In this lesson, you will continue your acquaintance with the work of Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin "The Minor", consider how the author presented the problems of education and serfdom in his play, what a way out he sees from this situation.

After that, many events took place in Russian life: the annexation of the Crimea, the legendary passage of Suvorov through the Alps, the founding of the Tsarist-rural Lyceum and the Patriotic War of 1812. And the generation of Pushkin perceives the era of Fonvizin almost as a venerable antiquity. In the novel "Eugene Onegin" Pushkin writes:

“… In old years,

Satyrs brave lord

Fonvizin, friend of freedom shone ... "

If Pushkin feels such a temporary distance (Fig. 2) in 1823, talking about a comedy that was staged in 1782, then it is even more difficult for our generation to understand Fonvizin's work.

Rice. 2. A.S. Pushkin ()

Like any talented work, the comedy "The Minor" (Fig. 3) reflects the specific features of a certain era, its unique features, but at the same time it also raises universal timeless questions. One of them was the issue of education. This topic turns out to be very important in general for the tradition of the Enlightenment, where the focus is on the improvement of a person, the maturation of his mind, the social status of a wise public person. We remember about upbringing when we work with such a direction as classicism, where the author somehow tries to enlighten and educate his reader or viewer. It is no coincidence that Fonvizin's work is very often called a comedy of education. This is such a clarifying genre definition.

Rice. 3. The title page of the first edition of the comedy "Minor" ()

Age of Enlightenment The people of the 17th century wanted to free themselves from ignorance and prejudice, which, as it seemed to them, were associated with a religious understanding of the world. They planned on their own, without the help of higher powers, to improve all aspects of social life and the person himself. This desire and strong faith (no longer in God, but in human power) determined their worldview and behavior. For people of the Enlightenment era, it is characteristic of the belief that the cognitive capabilities of a person are absolutely limitless. All the laws of nature will someday be discovered, all the riddles will be solved. Philosophers of the 18th century still recognize God as the creator of the world, but they deny the direct intervention of God in human life. They believe that there are some general laws that govern both nature and society, and they try to unravel these laws. At this time, the prevailing idea of ​​the natural equality of people and the good nature of man. Enlighteners believe that a person is initially, by nature, good, kind and beautiful. There is no original sin, man is already perfect. Through upbringing and education, even greater improvement can be achieved. Enlighteners are going to take over Europe and come to Russia. Works by French authors are very popular. Catherine II was in correspondence with Voltaire (Fig. 4), and Count Grigory Orlov invited another enlightener, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, to settle in his estate and considered this to be his greatest honor. Books of enlighteners are an indispensable feature of the noble libraries of that time.

Classicism Classicism is a literary movement based on the following features: · Cult of reason ("reason"); · The most important principle - the idea of ​​statehood, embodied in the image of an enlightened monarch; Strict hierarchy of genres: High: tragedy, epic, ode (they depict social life, history; monarchs, heroes, commanders act), Medium: letters, diaries, Low: comedy, satire, fable (the subject of the image is the daily life of ordinary people). Mixing high and low genre was considered wrong and was not allowed; · Recognition of antique (ancient Greek and Roman) art as the highest example, an eternal ideal; · One-dimensionality, "simplicity" of characters' characters; frank didacticism (instructive).

In the comedy, the reader sees the upbringing of Mitrofan, who is a young man, a nobleman, an undersized man, that is, one who has not yet matured to public service, but will soon grow up. In modern Russian, the concept of "undergrowth" is a common noun and has a negative connotation. Initially, the word "undergrowth" did not imply any assessment. It was a social status, even an age - a teenager, a teenager, someone who is not yet 18 years old and therefore has not yet entered into law and is not responsible. Only because of the comedy "Minor" this word means what we are accustomed to - an ignoramus, an uneducated person, spineless, ill-mannered, arrogant.

In the comedy "The Minor", upbringing and such an important component of it as education come to the fore.

Education is mastery of sciences, it is an increase in scientific knowledge, some kind of academic success.

Let's consider what successes the hero of Fonvizin's comedy shows in the field of science education:

Fourth action. PhenomenonVii

Mitrofan. So I sat down.

Tsyfirkin sharpens the lead.

Ms. Prostakova.And I'll sit down right there. I'll knit a wallet for you, my friend! Sofyupshkin's money would be where to put.

Mitrofan.Well! Come on board, garrison rat! Ask what to write.

Tsyfirkin.Your Honor, always bark without doing anything.

Ms. Prostakova(working).Oh, my God! Don't you dare to elect Pafnutich, a little boy! I was already angry!

Tsyfirkin.Why be angry, your honor? We have a Russian proverb: the dog barks, the wind carries.

Mitrofan.Ask your butts, turn around.

Tsyfirkin.All ass, your honor. Vit with backsomes a century ago and stay.

Ms. Prostakova.None of your business, Pafnutich. It is very nice for me that Mitrofanushka does not like to step forward. With his mind, but fly far, and God forbid!

Tsyfirkin.Task. You deigned, on the butt, to walk along the road with me. Well, at least we'll take Sidorych with us. We found three ...

Mitrofan(writes).Three.

Tsyfirkin.On the road, on the butt, three hundred rubles.

Mitrofan(writes).Three hundred.

Tsyfirkin.It came to a division. See why on your brother?

Mitrofan(calculating, whispering).Once three - three. Once zero - zero. Once zero - zero.

Ms. Prostakova.What, what's up to the split?

Mitrofan.You see, the three hundred rubles that you found should be divided among the three.

Ms. Prostakova.He's lying, my friend! Found the money, didn't share it with anyone. Take everything for yourself, Mitrofanushka. Don't study this stupid science.

Mitrofan.Listen, Pafnutich, ask another one.

Tsyfirkin.Write, your honor. You give me ten rubles a year for my studies.

Mitrofan.Ten.

Tsyfirkin.Now, however, there is nothing for that, but if you, sir, took something from me, it would not be a sin then to add ten more.

Mitrofan(writes).Well, well, ten.

Tsyfirkin.How much for a year?

Mitrofan(calculating, whispering).Zero yes zero - zero. One and one ...(Thoughtfully.)

Ms. Prostakova.Do not work in vain, my friend! I won't add a penny; and not at all. Science is not like that. Only you are tormented, and everything, I see, is emptiness. No money - what to count? There is money - let's count it well without Pafnutich.

Kuteikin.Sabbath, right, Pafnutich. Two tasks have been solved. Wit will not be quoted in actual fact.

Mitrofan.I suppose, brother. Mother will not be mistaken here herself. Go now, Kuteikin, teach you yesterday a lesson.

Kuteikin(opens the book of hours, Mitrofan takes the pointer).Let's start by blessing. Follow me, with attention. "I am a worm ..."

Mitrofan."I am a worm ..."

