he saw the man who came out to meet him. - You said you were leaving. he said. - I could not. - Larra admitted smiling, approaching Danko. It seemed to the latter that this was the first time he saw his smile. - I came for you. - Behind me? Danko asked. - I realized that my freedom is not sweet to me. My freedom is now yours. And I would be the biggest fool in the world if I missed you. - Blue eyes opposite black. Lit only by a torch, Larra looked truly magical and magical. Pale skin contrasted with black eyes and hair. - I had a lot of girls, but they came and went, as if they were not there at all. No one lingered in my heart ... Except you. And obeying the impulse, Larra kissed Danko's parted lips, burying his hands in his blond hair. But soon he pulled away, whispering: - Come with me. Don't sacrifice yourself for people, they don't deserve it. - They touched foreheads. - I'll go with you wherever you want, just let me save these people. They will die without me, I am their only hope. - Noticing the incredulous look of Larra, Danko added - and then you and I will go even to the ends of the earth. But Larra seemed to be looking at someone standing behind him, and turning around, Danko saw the elder. He glared at them with undisguised malice. Larra was still allowed to stay, which made the rest of the people unhappy. And that night the eagle's son slept, cuddled up to the person you loved listening to Danko's heartbeat and feeling his warmth.
They wandered through the forest, and it seemed to everyone except Danko that their days were numbered. Danko walked ahead of everyone, showing the way. Larra heard the displeasure of the people following them. And then one day the elders blamed them for everything. - I was initially opposed to you, Danko, bringing this outcast. He is cursed, and so are you. That's why the Gods punish us, that's why they kill us one by one. Therefore, we cannot leave this forest, because you are leading us. - said the elder who saw them in the forest. Enraged people began to pull up to them and began to surround the young men. - You said: "Lead!" - and I led! shouted Danko. - I have the courage to lead, that's why I led you! And you? What have you done to help yourself? You just walked and did not know how to save strength for a longer path! You just walked, walked like a flock of sheep! The ranks of people around them began to close. People screamed that they would die. And it flashed through Larra's head that if they even touched Danko, he would tear them to shreds. He looked at the young man and saw how he was tearing his chest and pulling out a burning heart from there. Something broke in Larry. Danko rushed forward, and the astonished crowd that ran after him pushed Larra back. He knew that these were his last moments in life, he understood that he was losing the most important thing. Because of the people, he practically did not see Danko, he saw only his heart, illuminating the path. He ran faster, pushing people aside, and did not immediately realize that the light was no longer coming from Danko's heart, but from the sun shining over the steppe where they had gone. Danko stood in front, admiring the view. When Larra caught up with him, Danko turned to him and smiled warmly, and then his eyes glazed over and he fell dead. Larra knelt before the lifeless body. It became unbearable for him to hear the joyful exclamations of people. He held back his tears no matter what. They will not see his weakness. And then he noticed how the elder stepped on Danko's heart, and it shattered into pieces. In desperation, Larra rushed to the fragments, collecting them with his hands, as if the heart could be assembled from them again, but a strong gust of wind blew them from his palms, scattering them on the ground.
He walked towards the tribe. Seeing him, people became alert, preparing for battle. " My freedom is now his, he repeated to himself, but now it is gone, which means there is no freedom. I must die to be free again and be reunited with him.» People put spears in front of him, but he continued to walk, wanting to run into them. But people understood his intention, and removed the weapons. They stood and laughed, and Larra trembled with despair. He thought that he could tear his flesh, like Danko, and began to tear the skin with his nails, but the skin was like stone and did not give in at all, no matter how hard he tried. Then Larra rushed at people in the hope that they would accidentally kill him, then they dodged him. He saw someone dropped a knife, grabbed and stabbed himself in the chest, but the knife did not harm him. And then he understood. This is his curse. The gods laugh at him. As soon as he found happiness, they took him away and there is no way to get him back. Now that much time has passed since then, and the sun has withered his body, he no longer remembers anything but one name. He searches and searches all over the earth for fragments of Danko's heart, hoping to collect them together, as if this could return his love to life. * - You teach an eagle to fly (lat.)
The best writers of all times and peoples asked themselves and their readers about what a person is in the world. To be or not to be is a philosophical question. The meaning of life is different for every person. For one, well-being and prosperity is enough, for another, give peace and will, the third carefully monitors his own health, believing that it is the most important thing.
Alexei Maksimovich Peshkov wondered about the purpose of existence in almost all of his works. His characters follow their path in different ways, among them there are egoists who think only about their own good, and those who are ready to devote themselves to serving bright ideals. Contrasting the philosophy of sacrifice with the way of thinking of the opportunist, the writer indicates his own position. Renunciation of one's own material interests in the name of a brighter future - that is the meaning of life according to Gorky.
The meaning of life of the old woman Izergil
In the story "Old Woman Izergil" three storylines. The main character had a chance to live a difficult life, in which there was a place for both happiness and grief. Men, by the will of fate in her fate, are very different, but both the young man, like an oriental flower, and the arrogant Polish duelist, she recklessly and generously gave what she owned - her love, not sparing her. Did she think about the question of what is the meaning of life? According to the bitter story of the old woman about tragic fate Danko, we can conclude that reflections on the purpose of human existence were not alien to her. At the same time, when talking about Larra, she expounds the concept of a carefree and comfortable life without any judgment.
