Consider the features of the comedy created by Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). The analysis of this work is the topic of this article. This play is a masterpiece of Russian literature of the 18th century. This work is included today in the fund of Russian classical literature. It touches upon a number of "eternal problems". And the beauty of a high style still attracts many readers today. The name of this play is connected with the decree issued by Peter I, according to which "undergrowths" (young nobles) are forbidden to enter the service and marry without education.

The history of the creation of the play

Back in 1778, the idea of ​​this comedy arose from its author, who is Fonvizin. "Undergrowth", the analysis of which we are interested in, was written in 1782 and presented to the public in the same year. It should briefly highlight the time of creation of the play that interests us.

During the reign of Catherine II, Fonvizin wrote "Undergrowth". The analysis of the heroes presented below proves that they were the heroes of their time. The period in the development of our country is associated with the dominance of ideas. They were borrowed by the Russians from the French enlighteners. The spread of these ideas, their great popularity among the educated philistinism and the nobility was largely facilitated by the Empress herself. She, as you know, corresponded with Diderot, Voltaire, d'Alembert. In addition, Catherine II opened libraries and schools, supported the development of art and culture in Russia by various means.

Continuing to describe the comedy created by D. I. Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"), analyzing its features, it should be noted that, as a representative of his era, the author, of course, shared the ideas that dominated at that time in the noble society. He tried to reflect them in his work, revealing not only positive aspects to readers and viewers, but also pointing out misconceptions and shortcomings.

"Undergrowth" - an example of classicism

Analysis of the comedy "Undergrowth" by Fonvizin requires considering this play as part of a cultural era and literary tradition. This work is considered one of the best examples of classicism. In the play, there is a unity of action (there are no secondary plot lines in it, only the struggle for Sophia's hand and her property is described), places (the characters do not move long distances, all events take place either near the Prostakovs' house or inside it), and time ( all events take no more than a day). In addition, he used "talking" surnames, which are traditional for the classic play, Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). Analysis shows that, following tradition, he divided his characters into positive and negative ones. Positive ones are Pravdin, Starodum, Milon, Sophia. They are opposed to Prostakov, Mitrofan, Skotinin by D. I. Fonvizin (the play "Undergrowth"). An analysis of their names shows that they let the reader understand which features in the image of this or that character are prevalent. For example, the personification of morality and truth in the work is Pravdin.

A new genre of comedy, its features

"Undergrowth" at the time of its creation was an important step forward in the development of literature in our country, in particular, drama. Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin created a new socio-political. It harmoniously combines a number of realistic scenes depicted with sarcasm, irony, laughter from the lives of some ordinary representatives of high society (the nobility) with sermons about morality, virtue, the need to educate human qualities that were characteristic of enlighteners. At the same time, instructive monologues do not burden the perception of the play. They complement this work, as a result of which it becomes deeper.

First action

The play is divided into 5 acts, the author of which is Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). Analysis of the work involves a description of the organization of the text. In the first act we get acquainted with the Prostakovs, Pravdin, Sofya, Mitrofan, Skotinin. The characters of the characters emerge immediately, and the reader understands that the Skotinin and Prostakovs - and Sofya and Pravdin - are positive. In the first act, the exposition and the plot of this work take place. In the exposition, we get to know the characters, we learn that Sofya lives in the care of the Prostakovs, who is going to be married off as Skotinin. Reading a letter from Starodum is the beginning of the play. Sophia now turns out to be a rich heiress. From day to day, her uncle returns to take the girl to him.

The development of events in the play created by Fonvizin ("Undergrowth")

We continue the analysis of the work with a description of how events unfolded. 2nd, 3rd and 4th actions are their development. We get acquainted with Starodum and Milon. Prostakova and Skotinin are trying to please Starodum, but their flattery, falsity, lack of education and a huge thirst for profit only repels. They look stupid and funny. The most ridiculous scene of this work is Mitrofan's interrogation, during which the stupidity of not only this young man, but also his mother is exposed.

Climax and denouement

5th act - climax and denouement. It should be noted that the opinions of researchers about what moment should be considered the culmination differ. There are 3 most popular versions. According to the first, this is the abduction of Prostakova Sofya, according to the second, Pravdin’s reading of a letter stating that Prostakova’s estate is being transferred under his care, and, finally, the third version is Prostakova’s rage after she understands her own impotence and tries to “recoup "on his servants. Each of these versions is true, since it considers the work of interest to us from different points of view. The first, for example, highlights the storyline dedicated to Sophia's marriage. An analysis of the episode of Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" associated with marriage, indeed, allows us to consider it the key in the work. The second version examines the play from a socio-political point of view, highlighting the moment when justice triumphs on the estate. The third focuses on the historical one, according to which Prostakova is the personification of the weakened principles and ideals of the old nobility that have gone into the past, which, however, do not yet believe in their own defeat. This nobility, according to the author, is based on ignorance, lack of education, as well as low moral standards. During the denouement, everyone leaves Prostakova. She has nothing left. Pointing to her, Starodum says that these are "worthy fruits" of "malice".