Kuteikin.A worm, that is, a beast, cattle. That is to say: "I am the cattle."

Mitrofan."I am the cattle."

Mitrofan(same way)."Not a man."

Kuteikin."The vilification of men."

Mitrofan."The vilification of men."

Kuteikin."And uni ..."

Fourth action. PhenomenonVIII

Ms. Prostakova.Here's the thing, sir. For the prayers of our parents, - for us sinners, where could we beg, - the Lord gave us Mitrofanushka. We did everything to make him look as you please to see him. Would you please, my father, to take upon yourself the work and see how we have learned it?

Starodum.Oh madam! It has already dawned on my ears that he now only deigned to unlearn. I heard about his teachers and I see beforehand what kind of literacy he needs to be, studying with Kuteikin, and what kind of mathematics, studying with Tsyfirkin. (To Pravdin.) I would have been curious to hear what the German had taught him.

Ms. Prostakova, Prostakov(together):

- All sciences, father.

- Everything, my father. Mitrofan. Anything you please.

Pravdin(To Mitrofan).What would it be, for example?

Mitrofan(hands him the book).Here's the grammar.

Pravdin(taking the book).I see. This is grammar. What do you know about it?

Mitrofan.Many. Noun yes adjective ...

Pravdin.Door, for example, what's a noun or an adjective?

Mitrofan.Door, which door?

Pravdin.Which door! This one.

Mitrofan.This? Adjective.

Pravdin.Why is that?

Mitrofan.Because it is attached to its place. There, at the closet of the pole, the door has not been hung for a week: so that is still a noun.

Starodum.So is that why you have the word fool as an adjective, because it is applied to a foolish person?

Mitrofan.And it is known.

Ms. Prostakova.What, what is it, my father?

Mitrofan.How does it feel, my father?

Pravdin.It couldn't be better. He's strong in grammar.

Milon.I think, no less in history.

Ms. Prostakova.Then, my father, he is still a hunter to stories.

Skotinin.Mitrofan for me. I myself will not take my eyes off, so that the elected one does not tell me stories. Master, son of a dog, where does that come from!

Ms. Prostakova.However, he still will not come against Adam Adamich.

Pravdin(To Mitrofan).Are you far in history?

Mitrofan.How far is it? What is the story. In another you will fly over the distant lands, over the thirty kingdom.

Pravdin.A! Is this the story Vralman teaches you?

Starodum.Vralman? The name is familiar.

Mitrofan.No, our Adam Adamich does not tell a story; he, what am I, himself a hunter to listen.

Ms. Prostakova.They both force themselves to tell stories about the cowgirl Havroniu.

Pravdin.Didn't both of you study geography with her?

Ms. Prostakova(to the son).Do you hear, my dear friend? What kind of science is this?

Prostakov(quietly to the mother).And how do I know.

Ms. Prostakova(quietly to Mitrofan).Don't be stubborn, darling. Now it's time to show yourself.

Mitrofan(quietly to the mother).I don’t understand what they are asking about.

Ms. Prostakova(To Pravdin.)What, father, did you call science?

Pravdin.Geography.

Ms. Prostakova(To Mitrofan).Do you hear, eorgafia.

Mitrofan.What is it! Oh my God! They stuck to the throat with a knife.

Ms. Prostakova(To Pravdin.)And knowingly, father. Tell him, please, what a science this is, he will tell it.

Pravdin.Description of the land.

Ms. Prostakova(To Starodum.)And why would it serve in the first case?

Starodum.In the first case, it would be good for the fact that if it happened to go, you know where you are going.

Ms. Prostakova.Ah, my father! Yes, cabbies, then what? This is their business. This is not a noble science either. Nobleman just tell me: take me there - they will take me wherever you please. Believe me, father, that, of course, this is nonsense, which Mitrofanushka does not know.

Starodum.Oh, of course, madam. In human ignorance, it is very comforting to regard everything as nonsense that you do not know.

Ms. Prostakova.People live and lived without sciences.

First action. PhenomenonVI

Sophia.Read it yourself, madam. You will see that nothing could be more innocent.

Ms. Prostakova.Read it yourself! No, madam, I, thanks to God, have not been brought up that way. I can receive letters, but I always have someone else read them. (To her husband.) Read it.

Prostakov(looking for a long time).It's tricky.

Ms. Prostakova.And you, my father, apparently, were brought up as a red maiden. Brother, read it, work hard.

Skotinin. I AM ? I never read anything from my life, sister! God saved me this boredom.

Third action. PhenomenonVii

Ms. Prostakova.While he is resting, my friend, at least for the sake of appearance, learn to hear how you work, Mitrofanushka.

Mitrofan.Well! And then what?

Ms. Prostakova.And there he got married.

In the comedy of Fonvizin, which is natural for the works of classicism, everything is said unambiguously, in plain text. We can only ask a rhetorical question: what success can be expected from a child if his parents from childhood instill in him that learning is not only unnecessary, but also harmful?

The teacher of Mitrofan also does not inspire confidence. The reader will learn interesting details about them:

Ms. Prostakova.We pay money to three teachers. A deacon from the Intercession, Kuteikin, comes to him for a letter. One retired sergeant, Tsyfirkin, teaches him arichmetics, father. They both come here from the city. The city is three miles away from us, sir. German Adam Adamich Vralman teaches him in French and all sciences. This is three hundred rubles a year. We sit down at the table with us.<…>To tell the truth, and we are happy with it, my dear brother. He does not bond a little boy.

Of course, the "speaking" surnames are striking. The reader immediately gets an idea of ​​the teachers of Mitrofanushka. “Speaking” surnames here are a sign of the author's irony. The surname Vralman stands out especially - a hypocrite who curses himself with his masters, and behaves extremely arrogantly with his servants. We learn that we are faced with a deceiver, because he is a coachman, and he pretends to be a competent teacher.

A very sad picture is created. Indeed, Russian education at that time left much to be desired. Russia, with the light hand of Peter I, had just plunged into an absolutely alien European culture, could not immediately learn everything. In combination with natural human laziness, this gave such funny and sad results.

It is no coincidence that the famous critic Belinsky will later say about Fonvizin and his characters:

“His fools are very funny and disgusting. But this is because they are not a creation of fantasy, but too true lists from nature. "

The characters of the goodies Vasily Osipovich Klyuchevsky expressed himself about the positive characters of the comedy "The Minor" as follows: “Starodum, Milon, Pravdin, Sophia are not so much living faces as moralistic mannequins; but their real originals were no more lively than their dramatic photographs. They hastily shut up and, stammering, read to those around them new feelings and rules, which they somehow adjusted to their inner being, as they fitted foreign wigs to their bristly heads; but these feelings and rules clung to their homegrown, natural notions and habits as mechanically as those wigs to their heads. They were walking, but still lifeless schemes of a new, good morality, which they put on as a mask ... Sophia left<…>a freshly made doll of good manners, from which the dampness of the pedagogical workshop still emanates. " IN. Klyuchevsky "Fonvizin's Minor (An experience of historical explanation of the educational play) " However, after reading the witty remarks of Klyuchevsky, one should not criticize Fonvizin, who reflected in his comedy not only indignation at the bad, but also the dream of the good and the right, about how the problem of education and education should be solved in Russian life.

