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Molchalin at the end of the comedy. Characteristics of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit" by Griboyedov, a description of the character of the hero

In the comedy "Woe from Wit" A.S. Griboedov presents the images of the Moscow nobles of the early 19th century, when there was a split in society between the conservative nobility and those who adopted the ideas of Decembrism. The main theme of the work is the confrontation between the “current century” and the “past century”, the painful and historically natural replacement of old noble ideals with new ones. Supporters of the "age of the past" in comedy are numerous. These are not only such weighty and influential people in the world as the feudal landowners Famusov and Colonel Skalozub, but also young nobles who do not have high ranks and are forced to “serve” influential people. This is the image of Molchalin in the comedy "Woe from Wit".

Molchalin is a poor nobleman from Tver. He lives in the house of Famusov, who "gave him the rank of assessor and took him as a secretary." Molchalin is the secret lover of Famusov's daughter, but Sophia's father does not want to see him as a son-in-law, because in Moscow it is supposed to have a son-in-law "with stars and ranks." Molchalin does not yet meet these standards. However, his desire to “serve” is very valuable for the Famus society.

Thanks to this skill, Molchalin received the post of Famusov's secretary, because usually they take such places only under patronage. Famusov says: “With me, employees of strangers are very rare: more and more sisters, sister-in-law children; Molchalin alone is not my own, and then because of business. It is business qualities, and not honor and dignity, that are valuable in the Famusov environment.

In the play "Woe from Wit" the image of Molchalin fully complies with the accepted standards of behavior of a young nobleman in society. He curtsies and humiliates himself in front of influential guests in Famusov's house, because they can be useful in his promotion. Molchalin descends to the point that he begins to praise the smooth coat of Khlestova's dog. He believes that while "we are small in ranks," "we must depend on others." That is why Molchalin lives by the principle "In my years, one should not dare to have one's own judgment."

Like everyone else in the Famus society, in the comedy Woe from Wit, Molchalin is proud of his successes in his service and boasts of them at every opportunity: “As far as I work and strength, since I have been listed in the archives, I have received three awards.” Molchalin also succeeded in establishing contacts with the "right" people. He often visits Princess Tatyana Yuryevna, because “bureaucrats and officials are all her friends and all relatives,” and even dares to recommend such a demeanor to Chatsky.

Despite the fact that the views and values of Molchalin completely coincide with the ideals of the conservative nobility, Molchalin is capable of causing serious harm to the society in which he is located. Famusov's daughter will be deceived by this particular person, since he takes the form of her lover "by position", that is, for profit.

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

In the heart of Molchalin there is neither love nor respect for Sophia. On the one hand, he plays this performance “for the sake of the daughter of such a person,” and on the other hand, he is mortally afraid that his secret relationship with Sophia will be revealed. Molchalin is very cowardly. He is afraid of spoiling the opinion of himself in society, because "evil tongues are worse than a gun." Even Sophia is ready to go against the world for the sake of love: “What is rumor to me ?!” This is probably why Molchalin does not find "anything enviable" in marriage with Sophia.

It turns out that with his meanness, Molchalin harms even the society of which he is a product. Molchalin simply clearly follows his father's advice - "to please all people without exception - the owner, where I happen to live, the boss with whom I will serve ..."

This hero is fully consistent with 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 Silent people are blissful in the world."
Thus, Molchalin is a product and a worthy continuation of the representatives of the conservative nobility. He, like this society, values only 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". That is why Chatsky claims that Molchalin "will reach the known levels, because now they love the dumb."

The problem that Griboyedov raises in the comedy Woe from Wit remains relevant to this day. At all times, there were Molchalins who did not stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The image of Molchalin will remain alive for readers as long as such values as wealth and position in society, and not honor, conscience, human dignity and true patriotism, are put at the forefront.