Negative characters

As we have already noted, the main characters are clearly divided into negative and positive. Mitrofan, Skotinin and Prostakov are negative characters. Prostakova is a woman seeking profit, uneducated, rude, domineering. She knows how to flatter for profit. However, Prostakova loves her son. Prostakov appears as the "shadow" of his wife. This is an inactive character. His word means little. Skotinin is the brother of Mrs. Prostakova. This is an equally uneducated and stupid person, rather cruel, like his sister, greedy for money. For him, a walk to the pigs in the barnyard is the best thing to do. Mitrofan is a typical son of his mother. This is a spoiled young man of 16 years old, who inherited from his uncle a love for pigs.

Issues and heredity

In the play, it should be noted, an important place is given to the issue of family ties and heredity Fonvizin ("Undergrowth"). Analyzing this issue, let's say, for example, that Prostakova is only married to her husband (a "simple" person who does not want much). However, she is actually Skotinina, akin to her brother. Her son absorbed the qualities of both his parents - "animal" qualities and stupidity from his mother and lack of will from his father.

Similar family ties can be traced between Sophia and Starodum. Both of them are honest, virtuous, educated. The girl listens to her uncle attentively, respects him, "absorbs" science. Pairs of opposites create negative and positive characters. Children - spoiled stupid Mitrofan and meek smart Sophia. Parents love children, but they approach their upbringing differently - Starodub talks on the topics of truth, honor, morality, and Prostakova only pampers Mitrofan and says that education is not useful to him. A couple of grooms - Milon, who sees the ideal and his friend in Sophia, who loves her, and Skotinin, who calculates the fortune that he will receive after marrying this girl. At the same time, Sophia as a person is not interesting to him. Skotinin does not even try to equip his bride with comfortable housing. Prostakov and Pravdin are in reality the "voice of truth", a kind of "auditors". But in the person of an official, we find active strength, help and real action, while Prostakov is a passive character. The only thing that this hero could say was to reproach Mitrofan at the end of the play.

Issues raised by the author

Analyzing it becomes clear that each of the above-described pairs of characters reflects a separate problem that is revealed in the work. This is a problem of education (which is supplemented by the example of half-educated teachers like Kuteikin, as well as impostors like Vralman), upbringing, fathers and children, family life, relationships between spouses, the attitude of nobles to servants. Each of these problems is considered through the prism of enlightenment ideas. Fonvizin, sharpening his attention on the shortcomings of the era through the use of comic techniques, emphasizes the need to change outdated, traditional, irrelevant foundations. They drag foolishness, malevolence into the swamp, liken people to animals.

As our analysis of Fonvizin's play "Undergrowth" showed, the main idea and theme of the work is the need to educate the nobility in accordance with educational ideals, the foundations of which are still relevant today.

Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" was written in the best traditions of Russian classicism. In accordance with the classic canons, the characters in the work are clearly divided into positive and negative, and their names and surnames concisely characterize and reveal the main features of the characters. However, unlike the traditional images of classic plays, the heroes of The Undergrowth are devoid of stereotypes, which is what attracts modern readers and viewers.

The positive actors are Pravdin, Sofia, Starodum and Milon. Each of them supports the ideas of the Enlightenment, considering virtue, honesty, love for the motherland, high morality and education as the main human values. Their complete opposite depicts negative characters - Prostakovs, Skotinin and Mitrofan. They are representatives of the "old" nobility, which with all its might clings to the outdated ideas of serf and feudalism. Their core values ​​are money, position in the social hierarchy, and physical strength.

In Fonvizin's play "Undergrowth", the main characters are divided into peculiar dual pairs, in which the author portrays people with similar social roles, but portraying them in a mirror distortion. So, in addition to a couple of "children" - Sophia and Mitrofan, one can distinguish "educators" - Starodum and Prostakov, "grooms" - Milon and Skotinin, as well as "owners" - Prostakov and Pravdin.

Mitrofan- the undergrowth and the main character of the comedy - a spoiled stupid youth of sixteen years old, for whom everything has always been done by his mother, nanny or servants. Having adopted love for money, rudeness and disrespect for relatives from his mother (Prostakova is ready to deceive her brother in order to settle a marriage that is beneficial for her), and from his father complete lack of will, he behaves like a small child - he does not want to study, while he finds marriage fun fun. The complete opposite of Mitrofan is Sophia. This is an educated, intelligent and serious girl with a difficult fate. Having lost her parents at an early age and living in the care of the Prostakovs, Sophia does not adopt their values, but, in fact, becomes a "black sheep" in their society (Prostakova even resents that the girl can read).

Prostakov appears to readers on the one hand as an uneducated, cunning woman who is ready for almost anything for the sake of profit, and on the other hand, as a practical housewife and loving mother, for whom the happiness and carefree future of her son is above all else. Prostakova brought up Mitrofan the way she was brought up, and therefore she could convey and show by her own example outdated ideas and values ​​that had long exhausted themselves.

At Starodum a completely different approach to education - he does not treat Sophia like a small child, talking with her on an equal footing, instructing her and advising her based on his own experience. In the matter of marriage, a man does not undertake to finally decide for a girl, because he does not know whether her heart is free. In the image of Starodum, Fonvizin portrays his ideal of a parent and educator - an authoritative strong personality who herself has traveled a worthy path. However, analyzing the character system of The Undergrowth from the point of view of the modern reader, it is worth noting that the image of Starodum as an educator is also not ideal. All the time he was away, Sophia was deprived of parental care and left to herself. The fact that the girl learned to read, appreciates morality and virtue is rather the merit of her parents, who instilled this in her at a young age.