Pushkin and Fonvizin

Consider the table in which two heroes are compared: the hero of Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" and the hero of Pushkin's novel "The Captain's Daughter".

Mitrofanushka DI. Fonvizin, "Minor" (1782)	Petrusha A.S. Pushkin, "The Captain's Daughter" (1836)
1. Favorite leisure
I'll run to the dovecote now.		I lived small, chasing pigeons and playing leapfrog with the courtyard boys.
2. Qualification of teachers
We pay money to three teachers. A deacon from the Intercession, Kuteikin, goes to him for the letter. One retired sergeant Tsyfirkin teaches him arichmetic<…>... German Adam Adamich Vralman teaches him in French and all sciences.			Beaupre was a hairdresser in his homeland, then a soldier in Prussia, then came to Russia<…>. He was obliged to teach me in French, in German and all sciences ...
3. "Success" in training
Ms. Prostakova(quietly to Mitrofan). Don't be stubborn, darling. Now it's time to show yourself. Mitrofan(quietly to the mother). I don’t understand what they are asking about. Ms. Prostakova(To Pravdin.) What, father, did you call science? Pravdin.Geography. Ms. Prostakova(To Mitrofan). Do you hear, eorgafia.				Father came in at the same time as I was fitting my wet tail to the Cape of Good Hope.
4. Life prospects
With you, my friend, I know what to do. I went to serve ...				Petrusha will not go to Petersburg. What will he learn by serving in St. Petersburg? Shake and hang? No, let him serve in the army, let him pull the strap, let him smell gunpowder, let him be a soldier, not chamaton.

The heroes of these two works are in very similar starting conditions, but their life paths will be different. Think about why Pushkin deliberately orients his hero to some resemblance to the ignorant Mitrofanushka.

Education presupposes not only the acquisition of scientific knowledge, but also the awakening in a person of his best qualities, the formation of his character. This situation in the family portrayed by the author is even sadder than with arithmetic and geography.

Fourth action. PhenomenonVii

Skotinin.And here I am.

Starodum.Why did you come?

Skotinin.For your need.

Starodum.How can I serve?

Skotinin.In two words.

Starodum.What is it like?

Skotinin.Hugging me tighter, say: Sophia is yours.

Starodum.Do you want to start something empty? Think carefully.

Skotinin.I never think, and I’m sure in advance that if you don’t think too, then Sofyushka is mine.

Starodum.This is a strange thing! Man, as I see, you are not crazy, but you want me to give my niece, for whom I don’t know.

Skotinin.If you don’t know, I’ll say so. I am Taras Skotinin, not the last of my kind. The Skotinin family is great and ancient. You will not find our ancestor in any heraldry.

Pravdin(laugh).Commercials you will assure us that he is older than Adam.

Skotinin.And what do you think? At least a little ...

Starodum(laugh.)That is, your ancestor was created even on the sixth day, but a little before Adam?

Skotinin.No, right? So you have a good opinion of the old days of my kind?

Starodum.O! so-and-so kind that I wonder how, in your place, you can choose a wife from a different clan, like from the Skotinins?

Skotinin.Consider how happy Sofyushka is to be behind me. She is a noblewoman ...

Starodum.What a man! Yes, that's why you are not her fiancé.

Skotinin.I already went for it. Let them talk that Skotinin married a noblewoman. It's all the same to me.

Starodum.Yes, for her it does not matter when they say that the noblewoman married Skotinin.

Milon.Such inequality would make both of you unhappy.

Skotinin.Bah! What is this equal here? (Quietly to Starodum.) Isn't it beating off?

Starodum(quietly to Skotinin).It seems to me.

Skotinin(in the same tone).Where the hell is it!

Starodum(in the same tone).Hard.

Skotinin(loudly, pointing to Milo).Which of us is ridiculous? Ha ha ha ha!

Starodum(laughs).I see who's funny.

Sophia.Daddy! How sweet it is to me that you are cheerful.

Skotinin(To Starodum.)Bah! You're funny. Just now I thought that there was no attack for you. He didn't say a word to me, but now everyone is laughing with me.

Starodum.Such is the person, my friend! Hour for an hour does not come.

Skotinin.This can be seen. Vit and just now I was the same Skotinin, and you were angry.

Starodum.There was a reason.

Skotinin.I know her. I myself am the same in this. At home, when I go into the bite and find them out of order, annoyance and take. And you, not carrying the word, drove in here, found the sisters' house no better than nibbles, and you are annoyed.

Starodum.You are happier than me. People touch me.

Skotinin.And I'm so pigs.

If the hero, in his own words, was created a little earlier than Adam, then, knowing the biblical history, we can interpret this unequivocally: he considers himself to be a wordless creature - to animals. If we recall the incredible love for pigs that Skotinin has, then a very definite perception occurs. This, of course, is a caricature - a satirical image, but the Prostakov family and the Skotinin line are, in general, not really people. They do not have the most important quality for classicists - the quality of reason. They are dumb animals.

It is no coincidence that Mitrofan learns to behave in a bestial manner in his environment. He's getting lessons again. Now he is already quite a talented student, and the lessons of immorality are not in vain for him. The main teacher here is his mother. It is no coincidence that the very name of the protagonist is Mitrofan, which in translation from Greek means "like a mother."

Mitrofan sees how Prostakova despises, insults, severely beats the old man - the nanny Eremeevna. As he calls her "hrychovka", as she tortures her own husband. After all, she was born Skotinina, she is rude to everyone who depends on her, and openly flatters Starodum when she finds out that he has a fortune. At the beginning of the play, she mocks Sophia, humiliates her. And curses up with her when she becomes a rich bride. With pride, Prostakova speaks of her father, who acquired his fortune by bribes. Therefore, in Mitrofan, she deliberately fosters deceit and greed, so that he, too, will achieve prosperity:

“I found the money, don’t share it with anyone! Leave everything to yourself, Mitrofanushka.

Tired of this nightmare, the reader is glad to find something else in the play - a good upbringing. The characters in comedy, as is typical of classicism, are built according to the principle of antithesis - a clear opposition of good and bad. The terrible family is opposed, of course, by Starodum.

"My upbringing was given by my father in that age, the best," he says.

He thought about a lot in his lifetime and, of course, knows that everything depends on who specifically brings up the young man. "What kind of upbringing should children expect from a mother who has lost her virtue?" he asks. It is in the education of a person's character and his spiritual qualities that the wise hero sees the promise of future happiness. The main human value for Starodum is inner purity and decency.