Petrel and already
A similar ideological confrontation is also manifested in the dialogue of the “wise” snake with the petrel. Freedom - this is the meaning of life according to Gorky. It can be defined as the will to do what one wants, the whole question is what a slave wants, and what a true citizen wants. The layman, being a prisoner of his own petty goals, is simply unable to understand high heroic aspirations, he does not like the feeling of free flight, especially if it ends in an awkward fall from a height, albeit a small one. I already like warm and damp comfort, familiar and comfortable. The high emotional intensity elevates this fable to the rank of a real parable with an almost biblical plot.
The meaning of mother's life
The idea of serving high ideals dominates in the novel "Mother". In this work, the interpretation of human relations is not as schematic as in the Song of the Petrel. The narrative is complicated by the understanding of simple human feelings experienced ordinary woman who raised a son obsessed with the class struggle. Like any mother, she wants her child to be happy, and she is very afraid for Pavel, who is not afraid of anything. The revolutionary is ready to step over any obstacle, not thinking about the consequences, seeing only a vague and distant goal. And the mother is always on the side of the son.
Was the Petrel of the Revolution happy?
So what is the meaning of life according to Gorky? Is it only in the service of high ideals, or are more mundane, universal questions important for him? By declaring Maxim Gorky the main proletarian writer, the Soviet leadership of the thirties hoped to tame the “petrel of the revolution”, and reduce his complex, ambiguous work to a simplified scheme in which there is only a place for heroes, enemies and townsfolk, a “fluctuating swamp” to be eradicated. But the world is much more complicated and diverse than the formula “who is not with us is against us” ... But with school bench children were taught the idea that the meaning of life, according to Gorky, is in continuous struggle.
Happiness is the main goal of every person, and everyone has their own. Gorky's characters almost never experience it, they suffer. Did he become great writer, despite all the honors that he showered power? Hardly.
Composition
The heroes of Gorky's early works are proud, strong, courageous people who single-handedly enter the fight against dark forces. One of these works is the story "Old Woman Izergil".
The plot is based on the memories of the old woman Izergil about her life and the legends she told about Larra and Danko. The legend tells about the brave and handsome young man Danko, who loves people more than himself - selflessly and with all his heart. Danko is a real hero - courageous and fearless, in the name of a noble goal - helping his people - he is capable of a feat. When the tribe, seized with fear, exhausted by a long wandering through the impenetrable forest, already wanted to go to the enemy and bring him their freedom as a gift, Danko appeared. Energy and living fire shone in his eyes, the people believed in him and followed him. But tired by the hard way, people again lost heart and stopped believing in Danko, and at this turning point, when the embittered crowd began to surround him more densely in order to kill him, Danko tore his heart out of his chest, illuminating the path to salvation for them.
The image of Danko embodies a high ideal - a humanist, a person of great spiritual beauty, capable of self-sacrifice in order to save other people. This hero, despite his painful death, does not evoke a feeling of pity in the reader, because his feat is higher than such feelings. Respect, admiration, admiration - this is what the reader feels when he imagines a young man with a fiery gaze, holding a heart sparkling with love in his hand.
Gorky contrasts the positive, sublime image of Danko with the “negative” image of Larra - the proud and selfish Larra considers himself the chosen one and looks at the people around him as miserable slaves. When asked why he killed the girl, Larra replies: “Do you only use your own? I see that each person has only speech, hands and feet, and he owns animals, women, land ... and much more.
His logic is simple and terrible, if everyone began to follow it, then a miserable handful of people would soon be left on earth, fighting for survival and hunting each other. Understanding the depth of Larra's wrong, unable to forgive and forget the crime he committed, the tribe condemns him to eternal loneliness. Life outside of society creates in Larr a feeling of inexpressible longing. “In his eyes,” says Izergil, “there was so much longing that one could poison all the people of the world with it.”
Pride, according to the author, is the most wonderful trait of character. It makes the slave free, the weak - strong, the insignificance turns into a person. Pride does not tolerate anything philistine and "common". But hypertrophied pride breeds absolute freedom, freedom from society, freedom from all moral principles and principles, which ultimately leads to terrible consequences.
It is this idea of Gorky that is the key in the story of the old woman Izergil about Larr, who, being just such an absolutely free individual, dies spiritually for everyone (and, above all, for himself), remaining to live forever in his physical shell. The hero found death in immortality. Gorky recalls the eternal truth: one cannot live in society and be free from it. Larra was doomed to loneliness and considered death for himself true happiness. True happiness, according to Gorky, lies in giving yourself to people, as Danko did.
Distinctive feature this story - a sharp contrast, the opposition of good and bad, good and evil, light and dark.
Ideological meaning The story is complemented by a depiction of the image of the narrator - the old woman Izergil. Her memories of her life path are also a kind of legend about a brave and proud woman. The old woman Izergil values freedom most of all, she proudly declares that she has never been a slave. Izergil speaks with admiration of love for a feat: "When a person loves feats, he always knows how to do them and finds where it is possible."
In the story "Old Woman Izergil" Gorky draws exceptional characters, glorifies the proud and strong in spirit people for whom freedom is above all. For him, Izergil, Danko and Larra, despite the extreme inconsistency of the nature of the first, the seeming futility of the feat of the second and the infinite remoteness from all the living third, are true heroes, people who bring the idea of freedom to the world in its various manifestations.
However, in order to truly live life, it is not enough to “burn”, it is not enough to be free and proud, feeling and restless. You need to have the main thing - the goal. A goal that would justify the existence of man, because "the price of a man is his business." "In life there is always a place for a feat." "Forward! - higher! everything - forward! and - above - this is the credo of a real Man.