In general, the theme of kinship is important both for the positive characters of the play "Undergrowth" and the negative ones. Sofia- the daughter of worthy people, Milon- the son of a good friend Starodum. Prostakova received this surname only after marriage, in fact she is Skotinina. Brother and sister are very similar, they are both driven by greed and cunning, they are not educated and cruel. Mitrofan is depicted as a real son of his parents and a pupil of his uncle, who inherited all their negative traits, including a love for pigs.

Characters whose relationship is not mentioned in the play - Prostakov and Pravdin. Prostakov is fundamentally different from his wife, in comparison with the active and active Prostakova, he looks weak-willed and passive. In a situation where he must show himself as the owner of the village, the man is lost in the background of his wife. This leads to the fact that the more active Pravdin, who was able to pacify Prostakova, becomes the owner of the lot. In addition, Prostakov and Pravdin act as some kind of "auditors" of what is happening. Pravdin is the voice of the law, Prostakov is the opinion of a simple (remember the “speaking” names of the play) people who do not like how the “old” nobility in the person of his wife and brother-in-law behaves, but is afraid of their wrath, therefore he speaks only to the side and not agreeing.

The last couple of characters are Skotinin and Milon. Men represent old and new ideas about marriage and family life. Milon has known Sophia since childhood, they love each other, and therefore their relationship is based on mutual respect and friendship. Skotinin does not even try to get to know the girl better, he is only concerned about his dowry, and he is not even going to arrange good conditions for her after marriage.

In addition to the main characters, there are secondary characters in the play - the teachers and educators of Mitrofan the underage. Characteristics of the heroes of the second plan - Eremeevna, Tsyfirkin, Kuteikina and Vralman- associated with their social role in the play. The nanny is an example of a serf who faithfully serves his mistress all his life, enduring beatings and injustice. On the example of the images of teachers, the author exposes all the problems of education in Russia in the 18th century, when children are taught by retired military men who did not graduate from the seminary or even grooms.

For the 18th century, Fonvizin's innovation consisted in the fact that the author portrayed the characters in The Undergrowth without excessive pathos and stereotypes inherent in many works of classicism. Each comedy hero is undoubtedly a composite image, but created not according to a ready-made “stencil”, but with its own individual features. That is why the characters of the work "Undergrowth" even today remain the brightest images of Russian literature.

Artwork test

Semakova Anastasia

Characteristics of Ms. Prostakova, Mitrofanushka, Skotinin through the speech of the heroes

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MBOU "Secondary Selmeng secondary school"
branch "Topetsk Basic School"

Research work in the Russian language

8th grade students

Semakova Anastasia

Swear words - a means of speech characteristics of the heroes of the play
DI. Fonvizin "Undergrowth"

Supervisor of the work - Fedoseeva S.V.

October, 2013

Introduction

Target - to explore the swear words in the speech of the heroes of the play by D.I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth".

Tasks :

• Determine what swear words are, what marks it has in dictionaries.
• Write out from the text of the play D.I. Fonvizin vocabulary, which can be attributed to swear words, and analyze the etymology and lexical meaning of these words.
• Determine how the swear words characterize the characters of the play.
• Draw conclusions about how swear words characterize the heroes of the play.

This paper discusses the use of swear words by the characters in the play by D.I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth", in order to characterize the heroes.

Speech always characterizes the speaker:

Study

"Dictionary of the Russian language of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR" (MAS), edited by A.P. Evgenieva indicates that the adjective abusive refers to the word scolding, and the interpretation of scolding gives as "insulting, abusive words, swearing" and notes the connotation of this word "condemnation, censure, reproaches."

Let's try to characterize the heroes of the work of D.I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth", using swear words in their speech. To do this, we wrote out replicas containing swear words from the text of the play, and based on this we compiled a table:

Hero of the play	Action/ phenomenon	To whom does he speak	What does he say
Ms. Prostakova		Trishka	And you cattle , come closer. Didn't I tell you thieves mug so that you let the caftan go wider. Tell, blockhead what will you justify?
			Looking for it, he argues. A tailor learned from another, another from a third, but who did the first tailor learn from? Speak, cattle.
		Trishka	Get out, cattle.
		Eremeevna	So you're sorry sixth, beast?
		Eremeevna	Well ... and you, the beast , dumbfounded, and you do not got drunk on my brother mug and you didn't tear him apart burrowed to the ears... Yes ... yes ... not your child, beast! You are still an old witch, and burst into tears.
		Eremeevna	All you bastards , zealous in words alone, and not in deeds ...
		Eremeevna	Are you a girl you are the daughter of a dog ? Is it in my house besides yours bad hari, and no maids!
		Eremeevna about fortress Palashka	Lies! Oh, she's a beast! Lies! As if noble!
		Eremeevna about fortress Palashka	Delirium, bastard ! As if noble!
		Sophia	Perhaps a letter to me. (Almost vomits.) I bet it's some kind of amorous one. And guess who. It's from that officer who was looking to marry you and for whom you yourself wanted to go. Yes, which beast gives you letters without my asking! I'll get there. Here's what we've come up with. Write letters to girls! Girls can read and write!
		Starodum About Me	Oh, I'm stupid ! Father! Forgive me. I AM stupid .
		Milon about my husband	Do not be angry, my father, that freak mine missed you. So rotten was born, my father.
		household members and serfs	Rogues! The thieves! Fraudsters!I order everyone to be beaten to death!
		everyone About Me	Oh, I'm a dog's daughter! What have I done!
Skotinin		Pravdin	How! Nephew to interrupt from his uncle! Yes, I like him at the first meeting hell break. Well be me pig son if I am not her husband, or Mitrofan a freak.
		Mitrofan	Oh, you damned chick!
		Pravdin	I myself will not take my eyes off that the elected one does not tell me stories. Master, dog son where does it come from!
Mitrofan		Eremeevna	Well, another word, old hrychovka!
Tsyfirkin		Vralman	And you furrowed your eyebrows, snooker owl!
Kuteikin		Vralman	Cursed owl! What are you slapping with burkali?
Vralman		Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin	What fsyali, beast? Shuta suntes.
		Tsyfirkin and Kuteikin	Like putto py to the arithmetic of dustlyuti sand turaks!