Starodum.My father kept telling me the same thing: have a heart, have a soul, and you will be a man at all times.

Everyone will find in himself enough strength to be virtuous. You need to want to decisively, and then it will be easier not to do that for which your conscience would bite you.

Mind, if it is just mind, is the most trifle. With quick minds we see bad men, bad fathers, bad citizens. Good manners give him a direct price.

The rich man ... the one who counts out what is too much from you to help the one who does not have what is needed.

This is what Starodum says and is guided by these principles in his life.

The reader finds a positive example and antithesis to Mitrofan in the representative of the younger generation - Sophia, whose name is translated from Greek as "wisdom". The heroine appears on stage with a book by the French educator Fenelon about the upbringing of girls. Being a poor orphan, she has no invited teachers and persistently wants to improve herself mentally, to grow. For this, both Starodum and the author himself sympathize with her.

Starodum is a resonant hero in the play.

Reasoning Hero- the one who in the work expresses the views of the author.

Starodum loves Sophia very much, because she is ready to learn at all costs and become better, and she does not expect wealth from her uncle, but good advice:

“Your instructions, uncle, will constitute all my well-being. Give me the rules that I must follow. " Sophia asks about it.

The characters of the virtuous characters in the play are not complex and believable. This, paradoxically, is much less lively people than the unpleasant Prostakova and her relatives. However, Fonvizin, as a classicist author, is important to give readers and viewers not only a disgusting, frightening picture, but also an example to follow.

The final of the comedy, according to the author's plan, should also have an educational function. We must think about what model of family behavior Mitrofanushka will inherit: will the stupid, weak-willed Prostakovs or the aggressive and cruel Skotinins influence him in the end? But maybe there is some other way? Obviously, Mitrofanushka, who has neither education, nor benefits, will begin service from the lowest rung of the career ladder. From a simple soldier, he will rise up.

The same choice, but not under the pressure of circumstances, but independently and consciously, will be made by the father of Petrusha Grinyov in Pushkin's novel "The Captain's Daughter". He does not want an easy fate for Petrusha, but wants to grow a real person and a valiant warrior out of him. Thus, two young heroes - Mitrofanushka Prostakov and Petrusha Grinev - will find themselves in similar life circumstances. You can think about why Pushkin, who wrote his novel much later (in 1836), does this, this is a very interesting question.

Pay attention to one statement of Starodum (the hero-resonator):

Starodum. We see all the unfortunate consequences of a bad upbringing ... how many noble fathers who entrust the moral upbringing of their son to their serf slave! Fifteen years later, instead of one slave, two leave, an old uncle and a young master.

He sees not a careful, not respectful coexistence and cooperation of peasants and nobles in Russian life as a rational hero, but a cruel mockery and humiliation. This is how a very important and very acute problem of serfdom, or rather abuse of serfdom, arises in the text.

Action one

Ms. Prostakova(examining the caftan on Mitrofan). The caftan is all ruined. Eremeevna, bring the swindler Trishka here. (Eremeevna leaves.) He, a thief, has strapped him everywhere. Mitrofanushka, my friend! I have tea, you are shaking to death. Call your father here.

Ms. Prostakova(To Trishka). Come closer, you brute. Didn't I tell you, thief's mug, so that you let your coat wider. The child, first, grows; another, a child and without a delicate narrow caftan. Tell me, you fool, how will you justify yourself?

Trishka.Why, madam, I was self-taught. Then I reported to you: well, if you please give it to the tailor.

Ms. Prostakova.So, is it really necessary to be a tailor in order to be able to sew a caftan properly? What a bestial reasoning!

Trishka.Yes, he was a tailor, madam, but I didn’t.

Ms. Prostakova.Looking for he also argues. A tailor learned from another, another from a third, but who was the first to learn from? Speak, cattle.

Trishka.Yes, the tailor is the first, maybe he sewed worse than mine.

Second action. PhenomenonVI

Eremeevna.Uncle scared everyone. He almost grabbed the hairs. And not for anything ... not about anything ...

Ms. Prostakova(in anger). Well...

Eremeevna.I stuck to him: do you want to marry? ..

Ms. Prostakova.Well...

Eremeevna.The child did not conceal, it’s been a long time ago, uncle, the hunt takes. How frenzied he will, my mother, how he will rise up! ..

Ms. Prostakova(shivering). Well ... and you, you beast, were dumbfounded, and you didn’t bite into your brother’s mug, and you didn’t rip his snout head over heels ...

Eremeevna.I took it! Oh, I accepted, yes ...

Ms. Prostakova.Yes ... but what ... not your child, you beast! For you, kill the child to death.

Eremeevna.Ah, creator, save and have mercy! Yes, if my brother didn’t deign to leave at that moment, I would have broken with him. That's what God would not have set. If these were dull (pointing to the nails), I wouldn't take care of the fangs.

Ms. Prostakova.All of you, beasts, are diligent in words alone, and not in deeds ...

Eremeevna(crying). I am not diligent for us, mother! You don’t know how to serve more ... I’d be glad not only that you don’t regret your belly ... but you don’t want anything.

Third action. Phenomenon IV

Ms. Prostakova.Are you a girl, are you a dog's daughter? Do I have no maidservants in my house besides your filthy hari? Where is the stick?

Eremeevna.She fell ill, mother, she has been lying in the morning.

Ms. Prostakova.Lies! Oh, she's a beast! Lies! As if noble!

Eremeevna.Such a fever made a difference, mother, she raves incessantly ...

Ms. Prostakova.Delusional, beast! As if noble!

We find an explanation for this shameless behavior not only in the character of Prostakova, but also in some circumstances external to the heroine. At the end of the comedy, Prostakova utters a phrase that can be called one of the most important remarks in the entire play:

Ms. Prostakova.Not free! A nobleman, when he wants, and the servants are not free to whip! But why have we been given a decree on the liberties of the nobility?

The famous Russian historian Vasily Osipovich Klyuchevsky (Fig. 5) considers this phrase to be the most essential for understanding comedy. And all the events that precede this statement are just an introduction to the main topic.

Rice. 5. V.O. Klyuchevsky

To justify his behavior, Prostakova mentions a decree, a manifesto on noble liberty, proclaimed by Emperor Peter III (Fig. 6) in 1762.