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

Artwork test

The great comedy of A. S. Griboedov, which appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, opens a new stage in the development of Russian literature. The characters created by the playwright have historical, literary and universal significance. The unconditional find of the author is the image of Molchalin, which absorbed the features of a socio-psychological type, which, unfortunately, was destined in Rus' for a long life. The type of this hero, one might say, is one of the most common in Russian literature. But the very first meeting with him takes place in the play by A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit". The merit of the author is the creation of the literary type of Molchalin, which has become a major acquisition of social thought. Griboyedov showed great power of journalistic generalization. The author elevated the little official - secretary Famusov - to the symbol of a significant socio-political group, firmly linking "silence" with "famusism". Creating the character of Molchalin, Griboyedov showed the influence of bureaucratic morality on the development and behavior of a person. From childhood, the hero was taught slavish servility to the powers that be. The fulfillment of his father's covenant helped him "to take rewards and live happily." But, on the other hand, he, as a petty provincial official, had no other choice. Molchalin is a master in the art of lifting a scarf, keeping silent when he is scolded, for this he received three awards, the rank of assessor and is on friendly terms with many influential people. At the first meeting, it is indeed difficult to determine the real face of Molchalin. We see a timid and shy young man. Sophia in love endows him with a lot of virtues. "The hero of her novel" is "both insinuating and smart", he is "ready to forget himself for others", "yielding, modest, quiet". However, gradually we are convinced that such Molchalin is only a figment of Sophia's imagination. If Chatsky underestimated Molchalin, then Sophia clearly overestimated him. So who, finally, is Molchalin: a humble modest man, clumsy and funny in his servility, or a successful scoundrel? "Warmed" by Famusov, for several years spent in Moscow, Molchalin managed to make a good career: he received the rank of assessor and "three awards", was enrolled in the archives, managed to establish the necessary connections, make profitable acquaintances. He, like Skalozub, "has many channels to get ranks." Molchalin does not disdain anything: There he will stroke the pug in time, Then he will wipe the card at the right time ... Showing the confrontation between Chatsky and Famusov, A.S. Griboedov raises the problem of "the present century" and "the past century". These heroes are people of different generations, while Chatsky and Molchalin are the same age, but the sharper the contrast between them. Each of them shows one of the options for the path that young people can choose: the path of truth-seekers and rebels (the path of Chatsky) and the path of "wordless" who will reach "known degrees" (the path of Molchalin). Molchalin became a household name for meanness, servility. He sincerely does not realize how, being a petty official, one can think and feel independently. Sympathizing with Chatsky that he suffered "failure in the service", Molchalin tries to help him if he, in turn, follows the path of all the silent ones. Silent and always ready to serve, he possesses such a capital that under any circumstances gives him and his descendants the right interest: moderation and accuracy. He also has one more property - the readiness to the grave to please anyone who "feeds and waters, and sometimes bestows a rank." He, if necessary, can take the form of a lover "to please the daughter of such a person." And, of course, Molchalin is on the side of "everyone" in the conflict with the troublemaker Chatsky. It is precisely in the dialogue between Chatsky and Molchalin that the social and spiritual confrontation between a free-thinking person and an environment of moderation and accuracy is finally formed, which will be resolved by slandering Chatsky and his exile. Griboyedov forces Molchalin to be frank and, with some defiance, set forth the rules of life of the circle to which he is close. “Moderation and accuracy”, “I am not a writer”, “at my age I should not dare to have my own opinion”, “after all, one must depend on others” - these are the foundations of Mololinsky’s well-being, from which he will never retreat. But Chatsky was mistaken in assessing Molchalin, in his true role. For him, Molchalin is a nonentity, "the most miserable creature." Chatsky is contemptuously arrogant. But only. He never thought that Molchalin could be his rival. And even when he finds out about the connection between Sophia and Molchalin, he does not take it seriously. After all, at the time of Griboyedov, the Molchalins caused mostly contempt. They could not become worthy opponents of the advanced nobles. Molchalin was an unworthy subject, he did not deserve serious attention. He sacredly fulfills his father's covenant "to please all people without exception." Flattery is Molchalin's main weapon. He flatters everyone who can be useful, and is even ready to play the role of a lover, counting on the mercy of Famusov. However, the mask of the humble quickly flies off him when he speaks with those whom he considers below him. With Lisa, Molchalin tries to look like a rake, forgetting about shyness. He does not put Chatsky in anything, therefore he allows himself to give the latter advice. In the eyes of Molchalin, Chatsky is a loser, so you can behave contemptuously and condescendingly with him. It would seem that before us is a completely unsightly and useless person, but, alas, we, following Chatsky, are forced to admit that "the Silent people are blissful in the world." And apparently the time of the silent ones was already coming, that is, the era of silence - the time of the reign of Nicholas I, the time of ranks and officials. Then comes the hatred of the silent ones. But she did not come immediately, but when it turned out that the eternally young old men of Russian history are they. After all, Molchalin remained, and Chatsky left the stage, Onegin passed, Pechorin died, Rudin, Rakhmetov, Bazarov left. He also became invulnerable. It turned out to be impossible to defeat such people - they are strong by someone else's strength, they cannot be killed with contempt, because their dignity lies in someone else's authority. K. A. Polevoy wrote: "... look around: you are surrounded by silence." But the Molchalins, at first glance, are not so harmless and funny in their effort to please, they should not be underestimated. As time has shown, the Molchalins are tenacious and invulnerable. Most likely, it is not the hero himself who is terrible, but the situation when the Chatskys suffer, and the Molchalins are blissful when the opportunists win. But for how long at the end of the play is Molchalin exposed, humiliated, frightened? Such people are "reborn" quickly, which is very sad and regrettable. They do not repent of their actions, and what is more terrible is that they do not realize the depths of their fall.