For the etymological analysis of words, we used the dictionary of N.M. Shansky. All words from the list we have compiled are marked "Obshcheslav." and "Original", except for the words fury , borrowed from the Polish language, which got there from the Greek language, and canine , which refers to the word dog, borrowed from the Iranian language.By origin, all swear words from the play "Undergrowth" can be divided into groups:

1. Animal origin:

1. Livestock = wealth, money. It is explained by the fact that cattle served as a bargaining chip.
2. Mug. The origin is unclear. Presumably an abbreviation of Khavrya Sow. In this case, mug is literally - "pig face".
3. Bestia. From the slang of the seminarians.It is a rethinking of lat. bestia "beast, animal", Bestia "animal" literally - "breathing". Dictionary V.I. Dahl points to the Latin origin of this word.
4. Chushka is a suffixal derivative of chukh "pig", formed from "imitative" choo-choo . Chukha → pig (alternating x / / w). Dictionary V.I. Dalia gives an explanation of the word chuha as "snout, nose, pig grunt".
5. Dog is an adjective derived from the noun dog.
6. The snout is the front part of the head in some animals.

1. Borrowed from Greek mythology - Fury.
2. Damn / Damn - the origin is unclear. Presumably "he who digs lives in the earth" and further - "underground spirit".
3. Blockhead - origin unclear. A presumably suffixal derivative oflost bly, balls "log".

Consider the lexical meaning (LZ) of swear words (according to the dictionaries of V.I. Dahl and S.I. Ozhegov)

The words	LZ	Litters
		"Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language" by V.I.Dal	Dictionary of the Russian language by S.I. Ozhegov.
livestock	"cattle-like man"	"swearing"	“portable” “colloquial” “swearing”
mug	“bad, disgusting face, mug”		"colloquial" "swearing"
blockhead	“stupid, stupid, ignorant, ignorant”		"abusive" "colloquial"
beast	“a rogue, a swindler, an impudent swindler, a clever and impudent rogue”	"abusive"	"colloquial"
fool / fool	“stupid person, dumbass”		"colloquial" "abusive"
crap	“the personification of evil, the enemy of the human race: unclean, black power, satan, devil, evil one”	"abusive"
hrych / hrychovka	“old man, old man”	"abusive or humorous"	"colloquial" "swearing"
ingot /chukhna	“the same as a pig” (according to S.I. Ozhegov) “stupid fool” (according to V.I. Dahl)	"abusive"	"colloquial"
canine	“grumpy, quarrelsome” (according to the dictionary of V.I. Dahl)	"abusive"	"colloquial" "disapproving"
deadhead	"an unruly person"		"disapproving" "colloquial"
rogue	“a person who loves to be cunning, cunning” (according to S.I. Ozhegov)		"colloquial"
thief	“a swindler, an idler, a deceiver; traitor” (according to V.I.Dal’s dictionary) “traitor, villain” (according to S.I. Ozhegov)
scammer	"rascal, crook"
freak	“immoral, a person of bad rules or inclinations” (according to the dictionary of V.I. Dahl) “a person with some bad, negative properties” (according to S.I. Ozhegov)
snout	“same as face”	"swearing"	"colloquial" "swearing"

Most of the words that the heroes of the play “Undergrowth” use to swear belong to colloquial and colloquial vocabulary and are marked “abusive”.

conclusions

So, swear words as an appeal are most often present in Ms. Prostakova’s speech (“And you, cattle, come closer”, “Didn’t I tell you, thieves’ mug, that you let your caftan go wider”, “Get out, cattle” , “Well ... and you, the beast, were dumbfounded, but you didn’t bite into your brother’s mug, and you didn’t pull his snout up to his ears”, “Tell me, idiot, how can you justify yourself?”). Turning to her maids, Prostakova most often calls them beasts, and the servants are cattle, while when she wants to achieve something from influential people, she begins to humiliate herself in front of them, for example: “Oh, I'm an uncountable fool! Father! Forgive me. I'm a fool". Since she always uses rude words from colloquial vocabulary that do not differ in variety and are connected by their origin with the animal world, it can be argued that Prostakova is uneducated, ignorant, rude, cruel to those who cannot protect themselves from her rudeness. Prostakova uses abusive vocabulary when she communicates with her servants, brother and husband or talks about them, for example: “Do not be angry, my father, that my freak missed you. I was born so rotten, my father.” The same applies to her son Mitrofan and brother Skotinin, who use swear words of animal origin as references, for example: “Oh, you damn pig!”