In order to understand the essence of this important law, it is worth taking a short historical excursion. It so happened that it was the nobility who bore the entire burden of military service for many centuries. Privileges, lands, estates are a just reward for a person who is always ready to put his chest under arms. For a very long time, service (25 years) was compulsory for the nobles, and it was impossible to evade it. As soon as a young man grew up to a certain age, thus becoming an undersized man, he prepared for military service. However, at some point, the size of the army becomes very impressive due to the fact that other estates are already entering military service, and then the need for the universal service of the nobility disappears. The state sees in this new opportunities for the activities of the nobles. A nobleman is not obliged to serve for 25 years and spend his whole life in military campaigns. Now he has the right to work for the good of the Fatherland, living on his own estate. The mission of the nobleman now is to take care of his peasants, to make their life easier, to establish schools and hospitals, to give education (at least the basics of initial literacy). The nobleman faces another very important task - to give his children an education of the European level, so that future nobles are a true support for their Fatherland - a developing, young country.

The simpletons did not succeed in either one or the other. And they are not the only ones. The fact is that the law on noble liberty was written in such a respectful, calm language, it was formulated so peacefully, and nothing threatened the person who violated it, that the nobles perceived the law not as a prescription, but as permission to do whatever they please. The authors of the decree thought that it would be a real pleasure for the nobles to voluntarily take care of the peasants, to bring up children in the traditions of the European Enlightenment, to engage in sciences, because now they have all the possibilities for this.

But this hope turned out to be unfounded. The nobles took it this way: we have all the rights and no more responsibilities. Thus, the law proclaimed by Peter III in 1762 and after 20 years of the reign of Catherine II (Fig. 7) was never fully comprehended by Russian society, but, on the contrary, everything became even worse.

Rice. 7. Catherine II ()

Two decades after the adoption of the law, Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin undertakes, in a sense, to educate a whole class of nobles. And he writes a work that raised the question of the role of the nobleman very acutely and painfully. This important document (decree on noble liberty) must be rethought. Abstract, beautiful law does not reach the consciousness of the nobles. Polite persuasion and hope alone does not affect those who are accustomed to doing monstrous things with impunity. According to the playwright, government intervention is necessary. When the author forces at the end of the comedy Pravdin to take Prostakova's estate under guardianship, he thereby suggests a real way out - all landowners who cruelly treat serfs should be deprived of the right to own the peasants and manage their estate.

The image of Prostakova, who has absorbed the features of many landowners, was supposed, according to the author's plan, to become a living reproach to those nobles in whose houses the same thing happened.

Thus, the comedy "The Minor" calls for a human and just attitude towards the peasants. Noting the extremely negative attitude of the author to the humiliation of serfs, it is worth remembering that the author of "The Minor" is not against serfdom as such, as a form of organization of economic and social life. He is against the abuse of serfdom. The basis of the state is the commonwealth and cooperation of peasants and nobles, which should be humane, fair and based on the principles of the Enlightenment.

In this lesson, you examined how Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" reflected the eternal and contemporary problems of the author: the issue of abuse of serfdom and the global issue of educating a human person and a worthy citizen. You also got to know the important concept of "hero-reasoner".

Bibliography

1. Ko-ro-vin-na V.Ya., Zhu-rav-lev V.P., Ko-ro-vin V.I. Literature. Grade 9. - M .: Pro-sves-shchenie, 2008.
2. Lady-gin M.B., Esin A.B., Nefe-do-va N.A. Literature. Grade 9. - M .: Bustard, 2011.
3. Cher-tov V.F., Tru-bi-na L.A., Anti-po-va A.M. Literature. Grade 9. - M .: Pro-sves-shchenie, 2012.

1. Internet portal "5litra.ru" ()
2. Internet portal "litresp.ru" ()
3. Internet portal "Festival of pedagogical ideas" Open lesson "" ()

Homework

1. Describe the level of upbringing, education and morality of Mrs. Prostakova and her son Mitrofanushka. Give examples from the text.
2. Make up the "moral code" of Starodum.
3. How does Fonvizin see the problem of serfdom? What solution does the author propose in the play?

Style: interaction of several artistic directions. 1. classicism - love intrigue as a plot engine, division into + and –th heroes, one-dimensional character of the hero, speaking surnames (\ The playwright endows his characters with names and surnames indicating their main features. So, Mitrofan is translated from Greek means “like a mother.” The surname of Prostakova comes from the word “simpleton,” meaning at the time of Fonvizin “insane,” “blunder.” The names of other characters in the play are just as eloquent: Skotinin, Vralman, Starodum, Pravdin, Tsyfirkin.), preserved the classicistic principle of "three unities": the unity of place, the unity of time and the unity of action. Events take place in the house of the landowner Prostakova during the day. There are five acts in the play. The plot of the comedy is based on a traditional love affair - Sophia's relationship with applicants for her hand and heart (Milon, Skotinin and Mitrofan).

2.features of the nascent enlightenment realism - love intrigue on the 2nd plane, on the 1st plane of the problem of real reality, a false love tregolnik (Skotinin, Soph, Metrofan), the image of some characters becomes complicated, becomes psychologically ambiguous (Mrs. Prostakova as a disturbing despot, love for son) .. However, Fonvizin's “negative” heroes are already multifaceted, he tries to avoid schematism in depicting the characters. So, Mitrofanushka in "Nedorosl" is not only ignorant, but also rude, cowardly, malicious. In the finale, he actually renounces his own mother, who has completely failed in her intentions. Mrs. Prostakova rushes to her son, trying to find support and consolation from him, and in response he hears: "Let go, mother, how imposed ..." In a certain sense, the character of the landowner herself is multifaceted. Mrs. Prostakova is portrayed in the play in various guises: she is a landowner who is cruel in her relations with serfs, and a domineering wife, and a mother who blindly loves her child. A broader than usual image of the everyday background of the play due to non-stage and episodic characters. The serf girl Palashka does not work because she is sick. “Oh, she's shameless, she lies like a noble one” (extra-scenic character. Serfdom problems). individualization of the language, especially the characters. The vital reliability of the comedy, the versatility of the characters are largely created thanks to the speech of the heroes. So, in the speech of the landowner Prostakova, rude, abusive, offensive expressions are often found. “From morning to evening, as if I was hung by the tongue, I don’t lay my hands on it: now I swear, now I fight; by this the house is kept, ”she confidentially informs Pravdin. "Cattle", "thief", "thieves' harya", "kanalya", "beast", "dog's daughter" - these are her appeals to the servants. She considers her husband a "freak" and a "bastard". Affectionate, ingratiating intonations, conveying maternal love, appear in her only when communicating with her son: "my dear friend", "darling." Skotinin's speech also clearly outlines the circle of his interests: "Well, be I a pig's son, if ...", "I want to have my own piglets," "if I have a special shed for each pig, then I'll find a light for my wife." Researchers have repeatedly noted that assimilation of a hero to an animal is one of the main methods of creating satirical characters. This technique is actively used by Fonvizin in his comedy, emphasizing the animal nature of all the "negative" characters of "The Minor". Skotinin's remark about himself acquires a symbolic character: "I love pigs, sister, and we have such large pigs in the neighborhood that there is not one of them that, standing on its hind legs, would not be taller than each of us with a whole head." The speech of Mitrofan's teachers also reflects their personality and life circumstances. Thus, the half-graduated seminarian Kuteikin often uses in his speech the words of the high style, Church Slavicisms: "meal", "fingers", "by the town". The retired sergeant Kuteikin reminds us of military service with his remarks: "We wish your honor to be well ...". The German Vralman, teaching Mitrofan the French language, also reveals to us in his remarks the traces of his former "profession" (earlier he was a coachman at Starodum's): "horse", "horses", "carriage". The speech of Eremeevna, the nurse of Mitrofan, is bright and colorful. In her remarks, there are stable turns (“smoke with a pillar”, “I took my legs away by force”), repetitions (“get married, my father, get married”), words with diminutive suffixes (“little head”, “brother”).