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

We meet Molchalin at the very beginning of the comedy, when we find out that they have mutual love with Sophia, the daughter of the owner of the house. However, in the future 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 happen to live, the Chief, with whom I will serve, his Servant, who cleans the dress, the doorman, the janitor, to avoid evil, the dog of the janitor, so that he was affectionate"- says Molchalin. And indeed, this character will always be able to 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 now he, realizing that Famusov's daughter is in love with him, in order 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 also behaves modestly under Famusov. 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 with other people changes. Alone with the maid Lisa, he becomes rude and cheeky. With Chatsky, he talks politely and emphatically restrained, because he understands: Chatsky is an unwanted guest in this house and it is unprofitable to honor him. In addition, Molchalin is amazed that Chatsky is not familiar with one noble lady - Tatyana Yurievna. This shows how important connections and reputation are to Molchalin (and how little they matter to Chatsky). Chatsky's desire to prove to everyone that he was right and Molchalin's restraint are also opposed to each other ( "in my years one should not dare to have one's own judgments").

If Chatsky turned out to be an outcast in this society, then Molchalin feels himself here like a fish in water. It was not in vain 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, it is fashionable to give an affirmative answer to the rather popular question of what will happen to Molchalin after the scandal at the end of the work and exposure: everything will be forgotten pretty quickly and he will continue to live in Famusov’s house as if nothing had happened.

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In Griboedov's comedy Woe from Wit, the main opposing array of events falls on the images of Chatsky and Famusov. The rest of the acting characters help to reveal the true state of affairs and the depth of the conflict.

Origin and activity

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 the comedy "Woe from Wit" by A. Griboedov.

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.

Aleksey Stepanovich has not yet managed to rise to significant heights - for now he only holds the position of Famusov's secretary, but he gives hope for an early career advancement, which causes Famusov's special love.

Pavel Afanasyevich allocated a room for Molchalin in his house, 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 Famusov’s personal secretary for the third year already, however, he is 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 such a 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 without a family.

The writer portrays Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin as an adult man. At the same time, Molchalin rejects even the possibility of his infantilism. Famusov, whose hero serves, takes advantage of Alexei's position. Officially, the hero works in the Archives, because Famusov agreed so. However, this is a mere formality for obtaining ranks. Molchalin's real place of work is Famusov's house. The latter provides his worker 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 person at all. The simplicity of the origin of the hero 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 the nobility, which is what Molchalin achieves. The man even manages to receive awards, in which his master probably helped Molchalin.

The symbolism of the surname

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

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

The purpose of life

While most aristocrats are deprived 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 connected 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 lay down his bones for another promotion, so he serves Famusov with all his might - it is Pavel Afanasyevich who can help him achieve this goal. And Molchalin has already overcome the first step on this steep ladder - thanks to his ability to suck up and please Famusov, he was given the rank of collegiate assessor. Thus, Alexei Stepanovich turned from a commoner into a poor nobleman. Molchalin found special charm in the fact that his rank had the property of being inherited.

Molchalin and Sofia Famusova

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

Aleksey Stepanovich accelerates this process by starting to show interest in Famusov's daughter, Sofya.

The relationship of young people takes place in the best traditions of platonic love - Molchalin does not allow anything extra 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 have Sonya, he needs to become her husband, so debauchery is an unacceptable thing for him.

We offer to compare in A. Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit".

In dealing with Sophia, Alexei Stepanovich adheres to the same principle as with her father - he pleases her all the time. Naturally, the behavior of Molchalin differs sharply from the behavior of other aristocrats in relation to her. Young people of noble birth are not ready to kowtow to Sonya the way Molchalin does, which is why they do not arouse such interest in her.

To some extent, Famusova's attachment to Molchalin was caused by the lack of proper candidates - after Chatsky's departure, the girl chooses the lesser evil from the rest. At the time of the attachment and the beginning of communication, Sonya did not experience 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 desires.

Chatsky and Molchalin

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

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

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

Molchalin and Liza

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

So, for example, Aleksey Stepanovich has a feeling of affection and love in relation to the maid in the house of Famusov - Liza. The hero of the story is faced with a choice - to play his role of Sonya's lover to the end, 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, Alexei Stepanovich Molchalin is a classic version of a character playing a double game. This trend continues in the case of Molchalin in all activities. He is hypocritical in relation to Famusov, plays with Sonya's feelings.

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

The character of Molchalin

The hero makes a double impression. On the one hand, Molchalin pleases everyone (the man is a real master in this), he is shy, helpful, timid, calm, timid, modest, quiet, “wordless”. He is characterized by accuracy, moderation, lack of criticism of others. That's why they love him, I guess. But on the other hand, the hero is also characterized by duplicity, hypocrisy. Molchalin is considered a well-mannered and polite person, the hero evokes sympathy from others. 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, in order to achieve his goal. Such parting words were given to the hero by the 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, with a simple girl there is no need to behave decently. The true face of Molchalin is seen, perhaps, only by Chatsky, who considers the assessor a stupid, cowardly and miserable person. However, Vyazemsky, on the contrary, emphasizes the prudence of the hero, a rational approach to life. The soul of Molchalin is cold and callous. The maid Liza also speaks about this later.