Throughout the play, the author constantly plays words of animal origin in the speech of the characters, thereby trying to expose the bestial behavior of some characters, even though they are people of noble noble origin. For example, the word livestock occurs in the play in different meanings. “When only cattle can be happy with us, then your wife will have poor peace from them and from us,” - in Pravdin’s speech, the word cattle can be understood in different ways: “ common name for domestic animals” or “a person similar to cattle ". livestock is the root in the surname of the hero of the play Skotinin. And Prostakova herself, although she now bears such a surname, was also originally Skotinina. It is no coincidence that Kuteikin dictates to Mitrofan the words: "I am cattle" (I am cattle). Fonvizin, with the help of these words, constantly ridicules the ignorance, rudeness of the Prostakov and Skotinin family, showing their true essence. The author is trying to convince the reader that, no matter how noble a person's origin, with bestial behavior he will be worse than the cattle itself.

Three teachers, Tsyfirkin, Kuteikin and Vralman, although they are teachers, behave very hostilely towards each other, using the same words of animal origin when they meet. What is Prostakova herself, she chose such teachers for her son: rude and uneducated.

Consequently, abusive vocabulary characterizes the heroes of Fonvizin's play "Undergrowth" as rude, vicious, uneducated, ignorant people.

Bibliography

1. Emelianenko E. M. Nouns-predicates with the meaning of a negative assessment // РЯШ, 1990, No. 5, pp. 73 - 76.
2. Kimyagarova R. S., Bash L. M., Ilyushina L. A. Dictionary of the comedy language of D. I. Fonvizin "Undergrowth". -http://www.philol.msu.ru/~slavmir2009/sections/?secid=9- International scientific symposium "Slavic languages ​​and cultures in the modern world". - Moscow, Faculty of Philology, Moscow State University. M. V. Lomonosov, March 24–26, 2009
3. Krysin L.P. The relationship of the modern literary language and vernacular // РЯШ, 1988, No. 2, pp. 81 - 88.
4. The full text of Vladimir Ivanovich Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language (vols. 1-4, 1863-66) in accordance with modern spelling rules.http://slovari.yandex.ru/dict/dal
5. Dictionary of the Russian language S.I. Ozhegov. 10th edition, stereotypical. Ed. Doctor of Philology, Professor N.Yu. Shvedova. Publishing house "Soviet Encyclopedia", Moscow - 1973.http://www.ozhegov.org
6. Dictionary of the Russian language: In 4 volumes / USSR Academy of Sciences, Institute of the Russian Language; Ed. A.P. Evgenyeva. - 3rd ed., stereotype. - M.: Russian language, 1985 -1988. T.1. A - Y. 1985. - 696s. T.2. K-O. 1986. - 736 p.
7. Shansky. NM School etymological dictionary of the Russian language. The origin of words / N. M. Shansky, T. A. Bobrova. - 7th ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard, 2004. - 398, p.http://slovari.yandex.ru/dict/shansky/
8. Fonvizin D.I. Undergrowth //Fonvizin D.I., Griboyedov A.S., Ostrovsky A.N. Selected works / Ed.: G. Belenky, P. Nikolaev, A. Puzikov; Comp. And entry. Article by V.Turbina; Comp. section "Applications" and note. Y.Dvinskoy. - M.: Artist. Lit., 1989. - 608 p.

As was customary in classicism, the heroes of the comedy "Undergrowth" are clearly divided into negative and positive. However, the most memorable, vivid are still negative characters, despite their despotism and ignorance: Mrs. Prostakova, her brother Taras Skotinin and Mitrofan himself. They are interesting and ambiguous. It is with them that comic situations are associated, full of humor, bright liveliness of dialogues.

Positive characters do not evoke such vivid emotions, although they are reasoners, reflecting the author's position. Educated, endowed with only positive traits, they are ideal - they cannot do lawlessness, they are alien to lies and cruelty.

Heroes are negative

Mrs. Prostakova

History of upbringing and education Grew up in a family characterized by extreme ignorance. Didn't get any education. I did not learn any moral rules from childhood. There is nothing good in her soul. Serfdom has a strong influence: her position as the sovereign owner of the serfs.

Main character traits Rough, unbridled, ignorant. If it does not meet resistance, it becomes arrogant. But if she encounters force, she becomes cowardly.

Attitude towards other people In relation to people, she is guided by rough calculation, personal gain. Merciless to those who are in her power. She is ready to humiliate herself in front of those on whom she depends, who turns out to be stronger than her.

Attitude towards educationEducation is superfluous: "Without the sciences, people live and lived."

Prostakova, as a landowner, a convinced serf-owner, considers the serfs to be her complete property. Always dissatisfied with her serfs. She is outraged even by the illness of a serf girl. She robbed the peasants: “Since we took away everything that the peasants had, we can’t tear anything off. Such a disaster!

Attitude towards relatives and close people Despotic and rude towards her husband, she pushes him around, does not put him in anything.

Attitude towards his son, Mitrofanushka Loves him, is tender to him. Caring for his happiness and well-being is the content of her life. Blind, unreasonable, ugly love for his son brings neither Mitrofan nor Prostakova herself anything good.