"I don't want to study, I want to get married."

FROM ALINA SPUR. A liter of the 18th century is a liter of the era of enlightenment, its main pathos is the idea of ​​morality, skills of development, active enlightenment of the individual. 18th century is the century of active state building. Ch. the topic is educational.

Artistic literature of the 19th century is a movement from classicism, with its idea of ​​normativity, exemplaryness, subjection to sentimentalism and romanticism, where there is an interest in the inner world and freedom of creativity.

In the 60s and 70s. - serious changes at all levels of literature, classism collapsed, ideology changed, the ideas of the Enlightenment come to the fore - freedom, equality, brotherhood, there is a struggle with the church, faith in an enlightened monarchy, in science ( it is science that does better). In Russia, Russian. Enlightenment developed in parallel with the class-zm, is closely connected with the state military polit. problems.

The highest development of Enlightenment. receive. in TV-ve of Radishchev, Krylov, Fonvizin.

There is a debate about when work began on 1766 "Ned". A peculiar prototype of the collisions of Ned's play was Catherine II's comedy "Oh, Time".

"Ned" is determined not only by the theme of images and upbringing, but also by a more general theme - what place should the nobility occupy in modern society. The play shows a turning point - the moment when the heroes get the right to choose between obliging societies with duty and life "for themselves." The play actively discusses the "decree on the freedom of the nobility" of 1761.

More particular problems touched upon in the play are the condemnation of ignorance, the lack of enlightenment of a part of the nobility, the cat Fon considers destroying the human personality, bringing people down to the level of an animal, this is manifested in the reception (Taras Skotinin, comparison of Prostakova with an animal).

Upbringing and education itself, Fonvizin understands, is multidimensional, he distinguishes between the education of the mind and moral development and considers moral development more important, significant, and shaping the personality.

The theme of upbringing is completely important in the play, which is associated with the characteristics of not only Mitrofanushka, but also other characters: Mrs. Prostakova, Skotinin on the one hand and Starodum, Sophia on the other.

Fonvizin speaks more cautiously about the problem of abuse of serfdom, he emphasizes that the crepe of law is becoming outdated economically, but to a greater extent the crepe of law does not constitute the moral side, Fonv shows its corrupting effect on both masters and servants.

The problem of an ideal monarchy: Fonv condemns the abuses of the court of Catherine, but at the same time highly values ​​the very concept of an ideal monarch who places high on the law, personal power, reason and law (5 acts).

Comedy "Minor" - the pinnacle of TV-va Fonviz. Combines the features of a sniper class and innovative features.

Adherence to the traditions of classism is manifested in the fact that comedy retains all the signs of a "low" genre. This is the first socio-political comedy on the stage. In the play, vices (rudeness, stupidity, cruelty, lack of education) are mocked, which require immediate correction. The problem of upbringing is the center. in the ideas of enlightenment in Fon-na's comedies. The language of pronunciation (one of the rules of the class) corresponds to the specificity of the depiction of the action, the speech of Prostakova in relation to the servants is rude, in relation to her son - affectionate. "Correct", "bookish" language - will lay the foundation of speech. characters. The rule of 3 units is observed, dey-e in the estate of Mrs. Prostakova, the author is subordinate to the dey-i. task - solving the problem of true education. In the comedy, unenlightened, uneducated characters (Prostakovs, Skotinin, Mitrofanushka) are contrasted with figurative, enlightened characters (Starodum, Sophia, Pravdin). The division of characters into half. and negate - one of the rules of the class-snake.

Novat. Background, well, it is important not only to pose the problem of upbringing, but also to show how the situation affects the formation of character, personality. In "Nedoroslya" the foundations of a realistic representation of action are laid, the author reproduces the atmosphere of landlord arbitrariness, cruelty, impunity and ignorance of the Prostakovs and Skotinins. In contrast to the classic. pronunciation "Minor" is multi-dark. Its main. the problems are closely related to each other: the problems of education, communication. with the problems of the serf and the state. authorities. To expose vices, the author uses such techniques as speaking surnames, self-exposure of heroes. Put it in the mouth. heroes Fon-n contributes criticism of the depraved century, idlers, nobles, ignorant landowners. The theme of serving the Fatherland, the celebration of justice, t / w is carried out through the put. images. Language also serves to reveal images: the book language is the basis, in Starodum's speech there are archaisms. For Pravdin, clericalism is characteristic, for young people - Sophia and Milon - sentimental turns.

Innovation in the system of images: Fon introduces heroes from the lower class (Trishka, Eremeevna, teachers Kuteikin and Tsyfirkin). In addition, Fon-n tried to give a short prehistory of the characters, to reveal the different facets of the har-s of some of them. At the beginning of the comedy, Prostakova is a cruel landowner, at the end - an unhappy mother, rejected by her own. son.

2. Roman I.A. Goncharova "Oblomov". Critical literature about the novel and the peculiarities of Goncharov's talent as an artist.

Ivan Alexandrovich Goncharov ()

In the early 50s and 60s of the 19th century, the breaking of all the old foundations of patriarchal Russia began. The country said goodbye to sluggishness, stagnation, inaction, but lost the warmth of relations between people, respect for traditions.

In 1859 - the novel "Oblomov", wrote for ten years.

The protagonist of the novel is Ilya Ilyich Oblomov: 32 - 33 years old, of average height, pleasant appearance, with no idea or concentration. The whole face is the light of carelessness.

The simple plot of the novel deeply and truthfully reflected Russian reality. The novel is interesting in that we can identify the image of Ilya Ilyich Oblomov with a certain type of people who lived in Russia at that time. Goncharov introduces his hero to different situations in order to maximize all the disadvantages and advantages of the Oblomov type. Ilya Ilyich passes the test both by friendship and love. The character of the protagonist is most clearly revealed in his relationship with Olga Ilyinskaya. Love literally transforms Ilya Ilyich, reveals his best qualities. Their love continues until Ilya has to face real life, until decisive action is required of him, until Olga realizes that she loves the future Oblomov. Neither friendship, nor even such pure, sincere love could force Oblomov to abandon his ideals: a peaceful, calm, carefree life, hearty food and serene sleep. “What killed you? There is no name for this evil ... ”- exclaims Olga at parting. "There is ... Oblomovism!" he whispered, barely audibly.