Peculiarities of speechAbout Trishka: "Swindler, thief, cattle, thieves' mug, blockhead"; turning to her husband: “Why are you so delusional today, my father?”, “All your life, sir, you walk with your ears hanging out”; addressing Mitrofanushka: “Mitrofanushka, my friend; my friend of the heart; son".

She has no moral concepts: she lacks a sense of duty, philanthropy, a sense of human dignity.

Mitrofan

(translated from Greek "revealing his mother")

About upbringing and education I am accustomed to idleness, accustomed to hearty and plentiful food, spends free time on the dovecote.

The main character traits A spoiled "sissy", who grew up and developed in an ignorant environment of the feudal landed nobility. He is not devoid of cunning and ingenuity by nature, but at the same time rude and capricious.

Attitude towards other people Does not respect other people. Yeremeevna (nanny) calls her an “old bastard”, threatens her with severe reprisals; he does not talk to teachers, but “barks” (as Tsyfirkin puts it).

Attitude towards education Mental development is extremely low, experiencing an insurmountable aversion to work and learning.

Attitude towards relatives close peopleMitrofan does not know love for anyone, even for the closest - to his mother, father, nanny.

Speech features It is expressed in monosyllables, in its language there are many vernaculars, words and phrases borrowed from courtyards. The tone of his speech is capricious, dismissive, sometimes rude.

The name Mitrofanushka has become a household name. This is the name of young people who know nothing and do not want to know anything.

Skotinin - brother of Prostakova

On upbringing and education Grew up in a family that was extremely hostile to education: "Don't be that Skotinin, who wants to learn something."

Main character traits Ignorant, mentally undeveloped, greedy.

Attitude towards other people This is a ferocious feudal lord who knows how to “rip off” quitrent from his serfs, and there are no obstacles for him in this occupation.

The main interest in life is Animal Farm, breeding pigs. Only pigs evoke in him a disposition and warm feelings, only to them he shows warmth and care.

Attitude towards relatives and close people For the sake of the opportunity to marry profitably (he learns about Sophia's condition), he is ready to destroy his rival - his own nephew Mitrofan.

Peculiarities of speech The inexpressive speech of an uneducated person often uses rude expressions, in speech there are words borrowed from courtyards.

This is a typical representative of small landowners-feudal lords with all their shortcomings.

Teacher of Russian and Church Slavonic. The half-educated seminarian "feared the abyss of wisdom." In his own way, cunning, greedy.

Teacher of history. German, former coachman. He becomes a teacher, as he failed to find a place as a coachman. An ignorant person who cannot teach his student anything.

The teachers make no effort to teach Mitrofan anything. They more often indulge the laziness of their student. To some extent, they, using the ignorance and lack of education of Mrs. Prostakova, deceive her, realizing that she will not be able to verify the results of their work.

Eremeevna - Mitrofan's nanny

What place does she occupy in the house of Prostakov, her distinctive features She has been serving in the house of the Prostakov-Skotinins for more than 40 years. Selflessly devoted to her masters, slavishly attached to their home.

Attitude towards Mitrofan Protects Mitrofan without sparing himself: “I will die on the spot, but I will not give the child away. Sunsya, sir, just show yourself if you please. I'll scratch those walleyes."

What Eremeevna has become over the long years of serf service. She has a highly developed sense of duty, but no sense of human dignity. There is not only no hatred for their inhuman oppressors, but even no protest. Lives in constant fear, trembles before his mistress.

For her loyalty and devotion, Yeremeevna receives only beatings and hears only such appeals as “a beast”, “a dog's daughter”, “an old witch”, “an old bastard”. Eremeevna's fate is tragic, because she will never be appreciated by her masters, she will never receive gratitude for her loyalty.

Heroes are positive

Starodum

About the meaning of the name A person who thinks in the old way, giving preference to the priorities of the previous (Peter's) era, preserving traditions and wisdom, accumulated experience.

Education StarodumAn ​​enlightened and progressive person. Brought up in the spirit of Peter's time, the thoughts, customs and activities of the people of that time are closer and more acceptable to him.

The hero's civic position This is a patriot: for him, an honest and useful service to the Fatherland is the first and sacred duty of a nobleman. Demands to limit the arbitrariness of the feudal landowners: "It is illegal to oppress your own kind by slavery."

Attitude towards other people He regards a person according to his service to the Fatherland, according to the benefits that a person brings in this service: “I calculate the degree of nobility by the number of deeds that the great lord did for the Fatherland ... without noble deeds, a noble state is nothing.”

What qualities are honored as human virtues An ardent defender of humanity and enlightenment.

The hero's reflections on education Moral education attaches more value than education: “The mind, if it is only the mind, is the most trifle ... Good manners gives the direct price to the mind. Without it, a smart person is a monster. Science in a depraved person is a fierce weapon to do evil.

What traits in people cause the hero’s just indignation Inertia, savagery, malevolence, inhumanity.

"Having a heart, have a soul - and you will be a man at all times."

Pravdin, Milon, Sofia

Pravdin An honest, impeccable official. The auditor, endowed with the right to take custody of the cruel landlords of the estate.

Milon An officer loyal to his duty, patriotically disposed.

Sofia An educated, modest, prudent girl. Raised in a spirit of respect and respect for elders.

The purpose of these heroes in the comedy, on the one hand, is to prove the correctness of the views of Starodum, and on the other hand, to set off the malevolence and lack of education of such landowners as the Prostakovs-Skotinins.