The broad and soft character was influenced by:

1) the Central Russian nature of Oblomovka. Nature here, like an affectionate mother, takes care of the silence, measured serenity of a person's entire life.

2) a special "harmony" of peasant life with a rhythmic succession of weekdays and holidays.

3) education. Oblomov's parents understood the importance and necessity of education, but they saw in it only a means of promotion.

4) excessive love and affection of the mother. The nanny whispered to him about the side, "where there are no nights, no cold, where all miracles are performed, where rivers of honey and milk flow and where no one does anything all year round." As an adult, he dreams of her.

5) labor was the main enemy of the inhabitants of Oblomovka. They “endured it as a punishment, and wherever there was a case, they always got rid of it. The desire for independence was stopped by the shouts of the parents: "And what are the servants for?"

Goncharov revealed the social and psychological reasons for "Oblomovism" and revealed many important features of the Russian national character.

Dobrolyubov “What is Oblomovism?”.

1) In the type of Oblomov and in all this Oblomovism - there is more than just talent, it is a sign of the times.

2) The main features of Oblomov's character are complete inertia. The reason is in his external position, partly in the image of his mental and moral development. Outwardly, he is a gentleman; "he has Zakhar and three hundred more Zakharov", The habit of receiving satisfaction of his desires not from his own efforts, but from others - plunged him into a miserable state of moral slavery.

3) Oblomovism in literature:

Oblomov is not a completely new face in our literature: Onegin, Pechorin, Beltov, Rudin are also Oblomovs. N. A. Dobrolyubov wrote: "Oblomov is our root, folk type, from which none of our serious artists could separate."

IA Goncharov wrote his "Oblomov", being under the strong influence of VG Belinsky. Most of the "programmatic" part of the novel - the exposure of the social evil of "Oblomovism" - obscures another, no less important part - about love, about the relationship between a man and a woman, about marriage. The artist overpowered the publicist and denouncer of social illness in Goncharov.

Belinsky about Goncharov in general.

"A Look at Russian Literature 1847" (48) consists of 2 items:

- "General assessment and origins" nat.shk ";

- "On the specific works of writers" nat.shk ".

The second article deals with Herzen, potters, Turgenev, Grigorovich, Dal, Druzhinin, Dostoevsky. A comparative analysis of "An Ordinary History" by Goncharov and "Who is to Blame?" Herzen (Herzen the thinker, Goncharov the artist; another image of a woman is not cloyingly sentimental; much attention to Aduev, Jr., by type - a romantic, incapable of friendship, love)

AV Druzhinin "Oblomov", Goncharov's novel "The character of Ilya reflects the essential aspects of Russian life, But, in vain, many people are trying to despise Oblomov, he is kind to all of us and is worth boundless love.

It is bad for the land where there are no good and incapable of evil eccentrics like Oblomov.

Oblomovism - the early stage of the country's development (childhood). Druzhinin's approach to understanding Oblomov and Oblomovism did not become popular in the 19th century.

But in the 20th century Prishvin about Oblomov:

his peace is fraught with a demand for the highest value, for such an activity, because of which it would be worth losing peace.

They also wrote: Yu. I. Aykhenvald. "Silhouettes of Russian Writers" - Goncharov (about Oblomov's novel - an excerpt)

this ordinary story of human destiny, human life and death is what attracts the most in the famous novel.

DI Pisarev (From the article “Oblomov”). 1859 A rare novel revealed in its author such a power of analysis, such a complete and subtle knowledge of human nature in general and feminine in particular ...

N.O. Lossky (From the article "The character of the Russian people"). 1957 Oblomovshchina is the flip side of the high qualities of the Russian person - the desire for complete perfection and sensitivity to the shortcomings of our reality ...

D. S. Merezhkovsky (From the article "Eternal companions. Goncharov"). 1890 Everyone noticed, and the author himself admits that the German Stolz is an unfortunate, invented figure. You feel tired from his long and cold conversations with Olga. He loses all the more in our eyes that he stands next to Oblomov, like an automaton with a living person ...

You will learn what problems Fonvizin raises in the comedy "The Minor" in this article.

"Minor": problems

Problems raised in the comedy "The Minor":

1. What should be a true nobleman - and does the Russian nobility meet their purpose?

2. The need for enlightenment, education - their absence ..

3. Lawlessness of peasants and tyranny of landlords.

Each of these problems is viewed through the prism of the ideas of enlightenment. Fonvizin, sharpening attention to the shortcomings of the era through the techniques of the comic, emphasizes the need to change the traditional, outdated, long-irrelevant foundations that drag people into the swamp of "evil", stupidity, likening them to animals.

The problem of education in the comedy "Minor"

In Fonvizin's view, the problem of upbringing acquired state significance, because in the correct upbringing was rooted the only reliable, in his opinion, source of salvation from the evil threatening society - the spiritual degradation of the nobility.

Education should give "the direct value of learning", awaken humane, philanthropic feelings, contribute to the general improvement of morals.

"Minor" the problem of serfdom

The theme of the lawlessness of the peasants and the tyranny of the landlords was indicated by the writer already in the first act. Prostakova's first remark: “The whole caftan is ruined. Eremeevna, bring the swindler Trishka here. He, a thief, has tied him up everywhere ”- introduces us into the atmosphere of the tyranny of the landlords' power. All the next five events are dedicated to showing this arbitrariness.
This is how the "Minor" begins. The main conflict in the socio-political life of Russia - the tyranny of the landowners, supported by the supreme power, and the lack of rights of the serfs - becomes the theme of a comedy. The dramatic conflict of the "Minor" is the struggle of the progressive-minded progressive nobles - Pravdin and Starodum - with the serf-owners - Prostakovs and Skotinins.
Slavery, not upbringing, corrupts and corrupts the landlords themselves, ”Fonvizin draws a second conclusion. The playwright sternly and denunciatingly declares: the Russian nobles turned into Skotinins, who lost their honor, dignity, humanity, became cruel executioners of the people around them and omnipotent tyrants and parasites only as a result of serfdom. Hence the demonstration of the skotinin nature of those who call themselves the "noble estate" - Prostakova, her husband, her son, her brother. The slave owners not only turned their peasants into "heavy cattle", but they themselves became vile and despicable slaves.
The main intention of Fonvizin in "Nedorosl" was to show all the actions, deeds, thoughts of the Prostakovs and Skotinin, all their morals and interests in social conditioning. ... They are generated by serfdom, Fonvizin argues. That is why, from the first to the last act, the theme of serfdom permeates the entire work.

In all of Fonvizin's dramatic works, three themes are clearly traced, on which the author tried to draw the attention of the reader. Among them are serfdom, the state structure of Russia, the theme of the upbringing of the younger generation. At first glance, the problematic in the comedy "The Minor" concerns only social problems, but this is far from the case. It is much deeper. Only after reading the work to the end, it will become clear how important it was for the author to emphasize the topical theme of precisely the moral and intellectual level of the nobility.

The problem of educating young nobles

The title of the work speaks for itself. A young nobleman who did not reach the age of sixteen and did not receive a certificate of education was considered a minor in the 18th century. The theme of education in comedy is the leading one.

Mitrofan is the son of the landowners Prostakovs. Nobleman. At his age, all roads on the way to a brighter future are open, but it is unlikely that he is striving for this. The guy is not interested in anything at all. Illiterate. Rude and selfish. Sissy.

The appropriate teaching staff was selected for him. From what criteria his mother proceeded when she hired these grief teachers for work, it is not clear. Kuteikin deacon teaching Mitrofan to read and write. Tsyfirkin is a former military man, teaches arithmetic. Vralman used to work as a coachman for Starodum. Now a teacher of French and other sciences. During the four years that they worked for the Prostakovs, they failed to teach Mitrofan basic things. Either he does not lend itself to training, or the teachers are absolute mediocrity. There is nothing to be surprised at. Mitrofan's entourage is mother, father, uncle. All of them are illiterate people and it was suggested to him that it is not necessary to study. If there were money and power, the rest would follow.

There was no positive example in front of him to look up to. Mother is rude and rude. Differs in particular cruelty towards serfs. Her own husband suffers from her antics. She managed to turn him into a weak-willed rag, about which you can, on occasion, wipe your feet and step over. Powerful and demanding. Do not mind to let go of your hands.

Mitrofan's father turned from a normal peasant into a reptile who is afraid to say too much, for fear of angering his spouse. Has no opinion of its own. Submits to Prostakova in everything. It is so convenient for him to live behind a woman's back. He happily handed over to her the reins of government and the ability to run everything and everyone in their household.

Uncle Mitrofan is the same illiterate and narrow-minded person. Feeds love for pigs and money. He is looking for benefits in everything. She dreams of marrying a bride with a rich dowry.

What could these people give to Mitrofan? Nothing. Among such an environment there is not a single worthy person. Mitrofan had no one to take an example from. He grew up a moral monster for whom nothing is sacred. The guy is an exact copy of his mother, who took over everything bad from her.

Among the positive characters, I would like to note Starodum, Milon, Pravdin, Sophia. Smart, educated people. Starodum is a wise mentor for Sophia. From their conversations it is clear that a person is fighting for truth and justice. Appreciates honesty and decency. I have seen and experienced a lot in my life. He shares with his niece his experience, outlook on life. Sophia was lucky with her uncle. Such a mentor can only teach good things and, unlike Mitrofan, she will go through life the right way.

Fonvizin was deeply concerned about the future of Russia. The current state of affairs did not suit him. He is categorically opposed to the nobility decaying at the expense of people like the Prostakovs and Skotinins. In his opinion, only a correct upbringing can save the nobility from spiritual degradation.

Serfdom problem

Literally from the first episode of the comedy, you can see how the landowner abuses her position and power, ripping off evil on the serfs. Trishka fell under her hot hand, unsuccessfully sewing a caftan. The tailor's grief awaited reprisals. No excuses worked for Prostakov. Understanding perfectly well that he was not a professional in his field and the guy could be forgiven for unsuccessfully taken measurements, but the landowner was adamant. Without delay, the lady gave the order to punish the culprit.

Landlord arbitrariness permeates the entire work from beginning to end. A dramatic conflict unfolds between progressively minded nobles in the person of Starodum and Pravdin, with feudalists headed by the Skotinin and Prostakovs.

Why is Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor", which denounces serfdom, is called a comedy of education?

Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" was written in 1782. The 18th century in culture was marked by the Age of Enlightenment. This was the time when the value of art was reduced to its educational and moral role. Art workers of this time took upon themselves the hard work of awakening in a person the desire for the development and self-improvement of the individual. Classicism is one of the trends within which they worked. The purpose of literature, according to the classicists, was to influence the human mind to correct vices and educate virtue.

The main problems of the comedy "The Minor" are the problem of the cruel attitude of landowners to their peasants and the problem of educating the younger generation and the "wild ignorance of the old generation" (VG Belinsky). However, a comedy denouncing serfdom is called a parenting comedy.

The reason for this is the close connection between the first two problems. It is the problem of upbringing and ignorance that is the cause of the malice of the characters in the play. Heartlessness, despotism, unwillingness to recognize for the serfs any rights to equality with the "noble" characterize the attitude of wild landowners to their people. One of Prostakova's most loyal serfs, mother Eremeevna, has been serving her for forty years now, and receives as a reward for her service "five rubles a year and five slaps a day." DI Fonvizin sees the reason for the malice of his heroes in their ignorance, "in their own corruption." "The father of Prostakova and Skotinin" did not know how to read, "their uncle Vavila Falaleich" did not want to hear from anyone "about her; "I never read anything" Skotinin Jr. Children inherited their disdain for science from their fathers. "People live and lived without sciences", learning is nonsense ", the main thing is to be able to" acquire and preserve wealth "- this is what the everyday philosophy of the ignorant nobility boils down to. And in the hands of this nobility is the education of the younger generation of nobles.

The main idea of ​​the work is the question of true, ideal education. This question is raised against the background of Mitrofan's upbringing and descriptions of his teachers. “A deacon from the Pokrov, Kuteikin, comes to him for reading and writing. One retired sergeant Tsyfirkin teaches him arithmetic. German Adam Adamich Vralman teaches him in French and all sciences. " But the boy's teachers did not teach anything, as they themselves were uneducated and lazy. In fact, it was just a tribute to fashion on the part of Mrs. Prostakova.

According to Fonvizin, an important part of upbringing is not only the development of the mind, but also the development of moral feelings. Reflections about true upbringing are expressed by the hero-reasoner Starodum in a conversation with Sophia. He discusses this topic globally, seeing the sources of education problems in the government itself: "An ideal sovereign first of all needs enlightened subjects and he himself must take care of his morality, think about a good upbringing." Fonvizin fought for the flourishing of enlightenment in Russia and believed that nobles brought up in strict civil rules would be worthy leaders of the country.

The topic of education in comedy is directly related to the most important problems of the 18th century. Fonvizin believed that an ideal upbringing could contribute to the spread of morality and human attitude, the humanity of landowners to the peasants.

And in this sense, the comedy "Minor" for Fonvizin's contemporaries was instructive and edifying, was a real "leader" in education.