Topics of education and upbringing are always relevant for society. That is why Denis Fonvizin's comedy "Undergrowth" is interesting for readers today. The heroes of the work are representatives of different classes. The comedy is written in the style of classicism. Each character embodies a certain quality. For this, the author uses speaking surnames. In comedy, the rule of three unities is observed: the unity of action, time and place. The play was staged for the first time in 1782. Since then, there have been thousands, if not millions, of the same name performances around the world. In 1926, based on the comedy, the film "Lord Skotinina" was shot.

Starodum

Starodum personifies the image of a wise man. He was brought up in the spirit of Peter's time, respectively, honors the traditions of the previous era. He considers service to the Fatherland a sacred duty. He despises wickedness and inhumanity. Starodum proclaims morality and enlightenment.

Here are the worthy fruits of wickedness.

The ranks begin - sincerity ceases.

An ignoramus without a soul is a beast.

Have a heart, have a soul, and you will be a man at all times.

The direct dignity in a person is the soul ... Without it, the most enlightened clever woman is a miserable creature.

It is much more honest to be bypassed without guilt than to be granted without merit.

It is in vain to call a physician to the sick. Here the doctor will not help, unless he becomes infected.

For the whims of one person, all of Siberia is not enough.

Starodum. Fragment from the play "Undergrowth"

Follow nature, you will never be poor. Follow people's opinions, you will never be rich.

Cash is not cash worth

Evil is never wished on those who are despised; but usually wish evil on those who have the right to despise.

An honest person must be a perfectly honest person.

Insolence in a woman is a sign of vicious behavior.

In human ignorance, it is very comforting to consider everything as nonsense that you do not know.

God has given you all the pleasures of your sex.

With today's marriages, advice is rarely given to the heart. The matter is whether the groom is noble or rich? Is the bride good or rich? There is no question of goodwill.

The bad disposition of people who are not worthy of respect should not be distressing. Know that you never wish evil on those who are despised, but usually wish evil on those who have the right to despise.

People envy more than one wealth, more than one nobility: and virtue also has its envious people.

Science in a depraved person is a fierce weapon to do evil.

Children? Leave wealth to children! Not in the head. They will be smart, they will manage without it; but riches do not help a foolish son.

A flatterer is a night thief who first extinguishes a candle, and then begins to steal.

Do not have love for your husband that resembles friendship b. Have a friendship for him that would resemble love. It will be much stronger.

Is he happy who has nothing to desire, but only something to fear?

Not the rich one who counts out money to hide it in a chest, but the one who counts out extra money in order to help someone who does not have what he needs.

Conscience always, like a friend, warns before punishing like a judge.

It is better to live life at home than in someone else's antechamber.

Everyone should seek his happiness and benefits in the one thing that is lawful.

Pravdin

Pravdin is an honest official. He is a well-mannered and polite person. He conscientiously fulfills his duties, stands for justice and considers it his duty to help poor peasants. He sees through the essence of Prostakova and her son and believes that each of them should receive what they deserve.

The direct dignity in man is the soul.

How tricky it is to exterminate inveterate prejudices in which base souls find their advantage!

Moreover, from my own feat of my heart, I do not leave to notice those malevolent ignoramuses who, having full power over their people, use it for evil inhumanely.

Excuse me, ma'am. I never read letters without the permission of those to whom they are written...

What is called in him sullenness, rudeness, that is, one action of his straightforwardness.

His tongue never said yes when his soul felt no.

Malice in a well-established state cannot be tolerated ...

Guilt you will fly to distant lands, to the kingdom of thirty.

Her crazy love for you is what has brought her most to misfortune.

I beg your pardon for leaving you...

I caress, however, to soon put limits on the wickedness of the wife and the stupidity of the husband. I have already informed our chief of all the local barbarisms and I have no doubt that measures will be taken to appease them ...

I am instructed to take custody of the house and villages at the first rabies, from which people subject to it could suffer ..

The pleasure that sovereigns enjoy in possessing free souls must be so great that I do not understand what motives could distract ...

Scoundrel! Should you be rude to your mother? It is her mad love for you that has brought her most of all to misfortune.

Milon

Milon is an officer. He appreciates courage and honesty in people, welcomes enlightenment and considers it his duty to serve the Fatherland. Treats others with respect. Milon is a great match for Sophia. There are obstacles on their way, but at the end of the work, the fates of the heroes are reunited.

At my age and in my position, it would be unforgivable arrogance to consider everything deserved by which worthy people encourage a young man ...

Perhaps she is now in the hands of some greedy people who, taking advantage of her orphanhood, keep her in tyranny. That thought alone makes me beside myself.

A! now I see my doom. My opponent is happy! I do not deny all the merits in it. He may be reasonable, enlightened, kind; but so that he could compare with me in my love for you, so that ...

How! that's my rival! A! dear Sophia! why are you tormenting me with a joke? You know how easily a passionate person is upset by the slightest suspicion.

Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin

Unworthy people!

The judge, who, fearing neither vengeance nor the threats of the strong, gave justice to the helpless, is in my eyes a hero...

If you allow me to say my thought, I place true fearlessness in the soul, and not in the heart. Whoever has it in his soul, without any doubt, has a brave heart.

I see and honor virtue adorned with enlightened reason...

I am in love and have the happiness of being loved ...

You know how easily a passionate person is upset by the slightest suspicion...

Sofia

In translation, Sophia means "wisdom." In "Undergrowth" Sophia acts as a wise, well-mannered and educated person. Sophia is an orphan, her guardian and uncle is Starodum. Sophia's heart belongs to Milon. But, having learned about the rich inheritance of the girl, other heroes of the work also claim her hand and heart. Sophia is convinced that wealth should be obtained only through honest work.

How appearance blinds us!

I was now reading a book ... French. Fenelon, about the education of girls ...

How many sorrows have I endured since the day of our separation! My unscrupulous cousins...

Uncle! My true happiness is that I have you. I know the price...

How not to be satisfied with the heart when the conscience is calm ...

I will use all my efforts to earn the good opinion of worthy people. But how can I avoid that those who see how I move away from them do not become angry with me? Is it possible, uncle, to find such a means that no one in the world would wish me harm?

Is it possible, uncle, that there are such pitiful people in the world in whom a bad feeling is born just because there is good in others.

A virtuous person should take pity on such unfortunate ones. It seemed to me, uncle, that all people agreed on what to believe their happiness in. Nobility, wealth ...

Negative

Prostakov

Mrs. Prostakova is one of the main characters of the work. She is a representative of the nobility, holds serfs. In the house, everything and everyone should be under her control: the Mistress of the estate pushes not only her servants, but also manages her husband. In her statements, Mrs. Prostakova is despotic and rude. But she loves her son unconditionally. As a result, her blind love does not bring anything good either to her son or to herself.

That's the kind of hubby the Lord has given me: he doesn't know how to make out what is wide and what is narrow.

So believe the same and the fact that I do not intend to indulge the lackeys. Go, sir, and now punish ...

One of my concerns, one of my joys is Mitrofanushka. My age is passing. I cook it for people.

Live and learn, my dear friend! Such a thing.

And I love that other people listen to me ..

Without science people live and lived.

Miss Prostakova. Frame from the movie "Undergrowth"

Everything that the peasants had, we took away, we can’t tear anything off. Such a disaster!

I do not intend to indulge the lackeys. Go, sir, and now punish ...

From morning to evening, as if hanged by the tongue, I don’t lay my hands on it: either I scold, or I fight; That's how the house holds up, my father! ..

Yes, now the age is different, father!

My Mitrofanushka does not get up for days because of the book. Motherly my heart. It’s a pity, a pity, but you’ll think: but there will be a kid anywhere.

It is bad to praise your child, but where not unhappy will be the one whom God will bring to be his wife.

Mitrofan

Mitrofan is the son of the landowner Prostakova. Actually, he is in comedy and is undersized. So in the 18th century they called those who did not want to study or serve. Mitrofanushka is spoiled by his mother and nanny, he is used to lounging around, loves to eat well and is completely indifferent to science. At the same time, gratitude is alien to him. He is rude not only to his teachers and nanny, but also to his parents. So, he "thanks" his mother for boundless blind love.

Yes, get rid of, mother, as imposed ...

Garrison rat.

You are so tired, beating the father.

For me, where they say.

I don't want to study - I want to get married

Beleny ate too much.

Yes, all sorts of rubbish climbed into my head, then you are a father, then you are a mother.

I will learn; only that this be the last time, and that today there should be collusion!

I'll run to the dovecote now, so maybe - either ...

Well, say another word, you old bastard! I'll get you off.

Vite here and the river is close. I’ll dive in, so remember your name ... Well, you lured me, blame yourself ...

Skotinin is the brother of Mrs. Prostakova. He does not recognize science and any enlightenment. He works in a barnyard, pigs are the only creatures that make him feel warm. The author gave such an occupation and a surname to his hero not by chance. Upon learning of Sophia's condition, he dreams of marrying her profitably. For this, he is even ready to destroy his own nephew Mitrofanushka.

Every fault is to blame.

Blame it on your happiness.

Teaching is nonsense.

I never read anything in my life, sister! God delivered me from this boredom.

Everyone left me alone. Go for a walk in the barnyard.

Do not be that Skotinin, who wants to learn something.

What a parable! I am not a hindrance to others. Everyone marry his bride. I will not touch a stranger, and do not touch my stranger.

I didn’t go anywhere, but I wander, thinking. I have such a custom, as if you put a fence in the head, then you can’t knock it out with a nail. With me, you hear, what entered the mind, it settled here. All I think about is that I only see in a dream, as in reality, and in reality, as in a dream.

Eremeevna

Nanny Mitrofanushka. He has been serving in the Prostakovs' house for more than 40 years. She is devoted to her masters and is attached to their home. Eremeevna has a highly developed sense of duty, but her self-esteem is completely absent.

I have my own hooks too!

I was pushed towards him, but by force I carried my legs away. Smoke pillar, my mother!

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

God forbid the slander!

Yes, even if you read for five years, you will never read better than ten thousand.

Not easy will not take me! I have been serving for forty years, but the mercy is still the same ...

Five rubles a year, and five slaps a day.

Oh you damn bastard!

Tsyfirkin

Tsyfirkin is one of Mitrofanushka's teachers. The speaking surname directly indicates that he taught his son Prostakova mathematics. The diminutive use of the surname suggests that Tsyfirkin was not a real teacher. He is a retired soldier who understands arithmetic.